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BEAUTIFUL COTTAGE JUST STEPS FROM THE BEACH AND 1.0 MILE FROM DOWNTOWN

Photo gallery for BEAUTIFUL COTTAGE JUST STEPS FROM THE BEACH AND 1.0 MILE FROM DOWNTOWN

A spacious living area with a blue sofa, a dining table with chairs, a kitchen area, and a staircase leading to an upper level.
A kitchen with a central island, white cabinets, and a microwave. There are hanging lights, a refrigerator, and a clock on the wall.
A house with a green exterior, a dark roof, and a number 7430 on the front.
A dormitory room with bunk beds, a television, a desk, and a window with blinds.
A living room with a fireplace, a television, a dining area with chairs, and a sofa.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • The great outdoors
    Guests love the outdoor space here.
  • Beach equipment
    A rare find — beach equipment ready to go for your days by the sea.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.

Popular amenities

  • Patio
  • Toys
  • Barbecue grill
  • Air-conditioning
  • Refrigerator
  • Washing machine

Explore the area

View in a map
South Haven, MI
  • Place, North Beach
    ‪1 min drive‬
  • Place, Stanley Johnson Park
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, South Beach
    ‪6 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 10)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed and 1 Crib

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

4 Single Beds

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

Add dates for prices

Similar properties

Exterior
Sophia's Guesthouse
South Haven
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Free Wi-Fi
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (27 reviews)
Sophia's Guesthouse

About the area

South Haven

Located on a lake, this holiday home is in West Wing Estates, a neighbourhood in South Haven. Michigan Maritime Museum and Liberty Hyde Bailey Museum & Gardens are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include South Haven Center for the Arts and The Fun Park. Travelling with kids? Consider Kids Place Park and Breedsville Park. Take in the nearby slopes with skiing, or try out other outdoor activities such as ice skating and sledging.
View more Holiday homes in South HavenOpens in a new window
Map
South Haven, MI

What's nearby

  • North Beach - 1 min drive - 0.8 km
  • Stanley Johnson Park - 3 min drive - 2.1 km
  • South Beach - 6 min drive - 4.2 km
  • Oval Beach - 27 min drive - 39.1 km
  • Silver Beach - 34 min drive - 58.6 km

Getting around

  • Bangor Station - 20 min drive
  • Kalamazoo, MI (AZO-Kalamazoo-Battle Creek Intl.) - 54 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪South Beach Cafe - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Culver's - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Burger King - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Clementine's - ‬4 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is BEAUTIFUL COTTAGE JUST STEPS FROM THE BEACH AND 1.0 MILE FROM DOWNTOWN pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at BEAUTIFUL COTTAGE JUST STEPS FROM THE BEACH AND 1.0 MILE FROM DOWNTOWN?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at BEAUTIFUL COTTAGE JUST STEPS FROM THE BEACH AND 1.0 MILE FROM DOWNTOWN?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at BEAUTIFUL COTTAGE JUST STEPS FROM THE BEACH AND 1.0 MILE FROM DOWNTOWN?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is BEAUTIFUL COTTAGE JUST STEPS FROM THE BEACH AND 1.0 MILE FROM DOWNTOWN located?

This family-friendly South Haven holiday home is located on a lake, within 1 mi (2 km) of North Beach and Lake Michigan. Michigan Maritime Museum and South Haven Center for the Arts are also within 2 miles (3 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 32 out of 34 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 34 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 34 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 34 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 34 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything was great! Super cute house with all the amenities. Close to the beach and down town. Host was very informative and responsive. Thank you for a wonderful stay!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This house was the perfect place for a summer getaway! The house is adorable and the hosts were very accommodating! So close to the beach and not far from the shops and restaurants. We would highly recommend!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This is an amazing house in an ideal location!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a great family weekend getaway. The location was great and allowed us to easily access the beach, downtown or the interstate easily. The property was great for relaxation and the kids enjoyed the yard. The host was a great communicator and easily accessible for any needs.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great Location

Had a great time at Red’s Retreat, steps to gorgeous beach and walkable to town! House was clean and had all the amenities Thanks!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Fun Times at Red's Retreat

House had everything we wanted and needed! Location was great
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Family vacation

Very nice and clean. Good location with everything we need. Did not catch there were no bath towels provided so we had to purchase some. Overall very happy and would stay again!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Beautiful Decor / Fully Of Amenities

For our first trip to southwestern Michigan, Red's Retreat was perfect. Being on the north side of South Haven in a quiet neighborhood, yet close to several beaches (the numerous steps up and down the bluffs to the beaches took a little getting used to) and downtown was great. Indeed the home was fully equipped and the cheery beach decor put all of us in a wonderful mood. We will look forward to returning in the future.
Stayed 14 nights in Jun 2016
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Mar 2020
Thanks so much Ken! We are so glad you enjoyed your extended stay at Red's.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Awesome Vacation at Red’s Retreat!

