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A peaceful dune retreat

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Exterior
Exterior detail
Private stairs up the dune in backyard
Beach
Terrace/patio

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 5

Popular amenities

  • Fireplace
  • Parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Barbecue grill
  • Laundry

Explore the area

Map
South Haven, MI
  • Van Buren State Park
    ‪11 min walk‬
  • Porter Legacy Dunes
    ‪1 min drive‬
  • Pilgrim Haven Natural Area
    ‪4 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 5)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Single Bed and 2 Double Beds

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only · Outdoor shower

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Outdoor shower
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden
Dining area

About this property

A peaceful dune retreat

*Fully renovated Spring 2025* Welcome to The Sandbox Beach House, an exclusive dune retreat offering solitude, adventure, and a unique experience unmatched by any other. Imagine a renovated cottage set beside 26 acres of protected dunes, reserved only for residents of this quiet subdivision.

Picture yourself journeying over the backyard dune via the house's private stairs. On the other side, you'll find an idyllic beach calling you to settle in. Or, follow the path up the tallest dune, soaring hundreds of feet over Lake Michigan, and treat yourself to the lake's most stunning sunset views.

Should tranquility be your vacation goal, envision curling up with a good book in front of our locally-sourced Michigan stone fireplace. Or perhaps unwinding on the expansive deck, enveloped by the awe-inspiring landscape of colossal dunes.

Nestled a mere 5-minute drive from the vibrant heart of South Haven, you can also reach the town by a 15-minute bike ride along the freshly paved Van Buren Trail.

Experience the majestic beauty of Michigan by strolling or swimming along our stunning shoreline at dawn or dusk. Numerous walking trails from the subdivision lead to the sprawling 400+ acre Van Buren State Park and North Point County Park. Discover additional beach access and walking trails at Pilgrim Haven Park, located less than a mile away.

While the hike to the private beach can be challenging and may not be enjoyable for all guests, nearby Van Buren State Park and Pilgrim Beach offer more easily accessible beach experiences within a mile's distance.

We kindly ask that you respect our precious dunes by keeping to the marked trails. If you encounter overgrown paths, you have likely strayed off course. Help us protect and stabilize our beautiful dunes by minimizing your impact.

This rental home requires self-reliance, from independent check-in to the use of an electronic keypad. Guests are expected to troubleshoot common technological issues, such as resetting a Wi-Fi router. If you're not comfortable with using technology or if you're seeking a property with 24-hour concierge services, our home might not be the right fit for you. Also note, you will get pretty sandy during your adventures here!

Property manager

Kimberly Hawkins
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Laundry
Outdoor space
Parking available

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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
No parties or gatherings larger than reservation
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Stay on designated dune trails
Do not play or run on dune stairs.

Important information

You need to know

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
Note from host: No parties or gatherings larger than reservation
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 and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is not required for transport to and from this property

About the area

South Haven

Located in South Haven, this holiday home is on the beach. 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 Karma Vista Vineyards and Winery. The Fun Park and Kids Place Park are also worth visiting. Take some time off to enjoy the winery tours in the area, or get some fresh air with adventures like mountain biking and hiking/biking trails nearby.
Map
South Haven, MI

What's nearby

  • Van Buren State Park - 11 min walk - 1.0 km
  • Porter Legacy Dunes - 1 min drive - 0.4 km
  • Pilgrim Haven Natural Area - 4 min drive - 1.8 km
  • Kal Haven Trail - 10 min drive - 11.6 km
  • South Beach - 10 min drive - 10.6 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Culver's - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Biggby Coffee - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Burger King - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬10 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is A peaceful dune retreat pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at A peaceful dune retreat?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at A peaceful dune retreat?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is A peaceful dune retreat located?

Situated on the beach, this holiday home is within 1 mi (2 km) of Porter Legacy Dunes and Lake Michigan. North Point Conservation Area and Van Buren State Park are also within 10 minutes.

Reviews

9.8

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. 83 out of 93 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 9 out of 93 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 93 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 93 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 93 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.4/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Olga V.

