Look!- New Sprawling Dream Retreat on Magician Lake - Look!

• Amazing house and location!

  Amazing house and location!

  • Guest Alex Panici
  • Date of stay 09/14/12
  • Review Submitted 04/02/13
  I have rented this house numerous times and enjoy every visit. The house is huge and the location is perfect, right on the water. Big rooms, nice detail, and and amazing view. I cannot wait to go back this upcoming summer.

  Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, sightseeing.

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• Illinois Group

  Illinois Group

  • Guest Zim
  • Date of stay 07/28/12
  • Review Submitted 02/19/13
  We were very happy with the place because its exactly where the owner said it would be-right on Magician Lake. The pontoon is reliable, clean and easy to use. The photos were a very accurate reflection of the property. It was clean, had more than enough room for our needs. Any questions we had were answered in a timely manner and the owner was easily reached by phone. Some of the attractions nearby are the Cass County Fair, vineyards, wineries and farm stands. There is a nice breakfast place in Sister Lakes called "The Wright Place", which is really good for breakfast. The towns of Dowagiac , Buchanan and Niles are all pretty close and they offer lots of shopping, marketing, etc. I would definitely recommend this rental, especially for multiple adult couples.

  Recommended for: Romantic getaway, families with teenagers.

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• Southside Chicago

  Southside Chicago

  • Guest Mike
  • Date of stay 07/04/12
  • Review Submitted 11/27/12
  I have spent six years coming back to this beautiful dream retreat home, located on Magician Lake! Each year I have had a memorable and wonderful experience! My family loves how spacious and comfortable the layout of the home is. It provides an open spaced experience while dining with the entire family, both inside and outside! The home is extremely clean and well-kept. It provides all the essential amenities that a family/large group needs while vacationing together!! The bathrooms are located on all levels. The front lawn is amazing and spacious for yard games. We especially enjoy sitting around the campire together telling ghost stories! The pier has a fantastic 12' x 12' platform, which is great for swimming, fishing, and simply watching the sunset/sunrise!!

  Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, sightseeing.

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• Just relax and enjoy the scenic view

  Just relax and enjoy the scenic view

  • Guest fish
  • Date of stay 09/08/12
  • Review Submitted 11/18/12
  The home was far more then what we expected. Seeing the pics do not do it justice. When we first walked in, we were surprised at the amount of room. The first thing you see is the enormous windows out to the lake and the view. Simple spectacular.The master bedroom what a work of art especially a jacuzzi how romantic can that be. The view off the top deck is even more spectacular with the morning sun rise have to see. The home was very clean and the amenities were as promised even pots and pans of all sorts. The property was well manicured which I like to see a nice green lawn excellent. We very much so enjoyed the idea of all the bathrooms no lines no waiting. The idea of a washer and dryer on the premise makes life so much easier. The owner was there to greet us and she answered ever question that was asked. The pontoon boat was clean and great for a tour of the lake, and later for fishing caught many fish. Swimming was awesome off the deck or the grass. Take a nice slow romantic ride during the sunset in the canoe very nice. With all the deck space it was exceptional nice to have morning coffee outside. Going to the lake I liked the idea of lower level bathroom, water and fridge never had to go far for anything superb. Especially access to a gas grill cooked many meals. But there are plenty of restaurants a full line grocery store gas station all within about five minutes. They even have karaoke which was a blast. I would recommend this lake home to all friends and family it was one of the best times we had. Being that everything that was promised was delivered and handled with dignity. I am looking forward to booking next year and spending another two weeks of uninterrupted fun. My family said thank you and hats off to the owner, see you next year.

  Recommended for: Age 55+, romantic getaway, families with teenagers, families with young children, sightseeing.

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• Magician Lake Vacation

  Magician Lake Vacation

  • Guest sissy
  • Date of stay 06/12/12
  • Review Submitted 11/15/12
  We have been going to this VRBO property for vacation for at least 10 years. Our girls love being able to play in the shallow water near the dock, swimming, fish off the dock, and going canoeing. The lawn area is a great place to lounge in chaise chairs and watch the children play or the boats go by, or just to relax and read a book. The lower deck and patio area is really nice to hang out and enjoy the outdoors, plenty of shade if you have gotten too much sun. The covered deck on the back side of the house is a great spot for morning coffee or a good place to hang out in inclement weather, ie rain showers. We like to spend as much time outdoors than indoors, the area is a nice one to take a walk or to go for a bike ride. The house has a lots of space for cooking, eating, sleeping, playing, chilling, and most importantly, showering. Love having the extra full size refrigerator in the lower level for drinks or extra food, having a new gas grill is fantastic when grilling for 14. The bedrooms are roomy enough and quiet enough to put the children down for the night or for naps and not be bothered by loud noises. There are some neat local stores in the area; Driftwood is one where where the girls love to make at least one ice cream cone run there after dinner. Meyeres grocery store is a great place to buy meat and other groceries in addition to many local fruit and vegetable stands in the area. St Joseph is a great place to explore, many neat shops, restaurants, parks, beaches, etc for a day.

  Recommended for: Age 55+, romantic getaway, families with teenagers, girls getaway.

