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Fall Weekends Available! Private Beach Just Steps Away

Photo gallery for Fall Weekends Available! Private Beach Just Steps Away

Kitchen - Fully stocked with dishes and cooking gear
Property video
A modern kitchen with a central island, a dining area with chairs, and a living room with a sofa and a gray armchair.
View from Kitchen
A white bench with floral cushions, a wooden sign spelling "BEACH", and a small name tag hanging from the sign.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Family fun awaits
    Top-rated for families.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 8

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning
  • Barbecue
  • Deck or patio

Explore the area

View map
Lakeside, MI
  • Place, Burnison Galleries
    ‪13 min walk‬
  • Place, Union Pier Beach
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, Gordon Beach
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Airport, South Bend, IN (SBN-South Bend Intl.)
    ‪33 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed and 1 Single Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Double Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Jetted bathtub

Bathroom 2

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Fall Weekends Available! Private Beach Just Steps Away

Welcome to Cozy Cottage — your relaxing lakeside retreat with private sandy beach access just a short walk away (less than one block, then 50 stairs down to the sand). Enjoy exclusive association beach privileges right in Lakeside / Harbor Country.

This charming 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom cottage features an open floor plan, comfortable living room furniture, a cozy fireplace perfect for warm nights, and a newly renovated main bathroom with a deep soaking tub. The primary bedroom includes a relaxing Jacuzzi tub. One of the bedrooms includes flexible sleeping options, making it ideal for families or groups. After a day on the beach, relax in the screened-in porch, play in the front yard, or unwind indoors. Washer/dryer and dishwasher are included for your convenience.

**Availability**
Rentals available throughout the year.
***Summer Weekly Rentals (Saturday to Saturday) in June – August***
**June 14 – September 6 are WEEKLY RENTALS ONLY**

Check-in: 4:00 pm ET
Checkout: 10:30 am ET
Cleaning Fee: $300

**Location Highlights**
• Private sandy beach access – less than a block walk + 50 stairs
• Screened-in back porch
• Nearby forest preserves ideal for hiking and fishing
• Less than 10 minutes from New Buffalo
• Farmers market just 2 minutes down Red Arrow Highway (Union Pier, Sat–Sun)
• Nearby restaurants: Whistle Stop, Stray Dog, Haymarket, Redamak’s, Beer Church Brewery, Ghost Isle Brewery, and Leeds Public House (large outdoor dining)
• Close to local wineries
• Four Winds Casino (New Buffalo) and Blue Chip Casino (Michigan City – approx. 20-minute drive/Uber)
• Lighthouse Place Premium Outlets in Michigan City

Whether you’re looking for beach days, fresh air, stargazing, hiking, fishing, or simply a peaceful place to recharge by the fireplace, Cozy Cottage is ready to welcome you.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:30 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 allowed: in designated areas
Outside only.
If Beach Key Card is lost, there is a replacement fee of $250.

Important information

You need to know

Property Registration Number CR2021-0247
Property # 1123128vb
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

Lakeside

Located in Lakeside, this cottage is on a lake. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Lake Michigan and Warren Dunes State Park. Travelling with kids? Consider Round Barn Union Pier Tasting Room and Local. Enjoy the area's slopes with cross-country skiing, and don't miss out on the ice skating and sledging.
View more Cottages in LakesideOpens in a new window
Map
Lakeside, MI

What's nearby

  • Burnison Galleries - 13 min walk - 1.1 km
  • Eleanor O'Connor Wilson Woods Preserve - 2 min drive - 1.8 km
  • Edward and Elizabeth Leonard Wildlife Preserve - 2 min drive - 1.8 km
  • Union Pier Beach - 3 min drive - 2.5 km
  • Gordon Beach - 3 min drive - 2.5 km

Getting around

  • New Buffalo Station - 9 min drive
  • South Bend, IN (SBN-South Bend Intl.) - 46 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Buffet at Four Winds Casino - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Four Winds Sports Bar - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Timbers at Four Winds Casino - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪Redamak's Tavern - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Journeyman Distillery - ‬12 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Fall Weekends Available! Private Beach Just Steps Away pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Fall Weekends Available! Private Beach Just Steps Away?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Fall Weekends Available! Private Beach Just Steps Away?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Fall Weekends Available! Private Beach Just Steps Away?

Checkout is at 10:30 AM.

Where is Fall Weekends Available! Private Beach Just Steps Away located?

This family-friendly Lakeside cottage is located on a lake, within 1 mi (2 km) of Burnison Galleries and Lake Michigan. Round Barn Union Pier Tasting Room and Union Pier Beach are also within 2 miles (3 km).

