Entire home

Short walk to the beach & backs up to the woods!

Lakefront cottage with kitchen and patio

Landscaped side yard with patio and fire pit

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location

Exceptional

3 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 61100 sq ft

Popular amenities

Parking available
Barbecue grill
Dryer
Washer
Fireplace

Place, Gordon Beach
Place, St. Julian Winery - Union Pier Tasting Room
Place, Four Winds Casino New Buffalo
Airport, South Bend, IN (SBN-South Bend Intl.)

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Spaces

Deck or patio

Porch or lanai

Kitchen

Garden

Dining area

About this property

Short walk to the beach & backs up to the woods!

A Perfect Get Away on a peaceful lane!
Blue Bird Cottage in Lakeside, Michigan.

RATES: April 2025 - $325/night
taxes and cleaning fee included
minimum 2 night stay

RATES: May 2025 - $335/night
taxes and cleaning fee included
minimum 2 night stay

RATES: June 2025 - $375/night
taxes and cleaning fee included
minimum 2 night stay

RATES: July - Aug 2025- $400/night
taxes and cleaning fee included
minimum 3 night stay

RATES: Sept 2025 -$335/night
taxes and cleaning fee included
minimum 2 night stay

RATES: Oct 2025 - $325/night
taxes and cleaning fee included
minimum 2 night stay

NOTE: 3 night minimum for Memorial Day holiday weekend, and July through Labor Day holiday weekend.

**Additional charges may apply, up to owner discretion.
**Prices may change due to Owner discretion.
**SECURITY DEPOSIT REQUIRED
** Maximum 2 dogs. A third dog will be charged an additional $100.00 paid directly to Owner.

Located on a very peaceful, wooded lot-- Wake up and maybe see a deer in the woods behind the house and the sound of the birds singing. On a windy day, you can hear the waves from Lake Michigan!

A charming and relaxing home in Lakeside, MI, only ten minutes to the shops/dining/entertainment of New Buffalo!

A short 7 minute walk to the quiet/private Association beach of Lake Michigan. Only for owners and guests.

Plenty of trails for hiking, bird watching and biking within minutes from the property. This area is gorgeous in spring, summer, fall, and winter!

Location from Chicago is only 1 hour and 30 minutes from downtown - an ideal weekend escape to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city!

The home is irresistibly charming and comfortable. All linens and towels are provided, as well as all cooking utensils for great at-home meals and barbecues! We provide charcoal, firewood for the fire pit, coffee and filters!

Free Wi-FI, Satellite TV, VCR/DVD, washer/dryer.

The home also has a large private yard (fenced in at the front of the yard, the remaining yard is surrounded by woods and landscaping) perfect for children & pets. The neighborhood is very child safe and pet friendly. The house has games, books, puzzles, and satellite TV.

Don't leave your dog at home! We DO Allow DOGS, but no cats.(Pets are considered on an individual basis). So, if you are averse or allergic to animals, this is NOT the home for you.

ABSOLUTELY NO SMOKING IN THE HOUSE.

We do not rent to anyone under 25.

PLEASE NOTE -- most all of the homes in the area have access the Association beach via the 55 stairs, down to the beach area.

Keywords: Modern Country Vacation Home

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen

Washing machine

Dryer

Pet-friendly

Air conditioning

Outdoor space

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Sunset over McKinley St Beach -- Lake Michigan, Union Pier Oct 2009

Kitchen
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 25

Check out before 11:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Games and puzzles

Events

No events allowed

Pets

Pets allowed

Maximum 2 Dogs. No Cats.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

NO SMOKING IN THE HOUSE. ONLY OUTSIDE.

*Maximum of 3 cars permitted on property. *No tents or mobile homes allowed on property or for sleeping in. *Please observe neighborhood quiet time fr

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy

Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges

Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed

On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited

Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip

Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property

Safety features at this property include a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Lakeside

Located in Lakeside, this cottage is near theme parks and on a lake. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Lake Michigan and Warren Dunes State Park. Round Barn Union Pier Tasting Room and Local are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

View more Cottages in Lakeside

Lakeside, MI

What's nearby

Gordon Beach - 2 min drive - 2.8 km
St. Julian Winery - Union Pier Tasting Room - 4 min drive - 3.9 km
Round Barn Union Pier Tasting Room - 4 min drive - 3.9 km
Four Winds Casino New Buffalo - 8 min drive - 11.6 km
Townline Beach - 11 min drive - 4.3 km

Getting around

New Buffalo Station - 10 min drive
South Bend, IN (SBN-South Bend Intl.) - 46 min drive

Restaurants

‪Journeyman Distillery - ‬12 min drive
‪Roma Pizza - ‬7 min drive
‪Union Pier Social - ‬4 min drive
‪Alan Ray’s - ‬12 min drive
‪Black Currant Bakehouse - ‬4 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Short walk to the beach & backs up to the woods! pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Short walk to the beach & backs up to the woods!?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Short walk to the beach & backs up to the woods!?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Short walk to the beach & backs up to the woods! located?

