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The Sand House: Harbor Country Retreat | Private Lake Michigan Beach | 5BR

Photo gallery for The Sand House: Harbor Country Retreat | Private Lake Michigan Beach | 5BR

A cozy room with a sofa, chairs, and a table with drinks and a bottle. Large windows offer a view of the forest.
A wooden boardwalk through a dense forest with tall trees and lush greenery.
A modern kitchen with large windows, a dining area with a wooden table and chairs, and a kitchen island with a sink and countertop.
A spiral staircase with wooden steps and black railings, leading to an upper floor.
A dining area with a wooden table and chairs, a staircase with a wooden railing, and large windows offering a view of greenery.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Room to spread out
    Enjoy a spacious layout that gives everyone more room to relax.
  • Laundry made easy
    One of the few properties with an in-unit washing machine and dryer.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.

Popular amenities

  • Balcony or patio
  • Toys
  • Barbecue grill
  • Washer/dryer
  • Internet access
  • Air-conditioning

Explore the area

View in a map
Harbert, MI
  • Place, Warren Dunes State Park Beach
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Place, Four Winds Casino New Buffalo
    ‪14 min drive‬
  • Place, University of Notre Dame
    ‪38 min drive‬
  • Airport, South Bend, IN (SBN-South Bend Intl.)
    ‪38 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

5 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 4

2 Single Beds

Bedroom 5

2 Single Beds

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Dining area

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About the area

Harbert

Located in Shorewood-Tower Hills-Harbert, this holiday home is on a lake. Vickers Theatre and Hesston Steam Museum are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at St. Julian Winery - Union Pier Tasting Room and Captain Mike's Fun Park. Round Barn Union Pier Tasting Room and Waikiki Jacks are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with power boating and fishing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking/biking trails and ecotours.
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Map
Harbert, MI

What's nearby

  • Warren Dunes State Park Beach - 11 min drive - 7.3 km
  • Four Winds Casino New Buffalo - 14 min drive - 18.5 km
  • Indiana Dunes National Park - 29 min drive - 53.0 km
  • University of Notre Dame - 38 min drive - 66.1 km
  • Notre Dame Stadium - 44 min drive - 69.3 km

Getting around

  • New Buffalo Station - 15 min drive
  • South Bend, IN (SBN-South Bend Intl.) - 50 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Journeyman Distillery - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Lydia's Down Home Cooking - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Biggby Coffee - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Featherbone - ‬16 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is The Sand House: Harbor Country Retreat | Private Lake Michigan Beach | 5BR pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at The Sand House: Harbor Country Retreat | Private Lake Michigan Beach | 5BR?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at The Sand House: Harbor Country Retreat | Private Lake Michigan Beach | 5BR?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Sand House: Harbor Country Retreat | Private Lake Michigan Beach | 5BR?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is The Sand House: Harbor Country Retreat | Private Lake Michigan Beach | 5BR located?

Situated on a lake, this holiday home is within 1 mi (2 km) of Cherry Beach and Lake Michigan. Eleanor O'Connor Wilson Woods Preserve and Robinson Woods Preserve are also within 3 miles (5 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. 49 out of 53 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 53 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 53 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 53 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 53 reviews

9.6/10

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

Great Getaway!

The house was well appointed and the location was outstanding. We had a lovely stay!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Jul 2024
Kelley, we're so glad that you had a lovely time, and that the location worked so well for you. We appreciate what respectful guests you were, and we hope to work with you again. - Claire, FVR
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our fourth stay at The Sand House was just as pleasant as our earlier experiences. Short walk to a spacious beach is the primary draw but the comfort of the home makes it a favorite.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 9 Sept 2025
We’re so happy to hear your fourth stay at The Sand House was just as enjoyable as the others! You were wonderful guests, and we’d be delighted to welcome you back again anytime . -Van FVR
Verified review

8/10 Good

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

Great retreat near the beach!

Overall, great experience!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Jun 2023
Angee, we're glad that overall you had a great experience. We hope that you come back again.
Verified review

8/10 Good

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

Nice Stay

Spacious home clean and comfortable.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 4 Nov 2024
Thank you for your feedback Emily! We’re glad to hear you found the home spacious, clean, and comfortable. You're a great guest and we'd love working with you again! - Van FVR
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Lovely home just right for our extended family group

This property was fantastic. Well appointed with almost everything we could need for our stay. Beautiful location not far from the beach. Would definitely stay again!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Jun 2023
Elizabeth, we are so happy that the Sand House was everything that you were hoping for, and we hope to see you again soon!
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location!