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. 74 out of 79 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 79 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 79 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 79 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 79 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

8/10 Good

Greg J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The property was a good fit for our family. The home was clean and well kept. The one downside was the smell that came from the fireplace, which had ashes in it that had gotten wet from the humidity causing an oder that bothered my wife. The access to the private beach was a great plus as was the many beach toys and chairs. Not having access to the hot tub due to repairs was a bit disappointing, but Janette’s generous gift card to the the Whistle Stop was greatly appreciated and we enjoyed everything that we tried. The overall location of the property to the surrounding area is terrific.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Alice T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful hosts
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 5 November 2025
So happy to hear you had a great time! Fall colors are gorgeous! Hope to host you again soon.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Katie H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This was our second time staying here and we are so glad we came back! The house is great, well furnished, and has access to a wonderful beach! We love this area of Michigan and look forward to our next trip!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Maggie C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a lovely time at The Cozy Cottage. It was clean and all the amenities were available. We especially loved how close we were to the beautiful beach.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

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

Great location!

Our group of 7 enjoyed staying at Cozy Cottage during a recent summer wedding weekend. The association beach was particularly amazing.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 30 June 2025
Thx Lynne! The private beach is a wonderful addition to our relaxing cottage and neighborhood.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Janna S.

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

Fabulous Lake Michigan Retreat

The accommodations, area, and proximity to the beach and other area attractions were highlights of our stay. I hope to return again!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 14 July 2025
Janna, Thank you for selecting our cottage for your girls weekend and for leaving a review. It was fun helping you prepare for your stay. Happy to hear you enjoyed your stay! Yes, it is a great location! Enjoy the rest of your summer!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Heidi V.

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

Another great stay at the Cozy Cottage

Stayed here on and off for many years. Great house and location. We had another great stay and wonderful time at the beach.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 10 July 2025
Heidi, Glad you were able to visit our little oasis. Enjoy the rest of the summer! See you next year!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Joshua D.

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

Great house & location!

We really enjoyed our stay here. Location was fantastic, just a few minute walk to the great private beach. Loved the hot tub as well. Thanks!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 18 August 2025
Happy to hear you had a great time! Come visit us during autumn's colorful foliage.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Christine S.

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

We had a really nice time. It is close to the town, beach and highway. We enjoyed the hot tub!

We had a nice time. We enjoyed walking on the beach and relaxing in the hot tub.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 19 June 2021
Yes! It is so close to the beach and other Harbour Country activities. Thank you for choosing our cottage again. We hope you return soon!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Heidi V.

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

Great Time at the Cozy Cottage & Beach

Another great stay at the Cozy Cottage. Well stocked house close to a nice association beach.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 4 August 2020
Glad you enjoyed our cottage and the private beach. We try hard to provide many supplies and beach gear to enhance your stay. The autumn is great time to enjoy the area as well. Looking forward to having you stay at our cottage again!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Tim B.

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

Great place!

We Highly recommend Janette’s place. The location is ideal to the private beach and the house is a great space for families. All In all, one of the best rentals we have stayed at.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 21 August 2020
Thank you Tim for taking the time in leaving a 5/5 review. So happy to hear that you and your family had a great time! The private beach is something we enjoy as well. We hope to host you again soon. Apple and pumpkin picking in the fall is a fun time.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Christine S.

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

We had a great time. Everyone enjoyed the beach and hot tub.

The stay was great! Walking distance to the beach! The hot tub was clean. Great restaurants in the area.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 28 July 2022
Christine, Thanks for choosing our cottage again for your vacation!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Heidi V.

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

Cozy Cottage

Great Stocked cottage with lots to do at the beach and on rainy days inside. What a fun family trip
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 7 August 2021
Fun and relaxation is our goal! Glad to hear you enjoyed your stay. Please visit us again! Janette
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Maria W.

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

End of Summer getaway

We had a very nice time during our family summer long weekend getaway. First time to visit the Warren Dunes area and looking forward to coming back soon. We were looking for a relaxing time and it fulfilled our wishes!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 10 September 2023
Maria, Thank you for selecting our cottage and taking the time to review us! Glad your first visit in the area was what you expected. Return visits anytime of year restores you.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jessica H.

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

Cute spot close to the beach!

The house was really nice and clean, and offered all the amenities we needed for a family reunion in Notre Dame. Close to some cute little spots, but still relaxing and secluded. Really enjoyed being so close to Lake Michigan! Janette was very kind and responsive throughout our stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Amazing!

Everything was perfect; location, amenities, information. It was spotless while having everything we needed from beach towels to toiletries to games and candles. Thank you for a dreamy place for our vacation!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 27 June 2021
We are very happy to hear you enjoyed your stay at out cottage. It is a wonderful getaway with access to a private beach down the street. Please come and enjoy our cottage again.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Emily H.

