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Sanctuary by the Shore, Unique Stay W/ Hot Tub by Lake MI

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A white church with a black door, a set of stairs leading up to it, and a small lawn in front.
A white building with a bell tower, labeled as a vacation rental, with a grassy yard and stairs leading to the entrance.
A white building with a sign for 'The Bell Tower Vacation Rental' and a number '1749' above the door.
A modern living room with a sectional sofa, a wooden coffee table, and a large window with white curtains.
A living room with a sectional sofa, a coffee table, and a fireplace.

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Family fun awaits
    Top-rated for families.
  • Arcade/game room
    A rare find - fun for all ages with on-site arcade and game room.
4 bedrooms1+ bathroomSleeps 10

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub on site
  • Onsite parking available
  • Dog-friendly
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning

Explore the area

View in a map
Benton Harbor, MI
  • Place, Harbor Shores Golf Club
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Place, Lake Bluff Park
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Place, Silver Beach
    ‪8 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 10)

Bedroom 1

1 Double Bed and 2 Single Beds

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 4

1 King Bed

1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 2

Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden

About this property

Sanctuary by the Shore, Unique Stay W/ Hot Tub by Lake MI

Welcome to a truly unique vacation experience in this stunning, turn-of-the-century church, renovated into a modern and stylish retreat! With its grand architecture, this property offers a one-of-a-kind stay that will leave you feeling inspired and rejuvenated. SW Michigan's most beautiful beaches are located 5-10min away and downtown St. Joseph is only a quick 7-min drive! The house offers a quiet retreat while remaining close to wineries/breweries, wedding venues, restaurants & golf courses! Inside, the main hall has been transformed into a spacious and welcoming living area, complete with comfortable seating, a large projector TV, a bar, a pool table, a poker table, and many other board games for endless entertainment. The fully equipped kitchen boasts all the amenities you’ll need to whip up a delicious meal — and don’t forget about the grill outside for warm summer evenings.

The BellTower accommodates comfortable sleeping for up to 12 guest. Which includes four separate bedroom and sleeper sofa in the main living room. With 7 beds total, which include, 1 king bed, 3 queen beds, 1 full size and 2 twin XL.

Step outside to enjoy a large outdoor deck, perfect for soaking in the beautiful Michigan weather and hosting memorable gatherings. Relax and unwind in the private hot tub, or gather around the large fire pit for cozy nights under the stars — perfect for making s’mores with family and friends.

Please note, on the property is a smaller guest house situated nearby the main home. While close in proximity, it remains fully private, with no shared access between the two buildings. All windows on that side are frosted to ensure comfort and privacy for both spaces.

Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun-filled getaway, this unique church-turned-vacation rental has everything you need for an unforgettable stay. Come experience the magic of this special place and create memories that will last a lifetime!


Guests will be able to access the property anytime after check-in with a code.

We are dog-friendly, please no cats. We do require a $100 per stay fee (max 2 pets.) You are welcome to include your dog(s) in the booking or we can send a separate invoice. If you choose to bring your pet please remember to keep them in the designated areas outside and clean up after them

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs less than 23 kg per pet (limit 3 pets total)
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Property # 2315339vb
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 indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
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

Benton Harbor

Located in Benton Harbor, this holiday home is in the city centre and on a lake. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Lake Michigan and Silver Beach. Travelling with kids? Consider Margaret B. Upton Arboretum and FuzzyButz Pet Bakery.
View more Holiday homes in Benton HarborOpens in a new window
Map
Benton Harbor, MI

What's nearby

  • Harbor Shores Golf Club - 6 min drive - 9.2 km
  • Lake Bluff Park - 7 min drive - 10.5 km
  • White Pine Winery - 8 min drive - 10.9 km
  • Silver Beach - 8 min drive - 11.3 km
  • Lions Park Beach - 9 min drive - 12.3 km

Getting around

  • St. Joseph-Benton Harbor Station - 11 min drive
  • South Bend, IN (SBN-South Bend Intl.) - 47 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Grand Crossing Bar & Grill - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Riverside Tavern - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪La Perla Produce - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Vineyard 2121 - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪North Pier Brewing Company - ‬8 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Sanctuary by the Shore, Unique Stay W/ Hot Tub by Lake MI pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 3 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

How much is parking at Sanctuary by the Shore, Unique Stay W/ Hot Tub by Lake MI?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Sanctuary by the Shore, Unique Stay W/ Hot Tub by Lake MI?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Sanctuary by the Shore, Unique Stay W/ Hot Tub by Lake MI?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Sanctuary by the Shore, Unique Stay W/ Hot Tub by Lake MI located?

