Top 10% of guest reviews in this areaTop 10% of guest reviews in this area
5 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 8185.8 sq m
Popular amenities
Onsite parking available
Kitchen
Washer/dryer
Air-conditioning
Outdoor barbecue
Balcony or patio
Explore the area
Harbert, MI
Cherry Beach
Place, Cherry Beach
4 min drive
Eleanor O'Connor Wilson Woods Preserve
Place, Eleanor O'Connor Wilson Woods Preserve
5 min drive
Warren Dunes State Park
Place, Warren Dunes State Park
8 min drive
South Bend, IN (SBN-South Bend Intl.)
Airport, South Bend, IN (SBN-South Bend Intl.)
38 min drive
Rooms & beds
5 bedrooms (sleeps 8)
Bedroom 1
1 Queen Bed
Bedroom 2
1 Queen Bed
Bedroom 3
1 Queen Bed
Bedroom 4
2 Single Beds
Bedroom 5
2 Single Beds
2 bathrooms
Bathroom 1
Toilet · Shower only
Bathroom 2
Bathtub or shower · Toilet
Spaces
Deck or patio
Kitchen
Dining area
About this property
The Sand House: Step into Summer at The Sand House: Private Beach, Balcony Views, and More
THE SAND HOUSE
SLEEPS: 8 BEDROOMS: 5 BATHROOMS: 2 *5 minute Walk to Private Lake Michigan Beach *BALCONY *SCREENED-IN PORCH *QUIET TIME: Harbert Woods is a private community of homeowners. Please respect their privacy and property. We ask that guests be respectful of our community by keeping quiet hours between 10:00 pm and 7:00 am EST while at the beach, out on the back deck or on the screen porch. You may not be able to see the neighbors but they will hear you. If you are outside past 10:00 pm (9:00 pm Chicago time) please be quiet and respectful to our neighbors. NO EXCEPTIONS-- Freshwater Vacation Rentals has other options if you need a space where you can be loud with your music, and voices.
The Sand House is an ideal spot for a vacation with your family, or a getaway with friends. Just 90 minutes from Chicago, this five-bedroom, two-bath summer house on two levels via spiral staircase will provide comfort, fun and memories for all. Just a one-block walk to the beautiful, sandy, private Harbert Woods beach, you can swim, build sandcastles, and watch spectacular sunsets. At the house, have your morning coffee out on the upstairs deck surrounded by trees. The combined kitchen, dining and living room area, with vaulted ceiling, allows everyone to be together, and there is a dining table for ten. Property provides widescreen HD TV with cable and Blu-ray DVD as well as Wi-Fi. If you bring music on your iPod or phone you can connect to the integrated sound system that plays upstairs and downstairs in your vacation treehouse. You will find movies on hand for the kids or books to read for any age. In addition to the upstairs living space, there is a family room and many games, books, toys and puzzles. Or, relax with a glass of wine on the screen porch. Book your stay today at the Sand House in Harbert Woods!
You must be at least 30 years old to rent The Sand House.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Accessibility: You must climb four steps to enter the main floor of the house. Once on the main floor, no further stairs exist to reach the master bedroom, adjacent bathroom, kitchen, dining area, living room and deck. The additional bedrooms, second bathroom, family room, screen porch and laundry room are downstairs.
Beach/Swimming: Private swimming beach is just a one-block walk from the house! Less than a 3 minute walk. Even my 8 year old doesn't complain!
Beach Chairs/Umbrellas: Please bring your own.
Cable: Yes, there is HD cable TV and a DVD player.
Dining Area: There is a dining room table for ten. There are additional chairs if more needed.
Deck: There is a deck on the main level with a small table and four chairs, as well as a cozy screen porch downstairs.
Family Room Area: There is a family room upstairs and a second family room downstairs. You will find many books, games, toys and puzzles for your use.
Fires: Sorry, no fires allowed at the property. If the fire rings are on the Lake Michigan beach, you may bring your own firewood and have a fire.
Parking: The driveway easily fits four cars. May fit five if some cars are compact. No parking is allowed on the roadside. It must be open for emergency vehicles (non emergency vehicles will be towed).
Pets: At this time, pets are not welcome. Sorry!
Towels: Yes, we provide towels. It's always good to bring extra though, and please bring beach towels.
Washer and dryer: Yes.
Winery Tours: The nearest wineries for tastings and tours are a 20-minute drive, but as of May 2020 most are closed due to Covid-19.
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
Grand Mere State Park: totally undeveloped dunes and Lake Michigan shoreline, often you are the only people on the beach, trails (beach is a two-mile walk from the parking lot, a one mile paved path and one mile dune trail); at Stevensville, a 16 minute drive north on Interstate 94
Warren Dunes State Park: 4 miles north on Red Arrow Highway, Sawyer (7 minute drive); requires fee to enter, 2000 acres, six miles of hiking trails, three miles of Lake Michigan coastline, beaches, rugged dune formation rises 260 feet above the lake
Beach Bucket Fudge & Popcorn: ice cream shop 4 miles north at 12021 Red Arrow Highway, Sawyer (7 minute drive)
Falatics Meat Market: incredible place, 12236 Red Arrow Hwy, Bridgman (269) 426-3224 (6 minute drive). Order ahead for curbside pick up.
