Entire home

Ball guest cottage on Lake Maxinkukee

Photo gallery for Ball guest cottage on Lake Maxinkukee

A house with a stone chimney, a stone wall, and a paved driveway leading to a patio with outdoor furniture.
A cozy living room with a stone fireplace, a wooden ceiling, a built-in bookshelf, and a spiral staircase.
A compact kitchen with wooden cabinets, a microwave, a stove, and a refrigerator.
A cozy attic bedroom with two beds, a rocking chair, and a wooden ceiling.
A dining area with a wooden table, chairs, and a decorative bowl. A spiral staircase leads to an upper level.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
Along the lakeshore, this cottage offers 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, accommodating 6 guests. Enjoy lake views from the patio, balcony, and deck. Engage in nearby sailing, waterskiing, and tubing, while also having access to a private boat dock and golf. Lake Maxinkuckee and Culver Academies Golf Course are nearby attractions.

Highlights

  • Family fun awaits
    Top-rated for families.
  • Garage parking available
    Enjoy the convenience of garage parking - a rare offering in the area.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Dock
  • Washing machine
  • Barbecue grill
  • Onsite parking available
  • Air-conditioning
  • Refrigerator

Explore the area

View in a map
Culver, IN
  • Place, Lake Maxinkuckee
    ‪1 min drive‬
  • Place, Four Winds Casino South Bend
    ‪47 min drive‬
  • Place, Grace College
    ‪49 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

4 Single Beds

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Ball guest cottage on Lake Maxinkukee

This lovely lake cottage on the East side of Lake Maxinkuckee was newly built in 2000. Its architecture and charm is in keeping with the larger 100 year old historic house that shares the property and pier with this cottage. The Historic cottage sleeps 13 (see listing 512710) can be rented as well for large groups if it's available at the same time. You can watch & participate in lake activities, sun & swim from the dock, grill your dinner or visit one of our excellent restaurants in our quaint town. Watch vibrant sunsets and shooting stars nightly over the lake from the patio and enjoy a bonfire on cool nights.'. Each of the two bedrooms has a queen bed, the loft looking over the great room has 4 twin beds.
The vaulted ceiling great room has a lake stone wood-burning fireplace. Start your morning with a paddle on the provided kayak. Visit the historic Culver Academy on Sunday afternoons for their military parade and famous Black horse troop of Presidential inaugurations. This glacier-made spring fed lake supports fishing, skiing, tubing & jet skiing. The dock has available an available lift for rent should you bring your own boat. (please check with Janet for size) and/ or a pontoon for rent separately. It's a wonderful place you won't soon forget! The large cottage can be rented along with this smaller cottage for wedding & events & parties (512710 & 559346) for an event fee and consent from the owner.
Additional fee @ $200 for additional 20, $500 for additional 40 people, $1000 for maximum of 100 people

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House Rules

Check in after 3:30 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

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights, lock the doors and return the keys
Please take kitchen trash to the bins in the carport, pick up is Monday morning, kindly take bins to the edge of the street if you leave Sunday or your is over a Monday
Please strip used beds of their sheets and pillowcase only(not mattress pad or blanket) and leave on a bundle on top of that bed it came off
Only if time allows if you’re able to put your used towels in the washer and dryer the morning you leave that would be appreciated, but not necessary! Thank you, and we hope you had a wonderful time!
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
If you cause any damage, please let me know. If you bought the renter’s insurance you are covered If you don’t tell me, the insurance won’t cover it.

Important information

You need to know

Property # 559346vb
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

Culver

Located in Culver, this cottage is on a lake. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Tippecanoe River State Park and Winamac Fish and Wildlife Area, while Eppley Auditorium and Fulton County Museum are cultural highlights. Jet skiing, kayaking and snorkelling offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with cycling nearby.
View more Cottages in CulverOpens in a new window
Map
Culver, IN

What's nearby

  • Lake Maxinkuckee - 1 min drive - 0.2 km
  • Swan Lake Resort - 33 min drive - 32.0 km
  • Potato Creek State Park - 41 min drive - 68.3 km
  • Four Winds Casino South Bend - 47 min drive - 81.5 km
  • Grace College - 49 min drive - 68.5 km

Getting around

  • South Bend, IN (SBN-South Bend Intl.) - 53 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Frida’s Mexican Cuisine & Pancake House - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪The Original Root Beer Stand - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Lucrezia Trattoria - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Culver Coffee Company - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Cafe Max, Culver, IN - ‬6 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Ball guest cottage on Lake Maxinkukee pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Ball guest cottage on Lake Maxinkukee?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Ball guest cottage on Lake Maxinkukee?

Check-in begins at 3:30 PM.

What time is check-out at Ball guest cottage on Lake Maxinkukee?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Ball guest cottage on Lake Maxinkukee located?