Hosted my mom for her birthday with my extended family. Really close to the beach and very vintage decor! Had a great time!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Jul 2024
Fredric , we're so glad that you spent your mother's birthday with us, and that you all had a great time! We appreciate what respectful guests you were, and we hope to work with you again. - Claire, FVR
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Sand House Lakeside

This was a great property. Very clean, lots of space, close to the beach and had everything we needed.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Jul 2023
Kathleen, we love hearing that you had a great time and that the cottage had everything that you needed. We hope that you come back again.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

beautiful house near the beach

The house was so comfortable, furnished with everything a group could need. The beach was a five minute walk, and just beautiful. Had a great time.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 4 Aug 2023
Lisa, we're so glad that you had great time, and we hope that you come back again.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Family vacation

Very nice property. Clean.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Jun 2023
Michelle, we're glad that you enjoyed your stay, and we hope that you come back again.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great stay! Check in/check out was easy. House as described. Extra amenities included. Would stay here again. Note-there are 96 stairs down to the private beach. If needed, Weko Beach in Bridgman has a walk out beach for 15.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Sept 2025
Thank you for your lovely review! We’re happy you enjoyed your stay and the extra amenities. You were great guests and are welcome back anytime! -Van FVR
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Short but sweet fall get away .

Always great to go to the lake . Proximity to the lake was a big plus .Kitchen was really nice and stocked well with great dishes and cutlery -the owner took time to decorate the living room and stock the board games as well .
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Oct 2023
Jyoti, sometimes the short getaways are the sweetest. We're glad that you spent your with us, and we hope that you come back again.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Beautiful home near beautiful beach

We had a wonderful stay here with our kids and parents. The house was even more spacious than comes through in the pictures, had nice amenities in the kitchen and a great basement. And the nearby beach (just a few minutes walk) was truly beautiful - we might have just gotten lucky with the weather, but it was a nice sandy beach, and the water was swimmable and calm.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Sept 2023
Jason, we're glad that The Sand House worked out so well for you, and that you enjoyed the beach. We hope that you come back again.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great property!

The owners of this property really took the extra step to make it welcoming for families. We'll be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Jun 2023
Bryan, we're really happy to know that you enjoyed your stay, and that you plan on coming back!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Wonderful stay!

We booked the Sand House for a family fall getaway. The property was spacious and accommodating for a large group. Comfortable design with lots of ammenities. Beautiful setting in the woods and just a short walk to the beach. I highly recommend!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Nov 2024
We're so glad the Sand House provided a spacious and accommodating space for your family getaway, Lawrence. It’s wonderful to hear you enjoyed the comfortable design and beautiful setting so close to the beach. You were fantastic guests, and we’d love to welcome you again! -Van FVR
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Girls get-away

All my girls loved the place and we had a lot of fun inspite of the weather.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Jun 2023
We are so glad that you and your friends enjoyed your stay at the Sand House, and we hope that you reture soon.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Pure Michigan

Sand House offers the perfect location and space for a day(s) at the beach. Property was clean and spacious with a good TV, expansive library and games for those less than perfect weather days. Easy walk to an awesome beach.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Sept 2023
Lauretta, we agree, the property is Pure Michigan! We're glad that you had such a good stay, and we hope that you come back again.
Verified review

8/10 Good

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

Teacher friends

We enjoyed our stay at the Sand House. It was a peaceful and quiet setting. The house was spacious and very accommodating to our needs.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Jun 2023
Virginia, we're glad that you teachers took some time to yourselves at our property, and that it worked out well for you. We hope to work with you again.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Perfect for a friends weekend

This property was perfect for our annual SW Michigan friends getaway weekend. Great space for hanging out in both levels, lots of comfortable sleeping options. The access to the beach was as easy as described. We are already considering re-booking for our trip next year!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 28 Aug 2023
Kerri, we love that you spent your SW Michigan friends' getaway weekend with us, and that the cottage worked out well for you. We hope that you do come back next summer!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great weekend with friends

Had a great time at this property. House was clean and had plenty of space for me and my friends. Loved the stereo system and DVD collection. Close to the beach and close to Warren Dunes State Park. Lots of great food and drinks spots around. Will be back!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Oct 2024
Hi Carroll , I am glad that you and your friends enjoyed the clean and spacious house. It’s great to hear you took advantage of the nearby beach and Warren Dunes State Park. You were great guests and we can’t wait to welcome you back for another stay! - Van FVR
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

A day at the beach

This is our fourth time at this property. The layout and location of this house is great. 5 minutes down a few very stable steps and you arrive at an expansive beach where everyone is courteous and clean. Looking forward to next year already!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Nov 2024
Thank you so much for your continued visits and kind words! We’re thrilled to hear that the layout and location make it a perfect spot for you Lauretta. Knowing you're already looking forward to next year truly means a lot to us. We can’t wait to welcome you back for your fifth stay! -Van FVR
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great host and nice house!

