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ON LAKE MICHIGAN WITH PRIVATE BEACH! Access from yard via private stairwell!

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Beach
OUR VIEW!! SO AWESOME!
Front of cottage facing lake, entry steps to N. side back entry one step
summer lake view
Front yard overlooking lake

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 12

Popular amenities

  • Garage parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning
  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden

Explore the area

View in a map
Chikaming Township, MI
  • Place, Burnison Galleries
    ‪14 min walk‬
  • Place, Union Pier Beach
    ‪14 min walk‬
  • Place, Gordon Beach
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Airport, South Bend, IN (SBN-South Bend Intl.)
    ‪33 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 12)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

North side living Room futon area

1 Double Bed

South side bedroom #1

1 Queen Bed

South side bedroom #2

1 Queen Bed

South side living room futon

1 Double Bed

2 bathrooms

North side Bathroom

Shower only

South side Bathroom

Shower only

Spaces

Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

ON LAKE MICHIGAN WITH PRIVATE BEACH! Access from yard via private stairwell!

Friendly, respectful neighbors and located in an upscale neighborhood area with all the conveniences in walking/biking distance.
Our "Thunderdune" cottage is so relaxing and our most treasured place of all time! Charming and super clean duplex cottage on Lake Michigan with amazing lake views inside cottage and out. Private beach access in large front yard with room for games or just chillin' around the fire pit. Walking/biking distance to popular restaurants, deli, coffee shop and garden/craft market (during season). Fully supplied kitchens with new appliances. Drip coffee makers, microwaves, ranges, full size refrigerators, toasters, crockpots, and blenders, Outdoor charcoal grilling and utensils. Garage can house your bicycles & water toys with nearby rentals & delivery.
Can rent whole house( when available) or half (securely divided apartment units) RATES SHOWN ARE FOR ONE apartment (SIDE) OF THE DUPLEX. SIDES ARE SEPARATED BY DOUBLE DOORS WITH DEADBOLT LOCKS ON EACH SIDE. CAN OPEN IF RENTING BOTH SIDES AND USE AS ONE LARGE HOUSE. (inquire with owner) Large yard areas OVERLOOKING THE LAKE for cookouts, games and lounging. Upscale neighborhood area. Guests often repeat stays, annually. High speed WIFI & CABLE & SMART TVS. Comprehensive cleaning and sanitizing practices in each side of the duplex. Ample liquid hand soap and other cleaning disinfecting products provided. Tissues, tp, garbage bags and paper towel provided.
AWESOME LOCATION! Walking distance to restaurants with biking/hiking trails. Paved trail alongside Red Arrow hwy. goes several miles north to Harbert and south to New Buffalo.
Rent is by the week Sunday to Sunday with flexibility before Memorial Day and after Labor Day Three night minimum is required during shoulder seasons.
There are approximately 80 gradual steps down to beach. Access to our beach steps is right off the front yard of the cottage. (facing the lake)
Cottage sleeps up to 6 per side. Each side has 2 bedrooms with brand new queen mattresses, one bath per side with large room like showers. Full size futon on each side In addition to the queen beds. Rent one side or entire cottage on select weeks (as available). Lake view lakefront bedrooms and separate yard picnic/grill areas on each side.
North side apartment unit has a laundry room with washer/dryer. Outdoor clotheslines on both sides.
(CHECK IN AT 3PM. CHECK OUT TIME 11AM)
THE COTTAGE IS SMOKE FREE
SORRY, NO PETS
A/C and heat on both sides! Cottage and yard are nicely shaded. Lake breezes and sounds of the waves are heavenly. Hosts always available.

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About the area

Lakeside

Located in Lakeside, this cottage is in a rural area and on the waterfront. 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 Ghost Isle Brewery. Travelling with kids? Consider Round Barn Union Pier Tasting Room and Local. Jet skiing and windsurfing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking and cycling nearby.
View more Cottages in LakesideOpens in a new window
Map
Chikaming Township, MI

What's nearby

  • Burnison Galleries - 14 min walk - 1.2 km
  • Union Pier Beach - 14 min walk - 1.2 km
  • Gordon Beach - 2 min drive - 1.4 km
  • Wilkinson Village Heritage Museum - 2 min drive - 1.8 km
  • Edward and Elizabeth Leonard Wildlife Preserve - 2 min drive - 1.8 km

Getting around

  • New Buffalo Station - 9 min drive
  • South Bend, IN (SBN-South Bend Intl.) - 45 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Buffet at Four Winds Casino - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Four Winds Sports Bar - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Timbers at Four Winds Casino - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪The Stray Dog Bar & Grill - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪White Birch Market - ‬15 min drive

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. 31 out of 32 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 32 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 32 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 32 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 32 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mike G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very friendly host, clean accommodations, and beach access right in your own backyard.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Sept, 2025
Thanks Mike! Enjoyed having you and would gladly have you back again!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rock A.