Situated on a lake, this cottage is steps from Lake Maxinkuckee and within 3 mi (5 km) of Culver Academies Golf Course and Huffington Library. Eppley Auditorium is 2.5 mi (4 km) away.

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. 41 out of 42 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 42 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 42 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 42 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 42 reviews

9.8/10

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 place!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Sept, 2026
Thank you, Stephanie. You are welcome back anytime!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Was a lovely spot for Spring!Would be an amazing spot for summer!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This is a nice little property
Stayed 4 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Super cute little place close to Culver Academy!Great outdoor space, views of sunsets, nice beach! Our host Janet was very easy to work with and quickly responded to any questions we had. Would definitely stay at this property again!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Jun, 2026
Thank you Jennifer! And you were very responsible with making sure all went well with the Cottage and I so appreciate that! You guys are welcome back! All the best, Janet
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great stay

Everything was perfect
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely little cottage right on Lake Maxincuckee. Very clean and ample parking and the owner is a great host. There is a pier for boat parking. Will definitely stay again next year.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Aug, 2025
Thanks so much James. Always of delight to host you and your friends! You’re welcome back anytime All the best, Janet
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Wonderful property with thoughtful owners

Our stay at The Ball Guest Cottage was fantastic! The house was impeccably clean and well-stocked with everything we needed. Janet was very accommodating and provided excellent communication. We can’t wait to come back!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 2 May, 2025
Thank you so much Tom and Dawn. We are happy to host such great guests like you! Thank you for taking good care of our family’s guest cottage!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Janet was great communicator !!!Everything was perfect for us and the sunsets were spectacular
Stayed 21 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Aug, 2025
Thank you so much, Mary. You and your husband were wonderful to host!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Everything was perfect!

The owner is a joy to rent from. The guest house is lovely and clean and steps from the lake. I will stay here again. 5 stars
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Aug, 2021
Jim thank you so much! And you were a joy to host! You’re always welcome! All the best, Janet
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Location was perfect for being so close to Culver Academy for a hockey tournament. Lake looked wonderful. Would be a fun place to stay in warmer weather. Easy parking . Great communication with owner. Just wish we had more time to enjoy the house and lake. I would definitely return.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 10 Nov, 2025
Nancy, thank you so much. I’m so glad you enjoyed your stay. You’re welcome anytime! all the best, Janet.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Thank you!

I would highly recommend staying at this property. We rented the cottage for Reunion weekend and had such a great time. The owner did an amazing job communicating and was very helpful. The location is great and the cottage is really well maintained. Thank you!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 27 May, 2025
Thank you so very much Wyatt! You and your crew are welcome back anytime!! All the best, Janet
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Janet was an excellent host with great communication start to finish. The home is VERY well stocked with all the necessities (salt, pepper, sugar, spices, coffee, filters, lots of dishes, pots and pans, dishwasher and plenty of linens and blankets). The 2 full bathrooms and extra single beds in the loft are a bonus. The beds were very comfortable and the entire home was very clean! All of this AND you are right on the water with a clear West view over Lake Max capturing the most beautiful sunsets! We visited in the shoulder season but can imagine how great it could be when the dock is in and you are able to kayak / swim out front!Close to everything Culver has to offer!! I highly recommend this property. Thank you Janet
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Apr, 2026
Rebecca, thank you so much for the kind words! And yes we concur, the cottage is a very special place, you are welcome anytime! All the best, Janet
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great Lake Retreat

This property is perfect for a family visit to Culver. The kitchen is modern and easy to cook in, as all the little things you need are there. Very well equipped cottage. The large lawn in front with the swing and hammocks is enjoyable. The larger house on the property, which I toured, is like a fairytale. Beautiful rooms that could be in a magazine. Just the perfect quintessential lake cottage.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Jul, 2020
Thank you so much Erin! You were a delight to host and you're always welcome in our family's lake home! All the best, Janet
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This little cottage is a real find! It has a modern kitchen and 2 nice (new-ish) bathrooms, while it maintains that darling "Culver cottage" feel. Everywhere you look are reminders that this little gem is the Ball family's treasured home, making it feel like you are truly their guest. Its special. We liked it so much that we are going to stay again next summer! The kitchen is small, but very well appointed. The dock is shared with the "Big House" guests, but really wasn't a problem because everyone came and went all day long. And Janet, your host, is so very accommodating. She bent over backwards to make our stay an enjoyable one - and it was!
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Aug, 2025
Cheryl and Todd, you both were a delight to host and very respectful and caring towards the Cottage as well! You are always welcome back! All the best, Janet
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Memories of Culver!