Greenbush Brewing Company: taproom, annex and beer garden (3 miles north / 7 minute drive; Sawyer Road)
Sawyer Home & Garden Center: myriad fresh produce, wine, flowers (3 mile drive; north side of Sawyer Road)
Sawyer Market & Deli: grocery store and ice cream shop with excellent pre-bake pies at the deli (finish baking them at home) (269) 426-4646 (3 mile drive; south side of Sawyer Road)
Cafe Gulistan: tasty Middle Eastern restaurant and wine bar, Harbert (1 mile)
Luisa's Cafe & Harbert Swedish Bakery: coffee cake, pastry, donuts, bread etc. at the bakery; lovely fresh-cooked breakfast or lunch in attached restaurant (.8 mile / 15 minute walk)
Capozio's: Tasty pizza, south to 13982 Red Arrow Highway, Harbert (4 miles / 4 minute drive) Thursday to Sunday (269) 469-4001
Red Arrow Roadhouse: the classic, south to 15710 Red Arrow Highway, Union Pier (269) 469-3939 burgers, salads, whitefish, crab cakes, ribs, fun (9 minute drive)
The Wine Sellers: lovely wine shop at the southern end of Union Pier, 16409 Red Arrow Hwy
Ghost Isle Brewery: restaurant and brewery, views of sweeping marsh and wetlands, 17684 U.S. Highway 12, New Buffalo;sandwiches, BBQ, seafood; seasonal, ethnic flair
Barney's Market: grocery store in New Buffalo
Oink's Ice Cream and Yogurt: famous ice cream shop in New Buffalo
Stray Dog Bar & Grill: 245 N Whittaker Street, New Buffalo
Beer Church Brewing Company: wood fire pizza, small plates and small batch beer in re-purposed church 24 S Whittaker Street, New Buffalo
Acorn Theater: live music, comedy and drama 107 Generation Drive, Three Oaks
Vickers Theatre: historic movie house at 6 N Elm Street, Three Oaks
Three Oaks art galleries: along Elm Street — Studio B Gallery, art gallery at the Vickers Theatre, Judy Ferrara Gallery, Trilogy Antiques and Design (13 minute drive, take Three Oaks Road)
Harbor Country chamber of commerce: find out about road construction as well as Covid-19 "stay safe" and retail curbside pick up info as well as other events.
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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
About the area
Harbert
Located in Shorewood-Tower Hills-Harbert, this holiday home is on a lake. 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 Captain Mike's Fun Park. Round Barn Union Pier Tasting Room and Waikiki Jacks are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with power boating and fishing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking and mountain biking.
Eleanor O'Connor Wilson Woods Preserve - 5 min drive - 4.6 km
Robinson Woods Preserve - 6 min drive - 4.6 km
Younger Family Preserve - 8 min drive - 7.7 km
Warren Dunes State Park - 8 min drive - 7.4 km
Getting around
New Buffalo Station - 15 min drive
South Bend, IN (SBN-South Bend Intl.) - 50 min drive
Restaurants
McDonald's - 10 min drive
Molly's Corner - 12 min drive
Journeyman Distillery - 15 min drive
Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen - 6 min drive
Greenbush Brewing Company - 6 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is The Sand House: Step into Summer at The Sand House: Private Beach, Balcony Views, and More pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at The Sand House: Step into Summer at The Sand House: Private Beach, Balcony Views, and More?
As of 20 April 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Sand House: Step into Summer at The Sand House: Private Beach, Balcony Views, and More on 29 May 2026 start from NZ$561, 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 The Sand House: Step into Summer at The Sand House: Private Beach, Balcony Views, and More?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at The Sand House: Step into Summer at The Sand House: Private Beach, Balcony Views, and More?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
Where is The Sand House: Step into Summer at The Sand House: Private Beach, Balcony Views, and More located?
Situated on a lake, this holiday home is within 1 mi (2 km) of Cherry Beach and Lake Michigan. Eleanor O'Connor Wilson Woods Preserve and Robinson Woods Preserve are also within 3 miles (5 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Our fourth stay at The Sand House was just as pleasant as our earlier experiences. Short walk to a spacious beach is the primary draw but the comfort of the home makes it a favorite.
Lauretta L.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 9 September 2025
We’re so happy to hear your fourth stay at The Sand House was just as enjoyable as the others! You were wonderful guests, and we’d be delighted to welcome you back again anytime . -Van FVR
The house was well appointed and the location was outstanding. We had a lovely stay!