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

Wonderful house in the dunes

We stayed 11 days. Loved it very much and definitely will return. Sunset from the top of the dune is absolute spectacular, bike trail takes you right into SH downtown (30 min on the bike and you are at the Kids corner), the house itself is well kept and in very quiet community. 10 out of 10 vacation.
Stayed 11 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Jeff P.

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

Dune get a way

Location was close to public beaches, has a private beach but path to get there is brutal. Sand dune is very steep incline and couldn’t carry anything to beach area. House was very clean, very hard water so DON’T be surprised if things turn orange. Was very well stocked with paper products, dishes and s’mores supplies was cute touch!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Anthony D.

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

Family Beach Stay

Unique family friendly location with beach access.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jeff S.

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

Cool property

Very fun property. Definitely got a workout. Great views and good times
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Anna D.

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

Weekend stay

We had a great little weekend here. Cozy and neat location.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca R.

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

Incredible View, convenient & clean!

We arrived an hour earlier ahead of check in & got in right away. The place was quaint, clean & accommodated our stay for two nights! We absolutely LOVED the view at the top of our ‘mountain’ aka dune!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cory W.

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

Fun Place!

The Sandbox was very cute and the town was fun! The hike to the beach uphill both ways is definitely a workout!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

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

house by the dunes

The house is at the bottom of a steep climb up to the top of the dunes. It's absolutely worth the climb as the view is gorgeous. If you venture down to the beach, it is empty and beautiful. The house is clean and comfortable. Just keep in mind that the bathroom is upstairs and the bedrooms are downstairs.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gregg W.

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

Peaceful, Scenic, and Perfect for a Family Beach Getaway

We had a truly wonderful stay at The Sandbox. This charming little cottage was exactly what we were looking for: cozy, peaceful, beautifully maintained, and perfectly located for a quiet Lake Michigan retreat.The cottage sits at the edge of a small neighborhood but feels secluded and private because of the way it is nestled right up against a towering sand dune; from the top of the dune it feels like you’re in the middle of nowhere. The dune was an incredible place to take in the view or watch summer storms roll across the lake. Climbing over the dune and hiking the trails through the dunegrass brings you down to a gorgeous, uncrowded stretch of Lake Michigan shoreline. Our daughter had the best time running up and down the sand, and we all spent hours enjoying the beach.The beach itself was a beautiful mix of clean sand and smooth, colorful rocks, perfect for rock hunting. To our delight, we even found a Petoskey stone, which we didn’t expect to see this far south. It was such a fun surprise and added to the magic of the trip.The dune climb up from the cottage is steep, and we were very grateful for the built-in stairs and the rope that helps with the final stretch of loose sand. It’s definitely a challenge. For anyone with mobility concerns, we’d recommend accessing the water via the nearby ORV trail for an easier (but still steep and sandy) hike, or taking the quick bike or drive to Van Buren State Park, which offers very easy water access. Van Buren was also a great
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amanda C.

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

Amazing

Perfect location. Amazing views along with privacy and quiet. Listing was accurate. Host was attentive and great communication. Would definitely stay again!
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kate H.

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

Great place in a gorgeous setting!

We had a great weekend stay at the Sandbox. The home is adorable and so cozy but we spent our whole weekend outdoors exploring the beach and hiking the dune paths! A unique and enjoyable stay and the views of the lake from the top of the dune were incredible! Hope to come back late this summer for a beach weekend!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

indre v.

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

Love it

Very cozy house, fun climbing on the dunes,nice beach had very nice time!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Courtney R., Frankenmuth, MI

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

The Ultimate "Sandbox"

The property literally sits next to a dune with a pathway to Lake Michigan. It had every amenity we needed and very clean! We went in the winter, we would definitely come back for any other season!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer C.

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

Fun at the Sandbox

Very clean and relaxing property. Best of all, we made it up the dune.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Heidi L.