Wonderful time spent close to the lake, a pier and all the trimmings! This is a perfect spot for two couples and up to four children. The kitchen was well stocked as was the washing machine and dryer area. We were steps from the lakeAnd we couldn’t of had a better time. thank you
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 11 Aug, 2021
Thank you so much Jerilyn! And it was a pleasure to host you and your husband and hopefully rekindle memories of your early years here at the lake together! All the best, Janet
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

A gem at Culver by the lake

It was the easiest and most positive experience to rent this property! Once I selected the house and processed the paiement, Janet ( the owner) quickly responded to my message . I prefer talking via phone and Janet called me right away. The home is delightful in front of the lake. We made great memories!
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Aug, 2021
Thank you so much Caroline! You were a pleasure to host and are welcome anytime! All the best, Janet
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Wonderful cottage!

Most accommodating renters! Lovely cottage with everything we needed!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Aug, 2021
Thank you so much Beth! So glad things worked out for your stay! You’re welcome anytime! Janet
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

return

allways a great experience
Stayed 10 nights in Jun 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Beautiful Lake Weekend

We had a lovely weekend stay at this lake house! The lake itself is perfect, and it was so wonderful to have direct access. We brought our 18' speedboat and used the dock and boat lift during our stay. Worked out great! The owner was very responsive and helpful. The house is great, a perfect cottage for two families to share. The kitchen is well appointed and everything was clean and homey. The yard is shared with those in the other house, which was generally fine. There isn't complete privacy, but we were not concerned about it. Overall the stay was wonderful and we will definitely be returning here in the future!!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Sept, 2020
Thank you so much Neil! I’m so glad your family had a good time! You’re welcome any time! All the best, Janet
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great Stay!

Wonderful place for our family - it was clean, beautiful, easy to find, and very helpful, friendly and responsive hosts!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2020
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great stay at guest cottage

This is a lovely little cottage on the lake. Would be a wonderful place to rent if you had a boat. It is steps away from the water. The lake is sand and pebble bottom and was warm during our visit. Janet has two kayaks for guests to use-it is a fun way to see the beautiful homes on this lake. Janet is very amiable and great to work with. You can really tell she and her husband really love this family lake home. Culver is a very interesting little town and Culver Academy is quite impressive. It was a very nice week.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 4 Aug, 2020
Thank you so much Jean! It was a pleasure meeting you and so glad you and your family could have a nice week getaway on the water before any school starts! You're always welcome to stay with us! All the best, Janet
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Ball Property

Wonderful
Stayed 3 nights in May 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Mar, 2020
Thank you so much for being equally wonderful guests! Janet
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Lovely Family Cottage

Our family had a wonderful week at the Ball Family Guest Cottage. Accommodations were very comfortable and the sunsets so beautiful. The hammocks near the water allowed for peaceful reading and we enjoyed the bonfire for Smores. Thank you for sharing your lovely cottage with our family.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2018
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Perfect Lake House Vacation

The main house and guest cottage share one of the most beautiful lots on the lake - perfectly flat with huge, old trees and an amazing view of the sunset from either patio. Unbeatable for boating, swimming, back yard bbq, sunset watching and star gazing. Short drive to Academy for visiting families. Classic lake house architecture and charm, friendly and responsive owner, historic neighborhood. Perfect place to make family memories.
Stayed 9 nights in Jun 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Mar, 2020
Thank you so very much Deb! We were delighted to host you & your family & we look forward to hosting you in the future! All the best, Janet & family
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Our stay was exceptional in every way.

The cottage is beautiful and the setting on the lake is stunning. We were there for four days and everything was beyond our expectations. The two downstairs bedrooms with adjoining baths were perfect for two couples and the kids stayed in the loft above. It was only a few minutes from the Culver Academies and the perfect location for my 50th reunion there. The hostess was responsive and helpful and everything about the cottage and our stay was outstanding.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2018

About the host

Hosted by Janet Ball Starkey

Host profile image
The property was first bought by our grandfather William C. Ball from Muncie, during WWII while my father William (Bill) Ball attended Culver Military Academy and my Aunt Lucina Ball Moxley mourned the lost of her first husband to the war. My siblings, Julie, Chip & John Ball and myself, Janet Ball Starkey, purchased the property in 2009 from our father who owned and maintained it for over 30 years. We all have a long history of wonderful memories growing up spending our summers at the lake.

Why they chose this property

My children along with my siblings children have also grown up with fond memories on the lake. I can honestly say all the cousins are more like brothers & sisters because of these lovely cottages that were provided for them during the Summers. It's been one of the most valuable times spent together with family I treasure dearly. I hope it would be so for your family & friends as well! By renting it out we hope to off set the costs to secure the cottages for the future generations of family

What makes this property unique

From the large lawn, you can walk straight out to the dock with no steps like many of the lake houses. Swimming is easy waste or chest deep at the end of the dock. Swing or nap in the lake side hammock & have a bonfire in the stone fire pit at night.

Languages:

English

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