This family-friendly Benton Harbor holiday home is located on a lake, 1.2 mi (2 km) from Lake Michigan, and within 6 mi (10 km) of Silver Beach and Margaret B. Upton Arboretum. FuzzyButz Pet Bakery and Box Factory for the Arts are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

9.6

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. 33 out of 39 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 39 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 39 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 39 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 39 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Karen M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Charming! Loved the home. Very large spaces. Living area is comfy and cozy. Loved all the little extras that made us feel at home. Plenty of fun board games, pool table and even a roulette table.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michael S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
Very fun house! Bonfire, hot tub, pool table are all great. One of the most unique stays we have given that it was previously a church. Would be super cool to have a book or some photos / info in the house that informed guests about the previous church and the buildings history. Would stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Steven M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very unique place to stay! Incredibly roomy and the kids enjoyed the ping pong table and pool table, especially since it was cold and windy outside!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Sonya R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We really enjoyed our stay! I would rent this place again!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Courtney R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Such a beautiful home with lots of space! We really enjoyed the hot tub and fire pit and loved that there were some nice beaches nearby. We look forward to staying again in the future!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

Martha S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy
The place is really nice and well equipped. Unfortunately the hot tub wasn’t working properly and although I communicated that to the host, she never responded. Also we purchased steaks and planned on grilling them but the both propane tanks were empty. We improvised and enjoyed our dinner.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 3 May, 2026
Hi Martha, Thank you for your feedback—we’re really glad to hear you enjoyed the home and found it well equipped. We’re sorry to hear about the issues you mentioned with the hot tub and propane. We take concerns like this very seriously and always aim to resolve them as quickly as possible. However, we did not receive any communication during your stay regarding these items, and we would have absolutely addressed them right away had we known. We’ll be double-checking both the hot tub and propane supply to ensure everything is in perfect working order for future guests. We appreciate you staying with us and are glad to hear you were still able to enjoy your visit overall.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lindsey B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This was one of the most well stocked houses we’ve ever stayed in. I feel like I didn’t even need to use the items I brought with me (shampoo, body wash, body spray, lotions, blow dryer and even feminine products (which was a LIFESAVER). We had 2 teenage girls with us and they were delighted by the vanity with the makeup tools. They also had a blast with the pool table and hot tub. It was super clean, the beds were comfy, and the house itself was beautiful. We would definitely stay here again!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kristine W.

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

In town for a funeral

Great location and venue!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jeffrey R.

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

Family lakeshore stay

Our family had a great time staying in this spacious and unique location. The kids loved using the ping pong and pool tables and the fire pit was enjoyed by all
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Eric L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything was very smooth, house was excellent, very close to Benton harbor/st Joe/Lake Michigan.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jeff K.

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

Boys trip

Perfect place to be for a father son fishing trip on lake Michigan. Recommend this as a must stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nataliya K.

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

Family reunion for July 4

The house is located in nice and quiet area. Close to the beach and restaurants. The house had everything that we needed. We enjoyed our stay!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Grant W.

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

Great Stay

We had 5 adults and 3 young children and this house was perfect for us. Plenty of space for everyone, we all thought the layout was really cool. The house is an easy 8-10 minute drive to the downtown area, very convenient to restaurants and the beach. If we ever return to this area, I wouldn’t hesitate to stay at this property again.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Shenel A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
What an experience! Who else can say that they can ring a bell in their very own bell tower at a vrbo?!! It calls for you to be present in this sanctuary. The living space is massive and impeccably designed. Pool table, casino games, bingo, and board games make family bonding so much fun! The couch is huge and comfy for a large group to watch a movie with a projector and overhanging screen. The bedrooms are lovely. The neighborhood is quiet and we all slept well. It was perfect having 2 bathrooms with a tub and a stand-up shower for our family of 5. The kitchen space is large and ideal for cooking meals and gathering. Our host, Sara, is attentive and a clear communicator. We love the attention to details! 10/10! We plan to return! We didn’t even get a chance to use the fire pit or hot tub!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kelly S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Such a fun and unique stay for our Girls Wine Trail Getaway! We enjoyed the deck and hot tub in the evenings. It was nice to be able to prepare a quick meal and sit around the large dining table.3 beaches within 10 minutes. The beach towels were great and the washer and dryer were helpful. Parking was easy.The 4 bedrooms worked for us, just would have liked more hooks since there were no closets. The only shower worked but seemed to have low water pressure (a wand showerhead would be ideal) and only one temp (warm but not hot).We didn't even have time to use the pool or ping pong tables.Would definitely stay there, great value! Peaceful location.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lisa S.

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

Wedding weekend in St. Joseph

I booked this for my husband and 4 adult children and their significant others to be together for a family wedding. It was a fantastic place to stay and have family time. Pool table was a HUGE hit, as well as the ping pong table, projection TV and outdoor space for our 4 legged family members to take a break. Kitchen is big, and we also enjoyed the various tables and nooks for small conversations. And, to say we stayed in a “church” for the weekend was a big hit as well. Highly recommend for other larger groups!!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

6/10 Okay

Rachael K.