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

Perfect little get away

We had a wonderful time celebrating my husband’s birthday weekend with friends at the sandbox. It was clean and cozy with a wood burning fireplace. The owner communicated great and check in was a breeze. So thankful for this stay and the memories we shared.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Darryl W.

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

great getaway spot

location was very easy to find...the SandBox is a location I would love to rent in the Summer or Spring to be more outdoors. I enjoyed every aspect of the SandBox from the fireplace to the overall woodwork of the place. The only sugguestions I would provided is a washroom on the 1st floor and better WiFi.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2020

10/10 Excellent

Debra S.

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

The Sandbox in South Haven

We enjoyed our stay at the Sandbox! Beautiful home, nicely decorated. Felt like home! Steep dune to beautiful lake Mi. Enjoyed walking the pier in town and the lighthouse. Great reastaurants nearby and all the amenities of home for an at home meal! Quiet setting. Comfy beds. I would stay here again! Just beutiful!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Heidilynn D.

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

Cute cottage tucked at the back of the dunes

Great place! Cute cottage, very nicely decorated, could house 2 adults and 3 kids easily. The stairs up the dune look daunting, but we are an out of shape middle aged couple and we made it up and over to the beach and back. Beautiful sunset view from the top of the dunes.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Suzanne P.

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

Summer South Haven Beach Getaway

We just loved this amazing, peaceful location just 10 minutes outside of town, with the large dune directly in the yard. You definitely need to be in good shape & able to climb/hike in hot sand, so this would likely not be a good fit for those with physical limitations. The views were absolutely stunning. The house was charming, extremely clean and well-stocked, easy check-in process. Our 3 kids loved the adventurous climb to the stunning beach. Highly recommend!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

kathy s.

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

Private

Accurately described property. Very nice deck and fire pit area. Hill has 97 steps if we counted accurately. Two of us (both 67 and active) climbed it 3 times over two days. View from top superb. Downhill to beach a more gradual descent. 5-10 minutes to quiet lovely sandy beach... some collectable rocks.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sarah T.

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

A Place For Outdoor Lovers

We have never been to Michigan before and we were shocked how beautiful this area is. The Sandbox was the perfect for a great getaway during COVID. It is isolated in beautiful quite area but near great places. We were here during off season. Holland, Grand Haven and Indians Dunes were great day trip. Again perfect when you need to be away from people. The state park is next door and I recommend the season pass. The stairs are no joke on the dune. My husband went over them everyday, I tired but have have a very bad hip and knee. Everything was so clean and it was very inviting! This place is for outdoor lovers! Cannot recommend enough.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Matt B., Fort Wayne, in

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

Nice remote cabin

We wanted a remote stay and this cabin is very nice and provides that. We stayed for 5 days and had zero issues. In fact we only saw about 5 people in the surrounding neighborhood and beach in the entirety of our stay. The dune hike to get to the beach could be troublesome if you have problems getting around. We got a workout toting our young kids up and down the dune. The beach itself was worth it though. In our 5 days there we practically had the beach and dune trails to ourselves. In the event you couldn't traverse the trails, downtown South Haven, public beach, park, splash pad and lighthouse are approximately 10 minutes away. While being remote this cabin has all the amenities of home. WIFI, cable, washer/dryer all are in great working order. The WIFI for cell service was very useful as we didn't have cell reception otherwise. Basic condiments, plates, glasses and cooking utensils are there. As well as a grill and outdoor chairs. If you're looking for a remote location still close to South Haven and what it has to offer I highly recommend this cabin.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Avram S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Sandbox

Very unique setting in the dunes. House was comfortable, clean and well organized. 10 minutes from town. Fun stay, highly recommend for those who are fit enough to navigate the dunes!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Keenan F.

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

Love the Sandbox!

My friends and I had a great time at this little getaway. The house is nice and remote, the view from the top of the dune is gorgeous (gotta see the sunset!!), and South Haven is a perfect west MI summer getaway.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

About the host

Hosted by Kimberly Hawkins

Host profile image

Why they chose this property

This home was featured in Coastal Living magazine.

What makes this property unique

There is a giant dune in the backyard!

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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