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Michigan Sandcastle: Secluded Beach, Clean, Comfy, Cute and Woodsy

Photo gallery for Michigan Sandcastle: Secluded Beach, Clean, Comfy, Cute and Woodsy

Front of cottage; Shady, sandy and private.
Kitchen and breakfast nook
Dining area and fireplace
Master bedroom with king-sized bed
Back deck with patio furniture

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 8

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Washer/dryer
  • Air-conditioning
  • Barbecue grill
  • Deck or patio

Explore the area

View in a map
South Haven, MI
  • Place, Porter Legacy Dunes
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, North Point Conservation Area
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Van Buren State Park
    ‪11 min walk‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 2

1 Double Bed and 2 Single Beds

Bedroom 3

1 King Bed

Master bedroom

1 King Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Soap · Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 2

Soap · Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Michigan Sandcastle: Secluded Beach, Clean, Comfy, Cute and Woodsy

Escape the everyday and treat yourself to a slice of Michigan beach life.

This clean, comfortable 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom cottage is just a sand dune away from secluded Lake Michigan beaches. The house features privacy on three sides and plenty of outdoor space for enjoying time with your family and friends. Amenities include washer/dryer, AC, deck with grill, and fire pit with complementary firewood.

The cottage is a 5-10 minute walk from the beach over a sand dune. And, it's just a 2-minute drive from Van Buren State Park and its groomed beaches and campground. 6 other beaches and all of the pleasures of South Haven are just a 7 minute or less drive away.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Property # 4245785
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 deadlock

About the area

South Haven

Located in South Haven, this cottage is in a rural area and by the sea. Liberty Hyde Bailey Museum & Gardens and Michigan Maritime Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Warner Vineyards and Southside Municipal Marina. South Haven Center for the Arts and The Fun Park are also worth visiting. Jet skiing and scuba diving offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking/biking trails and hunting nearby.
View more Cottages in South HavenOpens in a new window
Map
South Haven, MI

What's nearby

  • Porter Legacy Dunes - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • North Point Conservation Area - 5 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Van Buren State Park - 11 min walk - 1.0 km
  • Pilgrim Haven Natural Area - 18 min walk - 1.5 km
  • Oval Beach - 32 min drive - 51.3 km

Getting around

  • Bangor Station - 18 min drive
  • Kalamazoo, MI (AZO-Kalamazoo-Battle Creek Intl.) - 52 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Cafe Julia - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Burger King - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Little Caesars Pizza - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Six Chicks - ‬8 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Michigan Sandcastle: Secluded Beach, Clean, Comfy, Cute and Woodsy pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Michigan Sandcastle: Secluded Beach, Clean, Comfy, Cute and Woodsy?

As of 27 May, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Michigan Sandcastle: Secluded Beach, Clean, Comfy, Cute and Woodsy on 12 Apr, 2027 start from S$340, 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 Michigan Sandcastle: Secluded Beach, Clean, Comfy, Cute and Woodsy?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Michigan Sandcastle: Secluded Beach, Clean, Comfy, Cute and Woodsy?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Michigan Sandcastle: Secluded Beach, Clean, Comfy, Cute and Woodsy?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Michigan Sandcastle: Secluded Beach, Clean, Comfy, Cute and Woodsy located?

Situated by the sea, this cottage is within a 5-minute walk of Porter Legacy Dunes and Lake Michigan. North Point Conservation Area and Van Buren State Park are also within 15 minutes.

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

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. 26 out of 41 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 10 out of 41 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 41 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 41 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 41 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

8.4/10

Location

9.0/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Adam W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Superb host! Extremely accommodating! The great spot with access to one of the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen!
Stayed 32 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 8 Nov, 2025
Thank you for your kind review. You have been a delight to host. We look forward to hosting you again in the future. Thank you for staying with us.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kacey E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location and well stocked kitchen! Lots of space and close to Van Buren state park and Pilgrim Haven.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Aug, 2025
Thank you for your kind review. We're delighted you enjoyed your stay and look forward to hosting you again. Thank you for staying with us.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

staci b.

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

Nice Place

Great place to stay.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Jul, 2022
Thank you for your kind review. We hope you stay with us again.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Danielle D.

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

Enjoyable!

We had a wonderful family vacation at this Vrbo! The location couldn’t have been better—just a few minutes drive from the beach, which made it so easy to enjoy the lake every day. The home was clean, comfortable, and had everything we needed for a relaxing stay. Plenty of space for the whole family. We would definitely come back!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 24 Jun, 2025
Thank you for your kind review. We're delighted you enjoyed your stay. Families like yours are exactly why we share our home. We look forward to hosting you again.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kacey E.

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

Wonderful place for a family beach trip!