Our family just had a fabulous stay at Red’s Retreat in South Haven, Michigan! This beautifully decorated cottage set the tone for a week that was sun- and fun-filled! Our grandchildren were over-the-moon with the loft, a perfect place with bunks and good sleep. Two full baths, a laundry room, and open living space made us all feel at home. Only a short ride to public beaches, parks, shops and restaurants. Chuck and Gail have the PERFECT PLACE for families with little ones!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Great House, Perfect Location

This was a perfect house for two families (3 adults, 3 kids). It was a one block walk to the semi-private beach, which was uncrowded even on weekends in the height of the summer season. It is an easy drive into downtown South Haven or a nice walk of a little over a mile. The house comes equipped with a wagon/cart to make the walk easier. Kitchen is very well-equipped with everything that you would need and is a great open space. Outside is great as well -- huge firepit with plenty of firewood and chairs. Owners are informative and very responsive.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Mar 2020
Thank. you Kevin! We are so glad that your family enjoyed your stay and we welcome you to come back next season.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great Place! * With a couple of notes *

I took my family here for a long weekend, and it was everything described in the photos and description. My son loved the playground, and the vast collection of games was very appreciated as well. It is VERY clean, nicely updated, and well stocked with kitchen amenities. You can tell that a lof care went into making this place what it is. There are a couple additions I would make to the listing for future guests... The upstairs loft is very hot. They included a fan up there and that was nice. It is also open to the main floor of the house which has VERY loud hardwood floors. This made bedtime for us a challenge when putting the kids to bed up there as everyone else had to carefully choose where to walk. Both downstairs rooms were comfortable. The outdoor shower with hot and cold water was awesome for rinsing off after the beach. They included TONS of beach chairs and other gear including a cart to get it there. Another thing I will note is that there are a LOT of steps to get to the beach. So keep this in mind if you're traveling with grandparents or really young kids. No way to get a stroller or wagon to the beach!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Loved our family vacation. Great location quiet street. Hosts are very helpful - if you are looking for a family place this is it- my grandchildren loved their room. A plus is the location - only one block from beach. The two full bathrooms are very helpful and the cottage is very cheery inside.
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Fall Break in Beautiful Michigan

The place was clean and perfect for our family of 5! Very cozy and location was perfect
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Wonderful Property

This was the perfect house with the perfect location for our stay. Kid and adult friendly with plenty of room! I hope to be back again!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Wonderful!

This experience was a delight! The house was spotless and inviting and we felt comfortable immediately. We wanted for nothing as far as amenities go and are anxious to return. The beach is beautiful and for those who can’t do the steps there is a beautiful public beach one mile toward town. Thank you for a wonderful vacation!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Cute house perfect for our group!

This house was so cute and just what we needed for our group. It was walking distance to the beach and super close to downtown South Haven. The owners were also very wonderful. I highly Recommend this vacation rental.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Nice location, very close to the lake

Nice little place, you technically could walk to the lake, but a very short drive is easier for public access. Close to the lighthouse, downtown and Holland is a 30 minute drive. Thanks, we enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2020
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Cozy cottage feel with plenty of space to sleep many! Short walk to the beach!

Love this house!! Would definitely stay here again. Close to the beach and owner provides wagon to drag your coolers and chairs. Also has outdoor shower to rinse before going in.. Big yard with swingset, firepit and plenty of room to roam.. Very comfortable beds/mattresses. Slept like a rock! Large updated kitchen with everything you could possible need.. From a Keurig to a Crock Pot! And it is decorated and updated super "Beach" cute!!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2018
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Great house!!

We were two families with five kids under seven. This place worked great!! Plenty of counter and table space for meals. The four bigger kids stayed in the loft and each of the downstairs bedrooms had their own batheroom. The beach was so close and great. There was a sand bar not too far off the shore and it only got to about the knee before you hit the sand bar. This made me feel so much more comfortable having younger kids. The house was clean, nice and beachy! I would absolutely go back again. Oh! And there is an outdoor shower head which is a must with younger kids!!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2018
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Awesome cottage

Red's Retreat is everything you could want and more when it comes to a vacation getaway. It was the cleanest, neatest cottage I have ever stayed in- absolutely spotless. The owners have thought of everything when it comes to making their guests' stay enjoyable. I would highly recommend Red's Retreat. It is perfect for families or a group of friends. We loved it and would book it again when returning to South Haven.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Mar 2020
We are so very glad you enjoyed your stay and appreciate you taking the time to write a review. We would love to host your family again!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Cute, Quiet, Clean, Cozy ... Perfect for a South Haven Sojourn!

We had a great time at Red's Retreat! It's ideally situated -- the beach is just a short walk away, and town is just a few minutes by car (or bike). There's a great backyard for roasting marshmallows or letting the kids run around a bit. The home is obviously well cared for, has great fixtures and furniture, and is super comfortable. We'd stay here again in a heartbeat!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2018
Verified review

8/10 Good

Good experience

My mistake, I thought property was on the water. But the short walk to the beach was not bad. Steps down were a little surprising 50 steps and very steep, but the climb was worth it.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2018
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Great property, great location!

This was our first time in South Haven, and we're already planning our next trip back. A 5 star rating doesn't do this property justice. The house was extraordinarily clean and well stocked with modern amenities. The location was perfect, just steps away from the beach and a quick drive/back ride to town. We traveled with our 3 year old son and 10 week old daughter, and Gail (the owner) could not have been more accommodating. An overall great experience, we are looking forward to our next stay!
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Mar 2020
Thank you so much Chris! I'm glad we were able to accomodate your stay, I hope you'll visit again. Gail
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Great Stay at Red's

Had a Buncko Girls' Weekend and Red's was the PERFECT place! It was everything we needed! Nice open concept, plenty of sleeping room, very clean, super cute decor, close to the beach (actually closer than I thought) and close to town... Which was great since it rained one of the days we were there. Gail is very accommodating and flexible. So easy to work with... Great Gal! We hope to make Red's our annual getaway. I certainly would recommend Red's to anyone!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Perfect beach house!

Felt so cozy and comfortable! Very clean and welcoming. Lots of room for everyone. Would definitely stay here again.
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