Situated on a lake, this cottage is within 1 mi (2 km) of Burnison Galleries and Lake Michigan. Eleanor O'Connor Wilson Woods Preserve and Edward and Elizabeth Leonard Wildlife Preserve are also within 1 mile (2 km).

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

Learn more

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Davide P.

12 Oct, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful cottage, great setting and very relaxing. Highly recommended.

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

John D.

19 Aug, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

This place is perfect, private, and cozy. Two rooms with dining areas make it easy to transition between games, socializing, and meals. The beach is a short walk and a delight.

Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Paula G.

13 Oct, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Well-equipped cabin for a 3-night stay. The bedrooms are on the smaller side, and the bathroom is tiny, but overall, the space works. The kitchen has everything you need. Although there is a table and chairs outside, along with a makeshift fire pit, the uncomfortable seating makes it difficult to relax.

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Karen W.

17 Jun, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Our stay was just perfect. The cottage is very clean and comfortable and it feels like we’re nestled in the woods even though it’s a neighborhood. The walk to be beach was easy and the beach itself was clean and not crowded. We had everything we needed and then some. We were very pleased.

Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Allison R.

25 Sept, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice cottage

We had a great stay at this property and it’s a great location to town.

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

CMDoc 8.

9 Sept, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Mid week trip

We great trip! Nice clean property.

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Joseph M.

1 Oct, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

September weekend

Great cottage. Spacious and very clean

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jeanne C.

5 Jul, 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect spot!

Perfect spot for 5 folks (two couples) and our pup! Beautiful private beach, nice fire pit and grill. Clean and listing is accurate. Can’t wait to visit again!

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Leo D.

1 Oct, 2021

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

WE will be back.

Great place, good location, quiet, close to restaurants etc,

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Christopher B.

14 Oct, 2021

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

All the comforts of home

A great little cabin with just a short walk to a dedicated beach on Lake Michigan. Conveniently located near Indiana Dunes State and National Parks.

Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Erin M., Chicago

11 Oct, 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great long weekend

We had an excellent time up at the bluebird cottage in Lakeside, it was the perfect size for our party of five with two dogs. Thanks for a great weekend.

Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Laura G.

3 Sept, 2019

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect lake getaway in Michigan for the pet lover

Adorable, clean property within walking distance to private beach. Perfect for a summer or fall getaway. House is fully stocked with everything you need. Pet friendly is a plus!

Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Mark S.

19 Sept, 2021

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful

Peaceful and quiet.

Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Shalayne L.

8 Sept, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect Relaxing Stay

My husband, dog, and I had the pleasure of staying at blue bird cottage and it was wonderful! We loved having the whole house to ourselves. The close walk to the beach, the scenery, the peacefulness of the cottage and its location were all perfect! The owner was very kind and so accommodating. We loved the fire pit at night and relaxing on the hammock. The town, cottage, and beach are all very dog friendly and was perfect for our pup. Can’t say enough great things about this home. We hope to be able to stay again!

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth H.

19 Aug, 2017

Great family vaca with dogs

We had a great family get away before school started. Cottage is fully equipped so easy to show up and just have fun. Beach was great and dog friendly. Easy drive to New Buffalo and other local places for dinners and summer ice cream. We were 2nd time renters and will be back. Thanks Leslie!

Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2017

10/10 Excellent

Laura G.

7 Jul, 2017

Perfect escape from the city

We stayed at the Blue Bird Cottage for a long weekend. It was the perfect escape and provided the relaxing atmosphere we were hoping for. Leslie has stocked the cottage with every amenity you could want - beach chairs, sand toys, kitchen gadgets, etc. The neighborhood is very quiet and the beach is not a far walk. It is hard to find a place that accepts dogs so we were so lucky to come across the Blue Bird Cottage.

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2017

10/10 Excellent

TIm T.

13 Jul, 2020

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Love the Bluebird Cottage!!

We had a wonderful time at the Bluebird Cottage. Leslie was a great communicator and checkin was very easy. The house was very clean and well maintained. Kitchen was very well-equipped with everything you need. Plenty of beach towels provided as well as beach chairs and a beach umbrella. Private beach is only a 7-minute walk and was a lovely beach that was dog friendly!! We can't wait to come back next year.

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2020

10/10 Excellent

Rhonda J.