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

Water

Would’ve been great had there not been a mold smell the whole time. There is visible water damage on the ceiling. The lower bathroom smells of sewage. There is no central A/C and one of the units was leaking indoor. The location was great and amenities , pool table, full kitchen, etc. However we would not suggest staying if you’re sensitive to mold.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ashley B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
If I could give The Bell Tower more than 5 stars, I would! Sara was an exceptional host—friendly, responsive, and incredibly helpful from the moment we booked until the end of our stay. She went above and beyond by sharing recommendations for restaurants, breakfast spots, pizza, beaches, and even a local butcher. Every single suggestion was spot on and made our trip even more memorable.The Bell Tower is such a unique and charming place to stay. The split-level layout gives everyone plenty of space, and the home is thoughtfully stocked with just about anything you might need. The bathrooms were especially well-equipped with extra amenities, which came in handy and definitely saved us from a few “Oops, I forgot that!” moments.We were lucky enough to use the brand-new grill, and it cooked our steaks perfectly. The beds were incredibly comfortable, making it easy to relax after long days of exploring. And the hot tub? Absolute perfection. The different jet settings made it feel like a private spa, and it quickly became one of our favorite parts of the trip.We had an amazing stay from start to finish and are already planning another trip to Michigan just so we can stay at The Bell Tower again. If you’re considering booking, don’t hesitate—you won’t be disappointed!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Joann S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We loved our stay! The house is so spacious and has everything you need. My family loved the pool table and shuffle board table. It's just 15 minutes from Silver lake Beach. We enjoyed watching movies on the projector style T.V. Too.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026
Verified

2/10 Terrible

Maura C.

Liked: Check-in, location
Disliked: Cleanliness, communication, listing accuracy
Please do not stay here in the summer - there was an excessive heat warning and the AC units in each room were not securely vented outside. We were supposed to stay 2 nights but that did not happen. Upon arrival I messaged the property manager with a picture of the rouge vent(these were in all 3 bedrooms). She responded 4 hrs later stating she d get there tomorrow- at 3 am I woke to the return hose - that is suppose to blow the hot air out of the house blasting hot air In my face. On top of this major issue the place was poorly insulated. A lot of bugs because they can basically get in via any window that isn’t caulked - there were dead bugs and dirt in the corners. I’m so disappointed and disgusted at the entire experience- my 2 night trip was completely disrupted- my family had to throw away all of our food because we were forced to move to a hotel.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Jul, 2026
Thank you for your feedback. I’m sorry that your stay did not meet your expectations. After receiving your message at approximately 3:00 AM regarding the portable A/C vent, I responded first thing that morning and offered to come over immediately with a replacement vent kit to resolve the issue. Unfortunately, before I had the opportunity to make the repair, you had already decided to check out and informed me that you intended to dispute the charges with your credit card company. The portable A/C units were fully operational prior to your arrival. Based on the condition of the unit, it appeared the exhaust hose had been moved or pulled from its secured position, which is why I offered to replace and reinstall the vent assembly right away. While the temperatures during your stay exceeded 90°F the property is equipped with portable A/C units in all bedrooms to help maintain guest comfort. Had I been given the opportunity, I would have addressed the issue immediately. I take guest concerns seriously and always make every reasonable effort to resolve problems during a stay. I regret that you chose to depart before allowing us to correct the situation. I respectfully disagree with several statements in this review and believe it does not accurately reflect the condition of the property, my responsiveness as a host, or the efforts made to remedy the concern.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kevin M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Traveling with extended family and a dog, so property was perfect for family entertainment and the dog. Would consider staying here again. Beds are comfortable and bathrooms are nice. Lots of seating areas!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We absolutely loved this place! By the end of the trip, our group had collectively decided that moving in permanently seemed like a reasonable life choice.My mom's favorite part? Ringing the church bell on our way out. I've never seen someone so excited to announce their departure to the neighborhood.The lighted mirror in the upstairs hallway deserves its own 5-star review. It became the unofficial glam station and saved us from the chaos of everyone trying to get ready at the same time.Between the unique charm, the thoughtful details, and the fun amenities, this wasn't just a vacation rental—it was an experience. We came for a getaway and left wondering how much it would cost to live there forever.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michele D.

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

Awesome vibe

We loved staying at the remodeled church. So much space, fun ping pong and pool games for the family and tons of running space for our puppy
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nancy M.

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

A great place with tons of room

We really enjoyed our stay here! It is very big, lots of fun things to do (projector screen for movies, pool table, ping pong) and we loved the outdoor firepit! We would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sean T.

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

This place was amazing!

Massive space - such a great stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022

About the host

Hosted by Sara A Barber

Host profile image
I’m Sara, Mom of three who loves to travel and find new adventures with my kids! I own and manage three local properties and love creating warm, comfortable spaces for guests. Always updating and adding fresh touches to make every stay special.

Why they chose this property

The neighborhood offers the best of both worlds very close to the beaches in downtown yet it feels secluded and tucked back in nature!

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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