I rented a house for 8 adults in the Harbert, MI area. Freshwater was very responsive and answered all my questions in a timely manner. They were so easy to work with and gave such helpful information about the surrounding area too. It was great working with them. The house we stayed in, was very clean, had all the necessities and much more. You can tell they had put a lot of thought into the home, making it a more than comfortable stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Jun 2023
Emily, we love hearing that the cottage worked out so well for your large group. We appreciate your kind words for the staff of FVR. It means a lot to us. We hope that you come back again.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Best weekend ever

This 5 bedroom house served our family of 11 adults and 8 children well. The house is open concept and spacious. A short walk to Lake Michigan- the private beach is beautiful. We played frisbee, sat under furnished umbrellas in furnished beach chairs. We swam and skipped flat rocks. The kitchen is so well stocked with everything a cook needs; even a variety of spices. The upper deck looks out over a beautiful woods. We will definitely return.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Dec 2024
Thank you for sharing such a wonderful review Shirley! We're delighted to hear that the house accommodated your large group so well and spaciousness met your needs. We're thrilled the well-stocked kitchen and upper deck added to your experience, and it’s fantastic to hear you'll be returning. We look forward to hosting you and your family again for more memorable moments! -Van, FVR
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

A home

We loved this house. It has everything you could possibly need from toys for every age to beach umbrellas and chairs. Kitchen accommodations were great. The upstairs master bedroom was a little warm but we managed. The steps down to the beach were a bit challenging for the little ones but not as bad as they trip up for us older ones (83)! But we all managed and loved the stay. They only down side was the parking as only 4 cars could be there. We had two other families at another house and when they came over we had to shuffle cars to their house to keep the cars in the drive to 4. We will definatley keep this house on our list for next year.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Sept 2025
Thank you for the wonderful feedback! We're glad you enjoyed the house and all the amenities, and appreciate your understanding about the parking and stairs. You were fantastic guests, and we’d love to welcome you back next year! -Van FVR
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Family Vacation

This is a very well appointed house that worked perfectly for our family. It is well stocked with everything you need for the beach including high quality beach chairs and umbrellas, plus the beach was so close and really spectacular. We spent time on the large deck upstairs and the screened porch downstairs. There was plenty of room for 8 adults and one baby to spread out. We enjoyed the stereo set-up and our adult children enjoyed the large selection of DVD’s (many from the ‘90’s, so a trip down memory lane). The house has a ton of games, puzzles and toddler toys that we all enjoyed. Everything in the kitchen and house was clearly labeled which made it very easy to find what we needed quickly.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 13 May 2024
Marsha. thank you for this positive, extensive review. It means a lot to us when guests take the time to detail their stay, as you did. We agree, being only 5 minutes to beautiful Lake Michigan is quite spectacular. You were wonderful guests, and we hope that you come back again. - Claire, FVR
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great house, great trip

Me and large family of 9 loved our stay in the Sand House. The house was amazing, with everything we needed (except dish cloths for some reason). So many toys and books and movies. There was adequate room for us all to spread out. Rooms were nicely sized but I will add that some rooms are in need of mattress upgrades. The one I slept in (in downstairs porch room) was very old and hard. The kitchen was VERY well stocked with dishes. Almost too much so there wasn't much space to "put things away," for our stay. The refrigerator is a little on the small side, so a second fridge to use would be nice. We loved the neighborhood, and saw a family of deer nearly every day. The walk to the beach was easy, and lovely, and the private beach was the highlight of the trip, with the home owners providing all necessary beach gear (chairs, etc) for our use. We've stayed in various houses along Lake, MI for the past 5 years and this is our favorite house so far.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Jun 2023
Cari, we love that The Sand House has been your favorite spot in the past 5 years! There are 5 bedrooms that sleep 8 and 2 bathrooms. It is a short 5 minute walk to Lake Michigan. There is a deck on the main level with a small table and four chairs, as well as a cozy screen porch downstairs. There is also a washer and dryer for guests' convenience.
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