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

Lovely stay at the Cozy Cottage

The Cozy Cottage was a perfect home for our family’s week long stay over the 4th of July. The home had a great layout for a family of 5 or more with 4 beds in one of the bedrooms for kiddos. We enjoyed the front porch, hot tub and large yard. It also has great access to Orchard Beach which is a nice size and a short walk from the house. Plenty of chairs, umbrellas, wagon and beach toys to make the stay enjoyable. We’d love to book again!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 10 July 2025
Emily, Thank you for selecting our cottage and leaving a review. We are a family of 5 as well and have enjoyed the cottage and private beach over the years. We try to have the cottage well stocked for family fun! See you next year!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Katie H.

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

Wonderful Vacation Home

This house was perfect for our stay, it came stocked with everything we needed and was so close to the beach! We had an excellent week and look forward to returning! Janette was very responsive and took care of everything!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 10 September 2023
Hi Katie, So happy to hear your week at our cottage was perfect! It was a pleasure to host you at our private beach. A sweet end to the summer before school started. Come back again!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Tresa S.

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

Summer Vacation

We had a lovely time at the Cozy Cottage. The location was a short walk to the beach . The beach was beautiful and most days quiet. Just what we were looking for.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 30 June 2022
Tresa, Thank you for taking the time to review us. I'm glad you had a nice time with your family and time slowed down at least for a little while. Come visit us to see the fall colors. Janette
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Nancy P.

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

Perfect house and very close to the private beach

The house was very comfortable and cozy. They had everything you would possibly need. 1/2 block to the beach and the stairs were not bad at all. We can’t wait to go back again.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 25 June 2022
Nancy, Thank you for choosing our cottage for your Harbour Country getaway! Yes, the beach is so close. Come see us during the fall colors.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Kathleen B.

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

Just the retreat we needed!

What a nurturing place! Cozy Retreat is immaculately clean, comfortable beds, and a well stocked “cooks kitchen“. The hot tub is just steps out the back door and was lovely during the cool Michigan evenings. Already looking forward to going back!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 31 December 2021
Kathleen, We are happy you discovered us and enjoyed your stay. Our location is the perfect getaway!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Home away from home

This was our 2nd time staying here. It was so nice being familiar with the house, beach, and area. House is light and airy, neighborhood great for walks, and we basically had our own beach for the week. All was wonderful.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 30 June 2022
Shannon, Thanks for choosing our cottage again. I'm glad to hear you had another wonderful time and enjoyed our light and airy renovations. We think that relaxing feeling of the house spreads to your mood too. Rain or shine, it is nice to have the beach to yourself! Enjoy the rest of your summer and see you next year!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Katie M.

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

Cozy, nicely outfitted house just a short walk to gorgeous, private beach.

We cannot overstate how much we loved our stay here! This house is clearly beloved and is well-stocked with all of the cooking and beach supplies you might need for a weekend away. Quiet, laid-back neighborhood, friendly neighbors waved hello to us every time they passed. The beach was clean, quiet, and BEAUTIFUL. We will absolutely be back!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 21 June 2024
Katie, Very happy to hear you had a wonderful time! It is a special place! It is quiet, but I do like hearing the waves while at the cottage. The beach is very close and pristine. Enjoy the rest of your summer!
Verified review

8/10 Good

Jon M.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family Vacation

My wife and two kids, 4 and 6, spent a wonderful week at this lovely cottage. The house overall was very nice with plenty of space for us all. The only minor improvement would be a more thorough cleaning of the house.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 2 September 2023
Jonathon, So glad to hear you and your family had a great time! We have a very high standard of cleanliness for our cottage as you can see from the 6 years of reviews. We have a professional cleaning team in addition to us personally inspecting the cottage prior to every rental to ensure that these standards are met. I will be calling you directing to see how we can improve.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jeremy D.

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

This was a perfect rental for our family for Christmas weekend!!!

The booking and rental process was very easy and the host did a great job of communicating prior to our visit. The property was very clean, well furnished, and was perfect for our family (parents and 3 teenage children) for Christmas! We had a couple of minor issues during our stay but the owners quickly replied to our messages and took care of things. I would highly recommend staying here and hope to do so again sometime soon!!!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 4 January 2021
Jeremy, Glad you and your family enjoyed their stay! We have 3 teenagers as well. We are booking for the summer right now. Take an opportunity to check your availability. A day at the beach is a summer requirement! Hope to host you again soon! Janette

About the host

Hosted by Janette

Host profile image
Love the MI beaches and restaurants to visit. We are a family that cooks! Our kitchen is fully stocked and waiting for you to enjoy.

Why they chose this property

Newly renovated living room and main bathroom which adds to the already very relaxing getaway. Enjoy spending time on the nice size front lawn, front deck and enclosed back porch.

What makes this property unique

Walking distance to beach for fun and sunsets.

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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