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

Lovely stay

excellent location and property
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 24 Jun, 2025
Thanks for staying with us! Would be more than happy to have you back in the future!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Andrea G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful private beach and gorgeous beach cottage feel. Host Maria was wonderful and attentive throughout our stay. We can’t wait to stay again!
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Sept, 2025
Loved having Andrea and her delightful family! Would love to have them back for a future stay!! They went above and beyond to leave the cottage in great shape.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ken C.

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

Amazing place

No complaints at all, owner greeted us at the property and made sure we had all the information we needed. Place was very clean, great location.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Sept, 2020
Thanks Ken, enjoyed having you & family!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brenda H.

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

Great relaxing place

Excellent communication with Maria during the booking and thru out the stay. House is very clean and great location right on the beach. Lots of trails around and good places to eat. Highly recommend for small groups to go for a relaxing get away!!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Oct, 2021
Thank you Brenda! It was a pleasure to meet you both and glad you enjoyed the cottage. Would love to have you back for a future stay!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Laura C.

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

Lovely cabin on beautiful beach

We’ve been visiting this area for years and this property has it all. Beautiful clean cabin, incredible view of the sunset over the lake, and gorgeous beach. Highly recommend!
Stayed 6 nights in May 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 8 Jun, 2024
Thank you Laura! We were happy to have you and family. You went above and beyond in caring for the cottage and we look forward to having you back again!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mary H.

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

Wonderful retreat

Had an absolutely positively delightful stay. Was the perfect place for me and a couple of girlfriends to escape and enjoy the peace and beauty of the area. Maria could not have been a more lovely host
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Jun, 2022
Thank you Mary! So glad you stayed and welcome back in the future!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Stacy S.

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

Excellent Get Away for Rest and Relaxation

This property is so peaceful, nestled in the trees, but beach access available. The kitchen is stocked with everything you would need to cook at home and with a view like this, why would you want to leave and go out. We really enjoyed our stay here and would definitely go back!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Oct, 2020
Thanks Stacey! We are so glad you had an enjoyable stay with your beautiful family! We appreciated your great communication and would love to have a return visit in the future! Maria & Mark
Verified

10/10 Excellent

SHANNON R.

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

Relaxing getaway

Great location, beautiful private property and beach. The futon was not very comfortable as a couch but overall it was very nice.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 8 Oct, 2023
Thanks Shannon! It was great having you! Would be happy to see a return visit in the future! Maria
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Karen C.

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

Cute cabin for girls get away

Great communication and a little slice of heaven!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Mar, 2020
Thanks Karen! Happy to have you! Maria & Mark
Verified

10/10 Excellent

KAREN S.

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

Very lovely lake view. 🥰 and love private access to the beach

Love the back yard! 😍. Especially lake view and private access to the beach.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Jun, 2022
Thanks Karen! We hope to see you and Luther as guests again in the future!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Melissa K.

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

Our Michigan getaway

We loved our stay at this place. The accommodations were as shown online. The house was immaculate. The weather was perfect. Easy timely communication with the host made our trip so easy.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 4 Oct, 2022
Thanks Melissa! Glad you enjoyed your stay and we would love to have you back in the future! Maria
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Margo O.

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

Great Lake Cabin

We had a perfect girls weekend enjoying the beautiful lake front at this cabin and also exploring the surrounding towns of southwest Michigan. Maria was an attentive and wonderful host. We look forward to renting here in the future!
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Mar, 2020
Thank you Margo! We enjoyed meeting you and friends! So glad you stayed and had a nice time. Hope to see you for a future visit! Maria & Mark
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kim C.

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

Great sister getaway

A proper lake cottage with the sound of the waves lulling you to sleep each night. Wonderful beach time with beautiful sunsets. We had a great time. Even got some exercise in with the stairs and the beach walks. Wonderful, relaxing reunion!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Oct, 2024
Thanks for your wonderful review Kim! We greatly enjoyed having you and sisters as guests! Thanks for leaving the cottage (Mark’s words) “perfect” !! Would happily have you back.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Andrea H.