25 Jun, 2018

Perfect for beach time with our dogs

We truly appreciated being able to bring our dogs along for our trip to the MI Lake area. It's a very short walk to the private beach. Leslie was great with communication and help. The house was in perfect condition, clean, quaint, and fully stocked. Even though there's only one bathroom, it was nice to have an extra sink near one of the other bedrooms. Thanks for a wonderful stay!

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2018

10/10 Excellent

Joyce M.

5 Jun, 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Pure Michigan Heaven

Love this house by the lake. The owner has thought of everything. The home is nicely updated, kitchen is well equipped, and there are lots of beach towels and beach chairs you can use at the private beach. The backyard was beautifully landscaped with a great patio table and fantastic firepit with a full stock of wood. The house made our Michigan getaway weekend perfect and the private beach was a wonderful bonus for our stay.

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Pamela C.

28 Jun, 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location

My family of four and two dogs had a wonderful time at Blue Bird Cottage. Very clean, comfortable, and had just about everything you would need for a one week stay. The yard was great for our dogs. Beautiful wooded area and less than 10 min walk to the fantastic beach. Leslie was so quick to respond to a couple questions I had prior to our arrival. We met the property manager while he was in the neighborhood. Such a nice guy to talk to and offered to help with anything we may need. We would most definitely stay here again.

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Tony S.

18 Oct, 2017

Wonderful stay, planning on a return!

The Bluebird is a great property. Almost everything you could need is provided. Very nice location. Well equipped kitchen. Fun yard with fire pit and plenty of seating. 2 grills. Short walk to a very nice beach that we enjoyed almost as much as our 14 year old Lab! Leslie is a great host & quick to reply if you have questions. As others have stated, a fine place for your stay in Lakeside MI. We are planning a return next year. Thanks Leslie!

Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2017

10/10 Excellent

Ann S.

9 Jun, 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent stay

This was a fabulous stay. The house was cozy and very well equipped. No surprises-everything was exactly as described. Dog friendly, great location everything we wanted. Two suggestions: one, the directions to get to the house were a bit unclear so it took us a while to find it. Two, we knew our dog needed to stay on leash at the beach so it wasn’t a surprise but we were able to find an area that was beautiful and close by where our furry companion could romp freely and enjoy the gorgeous shoreline. This place is a gem.

Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Lauren S., Indianapolis, IN

9 May, 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A piece of paradise!

My husband, dog and I loved our stay at this gorgeous cottage. It is decorated so beautifully and was so clean. We were obsessed with all of the windows/natural light and the large, tree-lined yard where we could sit in the sun with our books or by the fire pit at night. Our dog loved relaxing on the deck. The well-kept outdoor space is just a huge plus here! We felt so relaxed both outside and in! Leslie was easy to communicate with. The walk to the beach was under five minutes, and we would walk into our favorite coffee/sandwich shops in Union Pier in under 30 min., depending on how distracted we got by the beautiful water. The kitchen seemed well-stocked but we didn’t use it for too much. We slept well as the mattress was really comfy and we could open the windows for the lovely spring breeze. We really hope to return to this peaceful haven soon!

Stayed 2 nights in May 2022

8/10 Good

Mary E., Indianapolis, IN

12 Sept, 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wedding Weekend

Tucked in the woods is this quaint nicely decorated home with all amenities you need. Great base for travel anywhere in the area. The wagon was a plus. Outside decks needed some cleaning attention but given woods understandable. Yard fenced on 2 sides and ivy /woods boundary on 2 sides. It gave our grandson 3 and dog 9 a good boundary line in which to stay. Note it is in woods so poison ivy and oak at property edge. Had a nice bonfire /s’mores 1 st night. Is close to Red Arrow Hwy so there is train norm noise in early evening. Overall a great location for a few night stay, but with preparing for a wedding and five people, I should have considered we would need a second toilet/bath. Thanks for sharing your home!

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Dan O.

19 Oct, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great stay and all types of convenience. Great place to stay for some fall activities.

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

About the host

Hosted by Leslie Winter

We have owned a home on this lane for 37 years and love the peaceful nature of the area. We take pride on keeping the integrity of the area as natural as possible while enjoying the amenities of a cottage. And in the summer, we spend our time between being on the beach and in our yard! In the cooler months, we take walks in the many nature walks around the area.

Why they chose this property

We love the location of this house because it backs up to a wooded area that will never be built upon. A little stream runs way back there and the animal and bird viewing can be exciting. And the proximity to the beautiful Lake Michigan beach is an extra added bonus!

What makes this property unique

Peaceful surroundings, occassionally seeing deer in the lot across the way, bird watching, being the only one walking on the beach.......It's beautiful! Close to New Buffalo, Sawyer and Three Oaks Michigan. Just sitting outside and enjoying the fresh air!