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• This lakehouse worked well for us

  This lakehouse worked well for us

  • Guest karen
  • Date of stay 08/16/12
  • Review Submitted 09/09/12
  This is the second year my family has rented this spacious lake house on Magician Lake. We have found the home to be more than adequate for a large gathering of family members of various ages (63-17.) The kitchen has more than ample counter space as well as two separate sink areas for meal preparation. We loved that the expansive windows provided full views of the beautiful lake from the dining tables. Having 4 bathrooms, which were dispersed on 3 levels, prevented any incidences of people waiting to shower, etc. We also appreciated and made good use of several areas in and out of the house that could be used for just "hanging out." The first floor is tiled (great for mopping up wet feet or spills) with a wet bar, cable tv, and comfy leather furniture. then there are two spacious decks - one overlooking the lake with lots of outdoor seating, a bar, and a newer gas grill that has the capability of cooking large quantities of food. The other deck is in the back of the house and is covered for those rainy or sunny days that you'd like to be outdoors but not be exposed to the weather. The pontoon boat was a plus and we enjoyed exploring the lake. We even bought Magician Lake t-shirts from the store on the water. We all agreed that this rental worked for us, thus the reason for a repeat rental. The house was clean with enough towels and bedding (not fancy but plentiful), a new washer and dryer in the 5th bedroom, and lots of room for everyone. The lawn provided space for playing outdoor games or just relaxing in the sun. The owner was cooperative and answered our questions and concerns both prior to renting and while we occupied the home.

  Recommended for: Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway.

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• Don’t expect your security deposit back

  Don’t expect your security deposit back

  • Guest Erica Hartmann
  • Date of stay 07/17/12
  • Review Submitted 08/17/12
  In my 52 years this is the first negative letter I have ever written, but I am so upset at this renters claims regarding my families stay at her house I felt compelled to warn others. I spent 3 days at this property, my family and my sister’s family, 6 adults and 6 children. I have family in the area and they came to the house for a 4 hour visit one of the days. We spent all our time outside and enjoyed the lake very much. I have been coming to this lake for over 50 years, and this was my first time renting a property, so that other family members could stay with my parents whom own a large lake house, I spent a breat deal of money, (the web site wont let me give numbers) rent for the 3 day, to use the boat, cleaning fee, and security deposit. The house itself was nice although filled with knick knacks and the family’s personal belongings which made it a little weird. Even the closets had their clothing inside. It is only worth the rent because it is big, not because it is grand and the neighbors that live next to the house watch you constantly and don’t appreciate renters making us feel very uncomfortable. Additionally my sister and I spent about 3 hours cleaning the back deck of debris and mold before we could enjoy the patio. I had no complaint however until the owner informed me that I was not going to get my security deposit back because I exceeded the number of guest agreed upon and because there was sand in the house. I corrected her regarding the number of guest that stayed at the house stating they only came by to visit for a few hours; I live in New York and don’t get to see my family very much. I also explained to her how we got the house….dirty, and all the cleaning despite the cleaning fee my sister and I did before leaving the house. She agreed to return my deposit. After 3 weeks, emails and phone calls she finally answered by telling me that I did not deserve my security deposit back. My family was very respectful of the property; everyone removed their shoes before going in the house, just like at home. Her claims that the house was full of sand were totally ridiculous. This is a lake house, not a beach house, and the lake is a good walk, through a grassy lawn, from the water. I don’t believe the owner ever intended to give back my security deposit and I suggest you don’t believe her claims that in 11 years she has never kept anyone’s security deposit. RENTER BEWA

  Owner response: I have been renting my lake home on VRBO for 11 years and have enjoyed sharing my home with over a 100 lovely family groups. I have only had to forfeit 4 security deposits in all these years. My home is large and can accomodate a maximum of 16 guests. I have my renters sign a contract that states this and that a breach in the clause could result in forfeiture of their security deposit. Usually I rent by the week and come and clean behind the families and do the security check for damages etc. Upon renting to Erica for this short stay of 3 days, as I had a last minute cancellation,I cut the security deposit in half for Erica,thinking my exposure was less,and also reduced the cleaning fee. Upon checking and cleaning after Erica's departure I was shocked at the amount of dirt,sand,grass etc that was covering all carpeted,tiled areas and stairs. MY leather ottoman had a caster broken off. The pontoon had a wad of fresh bubblegum. Erica said no one in her family chewed gum and that she she has rented suites in hotels and would not have been responsible for such damages.Then as I was cleaning the deck areas my neighbor of 17 years who was there over the week explained that there was in fact over 30 people at my home and 9 cars parked all over my backyard and driveway.My neighbor has commented many times what nice families have stayed in my home and what a great time they have together. An average family staying at my home would have 3 to 4 vehicles. It is clear that the occupancy was over my contacts limits. I do leave a variety of jackets,sweatshirts and rain ponchos for guests in case of inclement weather,and have "dress up clothes"in my daughters closet as well as games,books,and various toys and for my young guests. All previous guests have enjoyed these comforts of my home. Many have been repeat renters as they love my house and Magician Lake.

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Additional information about rental rates

Half of rental amount is due within 10 days of receipt of signed contact. Balance is due at check-in

Additional Fees and Taxes:

Cleaning fee 250.00