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

Beach Time

Small, but adequate for 4. Truly just some stairs down to the beach! And near great coffee, restaurants & breweries! L❤️VED our time there!!!
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 24 Sept, 2024
Thank you Andrea! It was great meeting you and glad you had a good time!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

JIll M.

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

Weekend getaway

We had a great weekend getaway. Maria met us when we arrived, showed us around, gave us suggestions for restaurants and nearby attractions. The cottage was great! It was fully stocked with everything we needed!! There was a short walk to the beach with outstanding views. There were beach chairs, umbrellas for guests to utilize and a great common area for campfires. We absolutely enjoyed this place!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Sept, 2022
Loved having the two of you Jill! Thanks for leaving the cottage so nice! Would have you back anytime! Maria
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Grace P.

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

Fantastic Cottage

Fantastic location close to shopping and restaurants. Host was very helpful prior to our stay and during our stay. Spot on with cottage photos. Great yard for family campfire, picnic, and outdoor games. Beach chairs and foam boards provided along with private beach access. Our family of 5 adults and a17 month old had had a fantastic week! Thank you!!!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Jun, 2022
Thanks Grace! You have a beautiful family and left the cottage in great shape! We would gladly welcome you back for a future stay!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Erin M.

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

Family vacation

My family had a great stay at the Donner’s cottage! It was perfect for us and had everything we needed. We loved the view and the private beach was awesome. Maria was super helpful and responded to our questions right away. Thank you for letting my husband and I have great quality time with our 5 kids(ages 22 to 10). Lots of fun memories created during our stay!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Jun, 2022
Thank you Erin! Would love to have a return visit from you and family in the future! Glad you had a good time! Maria
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Laurene J.

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

Just Wonderful.

Mark and Maria could not have been better hosts. Communication before and during our stay was prompt and helpful. Inside was immaculate and included a very well stocked kitchen. Outside had numerous table and chair options where we ate the majority of our meals. Every morning we walked the beautiful beach and every night we were provided with a beautiful sunset. Our whole family will have fond memories of our stay on Lake Michigan because of Mark and Maria - Thank you so much!
Stayed 12 nights in Jun 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Jun, 2021
We loved having Laurene, Bart and family! They were excellent guests in every way. They left everything in perfect order as well! Would not hesitate to host them and would love to have them return. Maria & Mark Donner
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mariah Z.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Beautiful, welcoming space

A beautiful, welcoming space for meaningful family time. Steps away from a gorgeous beach. Friendly and very responsive host. Extremely clean. Totally charming decor and updates. The listing notes a washer. I believe that applies to one side of the duplex, but not the other. Reach out to host if that aspect is important to you. We really had a wonderful getaway at this magical space.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Sept, 2023
Thank you Mariah! Glad you enjoyed your stay! It was a pleasure having you.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rose G.

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

Overall very clean

Maria was very good at communicating before and during our stay. The house is overall clean and with great view and access to the private beach. My family and I enjoyed our stay, we can’t wait for next summer.
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Sept, 2021
Thanks Rose! We would love to have you back again! Glad you had a nice stay! Maria
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Pamela H.

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

Weekend Getaway

We enjoyed our weekend at Thunder Dune. The property was exactly what I had in mind and the beach was beautiful. So many fun things to do in the area, even when the weather doesn’t cooperate. Would totally rent this place again. Thanks again!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 24 Oct, 2020
Thank you Pamela! Would love to have you back again! Maria & Mark
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Teresa S.

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

Great little place!!

Really enjoyed our visit. Mark and Maria made us feel welcome. Great communication. Enjoyed the fire pit and the lovely beach.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 11 Nov, 2020
Thanks Teresa! It was great having you and would love to see you back again in the future! Maria & Mark
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jane S.

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

Lovely Beach Cottage

Maria and Mark made us feel at home in this cozy cottage. Airy and fantastic sunsets over the lake.
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Aug, 2020
Mark and I greatly enjoyed getting to know you and Dave! We would love to have you back again sometime. Thanks for staying!
Verified

8/10 Good

Cassie M.

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

The beach and property are in an excellent location. The private beach was a key find!

This was great property the beach and sunsets were spectacular. The owners are great! We will definitely be returning. Charming beach cottage!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Jun, 2020
Thanks Cassie! We so enjoyed getting acquainted with you and Mark. Would love to have you back again!
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