The house was very clean, adorable, and the kitchen was very well outfitted. The location is excellent- short drive to town and blueberry picking, and just a mile from the beach at Van Buren State Park. We could not have been happier with our stay here!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 9 Aug, 2022
Thank you so much for your kind review. We're delighted that you enjoyed your stay, and we enjoyed hosting you. We look forward to seeing you again.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl F.

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

Cottage in the woods

This property suited our needs as a place to stay while exploring the nearby area. It was clean and very charming.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Jul, 2023
Thank you for staying with us. We look forward to hosting you in the future.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ashley G.

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

Cozy

We loved our stay. The beach is a hike but worth every view. House has all necessities you could need.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Aug, 2023
Thank you for your kind review. We're glad you enjoyed your stay. We look forward to hosting you again.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Deimantas J.

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

Clean

Thank you, it was pleasure stay at your property!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Aug, 2023
Thank you for your kind review. We enjoyed hosting you and look forward to your return.
Verified

8/10 Good

Mary S.

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

Michigan Sandcastle

The cottage is well maintained, clean and inviting. The private beach on Lake Michigan is beautiful with a nice walk through a forest to reach it. We really enjoyed walking along the lakeshore on the private beach and easy access to South Haven.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Jul, 2024
Thank you for your review. Yes, like you, we love the forested surroundings and secluded beaches. And it's all just 7 minutes from the beaches, restaurants and amenities of South Haven. Thank you for staying with us.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tina B.

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

Family

Home is even nicer than the pictures.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Aug, 2023
Thank you Tina - we agree. It's very hard to update pictures online, we appreciate your feedback, and trust guests will be pleasantly surprised.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kacey E.

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

Love the Sandcastle!

This was our second year staying at this property, and it was even better than the first year! Well stocked kitchen, clean, and just so cute! Great proximity to Pilgrims Haven beach and Van Buren state park, and close to blueberry picking too. I would absolutely recommend for families with kids. Thanks, Alison, for another wonderful stay at the Sandcastle!
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Aug, 2023
Thank you for your kind review. You were a delight to host. We are glad you enjoyed your stay and look forward to hosting you again.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lori C.

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

Great week!

We really enjoyed our week. The cottage was very cute and the beds were super comfortable! Saw a lot of deer near the property which was a highlight. If you plan to wash clothes, being on well water, we decided not to wash much.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Jul, 2024
Thank you for your kind review. Yes, we love being in a woodsy area. There is even a flock of wild turkeys nearby. And, yes, there's only so much we can do about the well water. We have had a water softener for several years, but that doesn't help that much. We are adding a water filtration system, but we don't know how much that will help.
Archival

8/10 Good

Mary M.

Great!

This was a lovely place to stay in and almost anything you needed was right there waiting for you except Lake Michigan. However using the car to go to South Beach worked fine and we really enjoyed ourselves. With this sand castle property, you really get your money's worth.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 31 Mar, 2020
Thank you for staying with us. We hope you include us in your future travel plans.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Renata A.

Very welcomed and very cozy home.

We were very welcomed by the owner that showed us around and gave some tips. We had a wood fire already prepared for us. En enjoy the nigh besides it! The house was very clean and comfortable. Everything worked properly. We recommend to everyone! Bruno and Renata
Response from VrboOwner on 31 Mar, 2020
Bruno and Renata - we hope you are well. Please visit us again if you are in the area. Thanks for staying with us.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Paula C.

Secluded location with many beautiful trees. Near the state park and bike trails.

Spent a week there over the Fourth of July with my family and two young granddaughters. The house was immaculate and well equipped with everything we needed in the kitchen. Although the property is not on the lake--we went to nearby Pilgrims Nature Center beach and to South Beach in South Haven. Enjoyed the fire pit, grilling in the backyard, and the deck. The owner Allison was great and provided many ideas of things to do--including blue berry picking which was right down the road from the house! Did not get to try the bike trails but will come back some time to do so.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 31 Mar, 2020
Thank you for your kind words. We are delighted that you could make your own South Haven memories. There are 6 public Lake Michigan beaches within 7 minutes of the house. So whether you want to hike to the nearest beach, bike to the beach or take a very short drive to the beach, there's a beach to suit everyone's preferences. We look forward to hosting you again the future.
Verified

6/10 Okay

David Y.

Liked: Cleanliness, communication
Disliked: Check-in

Okay

We had a check-in problem because info provided by VRBO was out-of-date. Owners responded and got us into the property in a reasonable time. There is private Lake Michigan access in the sub, but the dune is tall and steep. Plan on using the beach at Van Buren State Park (about a mile S) or in South Haven. If you like to bike, the location has easy access to the Van Buren & Kal Haven Trails via the Van Buren State Park spur.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2019
Verified

4/10 Poor

Jana H.

