Secluded dunes home w/private Lake Mich beach + 150 acres of forest -- dogs OK
'Windy Ridge' is a modern 4-BR cottage in the middle of a forest big enough to get lost in, amid hundreds of acres of Lake Michigan dune land. You can't see another house in any direction, even from the roof deck. Down a footpath about 175 yards through the woods (about a 3 minute walk) is a huge sandy beach, on which you can walk for miles and rarely see other people (just fabulous vistas and sunsets). Back at the house is a big screened porch with panoramic forest views, and a roof deck for great stargazing). If you want night life, bars, restaurants, and shopping you may be better off with something closer to civilization, but if a quiet, secluded, beautiful spot for quality time with family and friends is what you're looking for, this is the place.
Windy Ridge is on a "low" dune, with less bluff elevation than most of the properties in the area. The walk to the beach and steps down is not too strenuous and we have no problem with it in our mid-70s. But we do not recommend Windy Ridge for people with mobility challenges. It's a family paradise but children must always be supervised. Dogs are welcome but must be sprayed with tick repellant daily.
It's a great place to get far away, but it's only 2 hours drive from Chicago and 2 1/2 hours from Detroit, midway between South Haven and St. Joseph. The house has all modern amenities (TV, wifi etc) but with the cooling breezes usually off the lake, you rarely need to turn on the air-conditioning units.
While we use it most of the time, a few prime periods remain available in summer and fall 2026. Due to the likelihood of getting snowed in (or out) we don't rent Windy Ridge from mid-December through mid-March. We cannot accept summer/fall reservations for 2027 until our family schedules are set, so next year's vrbo calendar is blocked at this time. Let us know if you want to be notified of available periods when next year's schedule is set about May 1 and I'll give you a heads up.
Everybody who spends time here falls in love with Windy Ridge as we did 40 years ago. Thanks for looking at our listing and please feel free to ask questions. We've never seen another place like Windy Ridge.
Marty
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
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Pets allowed: dogs less than 23 kg per pet (limit 4 pets total)
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Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
Property # 8473vb
This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
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 not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
About the area
Covert
Located in Covert, this cottage is near theme parks and on the beach. Liberty Hyde Bailey Museum & Gardens and Michigan Maritime Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Contessa Wine Cellars and Karma Vista Vineyards and Winery. Surfari Joe's Indoor Wilderness Water Park and South Haven Center for the Arts are also worth visiting. Windsurfing and power boating offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking and cycling nearby.
Pilgrim Haven Natural Area - 13 min drive - 18.2 km
Getting around
St. Joseph-Benton Harbor Station - 23 min drive
Restaurants
McDonald's - 18 min drive
Riverside Tavern - 11 min drive
Biggby Coffee - 16 min drive
Dimaggios Pizza & Burgers - 7 min drive
Hot Spot - 18 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Secluded dunes home w/private Lake Mich beach + 150 acres of forest -- dogs OK pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 4 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.
How much does it cost to stay at Secluded dunes home w/private Lake Mich beach + 150 acres of forest -- dogs OK?
As of 21 Aug 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Secluded dunes home w/private Lake Mich beach + 150 acres of forest -- dogs OK on 10 Nov 2026 start from £1,323, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Secluded dunes home w/private Lake Mich beach + 150 acres of forest -- dogs OK?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Secluded dunes home w/private Lake Mich beach + 150 acres of forest -- dogs OK?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Secluded dunes home w/private Lake Mich beach + 150 acres of forest -- dogs OK?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Secluded dunes home w/private Lake Mich beach + 150 acres of forest -- dogs OK located?
This Covert cottage is on the beach, 1.8 mi (2.9 km) from Lake Michigan, and within 6 mi (10 km) of Covert Park and Van Buren State Park. Little Paw Paw Lake and Paw Paw Lake are also within 9 miles (15 km).