Liked: Communication
Disliked: Location, listing accuracy

Disappointing

this property was very disappointing it has the worst foul-smelling water. We could not shower without gagging, wash our hands, or wash our hair or dishes. This should be mentioned in the description of the property, We didn't like the location it is a scary area. There was no way to reach the beach by walking. Also, the lack of window coverings was concerning especially in the bathroom and front living area. Also the direction of the property is very hard to find. The best beach to go to is South Beach, Van Buren is mucky and the sand seems oily. Do not recommend
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 10 Aug, 2024
Yes, as many have noted, the water can have an odor. However, please know that the water is completely safe and is regularly tested. That said, we are committed to improving the smell and taste of the water. We have purchased a top of the line filtration system and will have it installed this month. If it does a satisfactory job, we'll discontinue the Culligan water service. We have always provided ample Culligan water for drinking and cooking because of this. I honestly cannot imagine what you find "scary" about this delightful natural setting. I guess nature isn't for everyone. There are at least 4 walking routes to the adjacent beach (on the other side of the dune). We included maps and descriptions of the routes. If you had called or texted, we could have helped you. But you appear to prefer to "save up" your complaints and vent them publicly instead. I don't know what happened to the front window curtain. You didn't mention any of this while you were staying here. We put up a new curtain up immediately. The bathroom window already has a curtain. So I'm not sure what you're referring to. Yes, South Beach is delightful and only 5 minutes away. We are 7 minutes away from 6 or 7 public beaches. I'm sure everyone can find a beach to their liking. I've never seen anything mucky or oily about Van Buren State Park beach.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Suzie U.

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

Great lcation - CLEAN rental

The pictures are outdated and don't show the beauty of everything they have done with the place!! Super clean!! Beds are super comfy!! Updated bathrooms and kitchen! They provided plenty of water in large dispenser for all of our drinking and cooking needs. The water did have a "well water" smell (it really wasn't that bad) and there was rust marks in tub, sink, etc, but if you grew up on well water - you know this is normal and safe. Location was like a camp ground setting in the front - lots of trees, shade, and porch with sunshine in the back along with a fire pit. A few other houses around - but saw very few people. It's a 2 minute drive to the VanBuren State campground and beach which has nice sand, beautiful water, and nice bathrooms. A 10 minute drive to South Haven - it was nice to enjoy the South Haven events and beaches, but have a quite place to go in the evenings. Rock beach is right around the corner opposite direction from the state park and we highly recommend visiting if looking for beach glass and cool rocks. There is beach access at this location, but it isn't easy to get too - big dunes there and back, just plan on driving or biking to the state park. Highly recommend this location.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Aug, 2020
Thank you so much for your kind review. You and your family were a delight to host and exactly the reason why we share our home. We love providing a place for families to make wonderful memories together. We look forward to your return.
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Christine S.

Hidden gem!

Omg, how I love this little cottage! But it’s not so little, it’s roomy, open and big! And...it’s nestled in this little secret neighborhood that looks intimidating at first, then you realize how perfect it is! Alison and Brian were extremely responsive, helpful and patient. The private beach is so awesome if you want a quick beach jaunt up a dune. It’s also literally 5 minutes from everything else. We spent a lot of time at South beach and I’m not kidding, it was a 5 minute drive. Important life event: my 8 yo daughter and I made our first fire in the fire pit. The fact all that was there for us made it so special. We really only used one bedroom, but it was nice that we could have used all three. Having a washer and dryer was soooo awesome! Admittedly the rusty smell of the water was not great, but it made us feel like we were truly on vacation! I must get back to Alison and Brian. Sooooo awesome from the word go! Responded immediately to my incessant questions and offered so much help and suggestions. But, best of all, left us alone to enjoy our vacation. Perfect balance of helpful and hands off. I just asked my daughter tonight about vacation next year. Did she want to stay closer to South beach? Her response sums it up, “mommy I LOVED our cottage! Why couldn’t we stay there again?” Yep, we will be returning! Thanks Alison and Brian! ❤️👍❣️
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 31 Mar, 2020
Thank you so much. We are bowled over by your kind words. Family memories like yours are exactly why we share our home. We can't wait to have you back. We ❤️👍�❣️ you too.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jay T.

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

Review

Sort of rustic, which was OK. Nice to have a king in master, with adjoining bath. Well equipped, except for bar soap, hand soap and dish soap. Needed IT son to figure out TV settings.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Sept, 2021
Thank you for your kind review. We're delighted you enjoyed your stay. We usually have mini-bars of soap or softsoap pumps available. I'll check with the housekeeper on what happened with your stay. We look forward to hosting you again.
Verified

6/10 Okay

Maggie F.

Liked: Check-in, communication
Disliked: Location

Cute on the inside, not the best neighborhood

It wasn’t quite what we were expecting, with some trailer homes in the neighborhood. However, the inside was cute. The water really smelled and was undrinkable and not great to shower in. They provided plenty of drinking water though and we used it for cooking too. The floor was very dirty when we got there but I texted the owners and they brought all kinds of supplies for us to keep it clean. Communication was prompt and friendly. The area is wooded and there was a back porch and fire pit but we were swarmed with mosquitoes if we went outside so we didn’t. You can get to the beach over a big sand dune if you walk a bit. I LOVED the beach, as it was always empty, but there were TONS of mosquitoes on the hike there. It wasn’t a far drive to south Haven, but we didn’t get to have the feel of the town. I will say, it was MUCH cheaper than anywhere in town. Important to know is that the washing machine was awful. It left rust stains on our towels and some of our clothes. That was a major bummer, as laundry is crucial with 4 kids, and the washer and drier were a selling point for us. Not sure we would come back, mainly because of the neighborhood, water and washer/drier.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2021
Verified

8/10 Good

Jeremy B.

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

Enjoyed it- especially the location!

We enjoyed our stay. The house had everything we needed. We have to admit that the smell of the water was off-putting, but there was plenty of water for drinking and cooking. The best part is the location! We loved being able to walk down the road, over the dune and to a beach that had very few people. Overall it was a great stay!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Becky G.

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

Great location for dunes

Allison was responsive when we needed something. It's a hike to get to the beach but a beautiful sunset.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021
Verified

6/10 Okay

Keenon H.

Liked: Check-in, communication

Spacious, but had some issues

The rental is spacious and had plenty of room for our family. It is close to the lake, but access to it is a short but strenuous hike over a sand dune. The views were beautiful! We had some problems beginning at check-in. The front door was unlocked when we arrived, which was not stated in the check-in instructions. There were several things in the instructions that were outdated, including WiFi passwords, who to contact, instructions about a dehumidifier that was not there, and some of the photos. The first thing I noticed is that none of the beds had bedspreads and a few of the beds had a thin blanket. The rest just had sheets. We found extra blankets in a wardrobe, but the first night the temperature was in the 30s and the wind knocked the power out for a few hours. Needless to say, it was pretty chilly. The other major problem at check in was that the master bathroom had not been cleaned. I cleaned the necessary areas before going to bed so we could use it, but that’s not how I wanted to spend the first night of my vacation. We contacted the owners, and they did what they could to make it better, including bringing more blankets, though still not bedspreads, which I find strange to leave a bed for guests with only sheets (in any climate). I do appreciate the owners trying to make things right. I also noticed other areas that were not very clean, including the fridge, the floors (dust bunnies), cobwebs on the ceiling and in corners, a bar of soap left with a hair stuck to it, and surfaces that had a lot of decor on them that had not been properly wiped down. As mentioned in other reviews, the water is well water that smells and makes the toilet look used all the time. I had planned to do laundry while we were there, having checked to make sure there was a washer and dryer, but there was a hand written note taped to the washer warning against washing clothes as it could end up ruining them. South Haven is an expensive area to stay in, and I knew we weren’t staying in the fanciest place, but I did expect it to be clean and well supplied, and unfortunately it just didn’t quite meet the mark.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Jun, 2021
I'm sorry you had a subpar stay. We did everything we could to make things right for you while you were here. You never mentioned most of your complaints during your stay, so this seems like an unfair and dubious way to voice them. You also didn't mention that, in addition to making things right, we refunded you $200 for the minor inconveniences you did report. We are proud of our consistently high ratings and trust the opinions of the vast majority of our guests.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lisa M.

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

Great quiet family stay!

We stayed over Labor Day weekend and were hoping to have a quiet relaxing time with family. It was the perfect mid point for us to meet and it was so peaceful. The dunes were the perfect challenge (it is quite the hike) and wore the kids out for bed. South Haven is a cute little town with plenty to do and an awesome gluten free bakery (they do have gluten in the facility but we had no issues with cross contamination) which was quite a treat for the two celiacs in our family!
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 8 Oct, 2020
We're delighted you enjoyed your stay. Families like yours are exactly the reason we share our cottage. We love providing people with the opportunity to make memories that last a lifetime. We look forward to your return.

About the host

Hosted by Alison & Brian

Host profile image
I am the mother of 4 and a small business owner in the Chicago area. I was born and raised in the western suburbs of Chicago.

Why they chose this property

We fell in love with the soothing beauty of Lake Michigan, the friendly peace and quiet of the neighborhood, the breathtaking sunsets and uncrowded beaches near the house. The town of South Haven is just minutes away, with all of its shops, restaurants and amenities. My family has been camping at Van Buren State Park since I was a little girl. So this house is a touchstone for all of those wonderful family memories as well as our corner of the world to make memories like those with my own children.

What makes this property unique

Short walk to secluded beaches, but still reasonably priced.
Quiet, friendly, verdant neighborhood, but just minutes from the conveniences, amenities and events of South Haven.
A bike ride from Van Buren State Park, with its public beach and campground.

Languages:

English

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