Kelley C.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 22 July 2024
Kelley, we're so glad that you had a lovely time, and that the location worked so well for you. We appreciate what respectful guests you were, and we hope to work with you again. - Claire, FVR
Great stay! Check in/check out was easy. House as described. Extra amenities included. Would stay here again. Note-there are 96 stairs down to the private beach. If needed, Weko Beach in Bridgman has a walk out beach for 15.
Verified traveller
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 13 September 2025
Thank you for your lovely review! We’re happy you enjoyed your stay and the extra amenities. You were great guests and are welcome back anytime! -Van FVR
Thank you for your feedback Emily! We’re glad to hear you found the home spacious, clean, and comfortable. You're a great guest and we'd love working with you again! - Van FVR
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Elizabeth B.
28 July 2018
Lovely home just right for our extended family group
This property was fantastic. Well appointed with almost everything we could need for our stay. Beautiful location not far from the beach. Would definitely stay again!
Elizabeth B.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 23 June 2023
Elizabeth, we are so happy that the Sand House was everything that you were hoping for, and we hope to see you again soon!
Hosted my mom for her birthday with my extended family. Really close to the beach and very vintage decor! Had a great time!
Fredric M.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 5 July 2024
Fredric , we're so glad that you spent your mother's birthday with us, and that you all had a great time! We appreciate what respectful guests you were, and we hope to work with you again. - Claire, FVR
Always great to go to the lake . Proximity to the lake was a big plus .Kitchen was really nice and stocked well with great dishes and cutlery -the owner took time to decorate the living room and stock the board games as well .
J D.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 16 October 2023
Jyoti, sometimes the short getaways are the sweetest. We're glad that you spent your with us, and we hope that you come back again.
We had a wonderful stay here with our kids and parents. The house was even more spacious than comes through in the pictures, had nice amenities in the kitchen and a great basement. And the nearby beach (just a few minutes walk) was truly beautiful - we might have just gotten lucky with the weather, but it was a nice sandy beach, and the water was swimmable and calm.
Jason H.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 29 September 2023
Jason, we're glad that The Sand House worked out so well for you, and that you enjoyed the beach. We hope that you come back again.
We booked the Sand House for a family fall getaway. The property was spacious and accommodating for a large group. Comfortable design with lots of ammenities. Beautiful setting in the woods and just a short walk to the beach. I highly recommend!
Lawrence F.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 18 November 2024
We're so glad the Sand House provided a spacious and accommodating space for your family getaway, Lawrence. It’s wonderful to hear you enjoyed the comfortable design and beautiful setting so close to the beach. You were fantastic guests, and we’d love to welcome you again! -Van FVR
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Tracey M.
17 May 2018
Girls get-away
All my girls loved the place and we had a lot of fun inspite of the weather.
Tracey M.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 23 June 2023
We are so glad that you and your friends enjoyed your stay at the Sand House, and we hope that you reture soon.
Had a great time at this property. House was clean and had plenty of space for me and my friends. Loved the stereo system and DVD collection. Close to the beach and close to Warren Dunes State Park. Lots of great food and drinks spots around. Will be back!
Carroll B.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 20 October 2024
Hi Carroll , I am glad that you and your friends enjoyed the clean and spacious house. It’s great to hear you took advantage of the nearby beach and Warren Dunes State Park. You were great guests and we can’t wait to welcome you back for another stay! - Van FVR
Sand House offers the perfect location and space for a day(s) at the beach. Property was clean and spacious with a good TV, expansive library and games for those less than perfect weather days. Easy walk to an awesome beach.
Lauretta L.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 1 September 2023
Lauretta, we agree, the property is Pure Michigan! We're glad that you had such a good stay, and we hope that you come back again.
This property was perfect for our annual SW Michigan friends getaway weekend. Great space for hanging out in both levels, lots of comfortable sleeping options. The access to the beach was as easy as described. We are already considering re-booking for our trip next year!
Kerri B.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 28 August 2023
Kerri, we love that you spent your SW Michigan friends' getaway weekend with us, and that the cottage worked out well for you. We hope that you do come back next summer!
We enjoyed our stay at the Sand House. It was a peaceful and quiet setting. The house was spacious and very accommodating to our needs.
VIRGINIA S.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 23 June 2023
Virginia, we're glad that you teachers took some time to yourselves at our property, and that it worked out well for you. We hope to work with you again.
This is our fourth time at this property. The layout and location of this house is great. 5 minutes down a few very stable steps and you arrive at an expansive beach where everyone is courteous and clean. Looking forward to next year already!
Lauretta L.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 2 November 2024
Thank you so much for your continued visits and kind words! We’re thrilled to hear that the layout and location make it a perfect spot for you Lauretta. Knowing you're already looking forward to next year truly means a lot to us. We can’t wait to welcome you back for your fifth stay! -Van FVR
We loved this house. It has everything you could possibly need from toys for every age to beach umbrellas and chairs. Kitchen accommodations were great. The upstairs master bedroom was a little warm but we managed. The steps down to the beach were a bit challenging for the little ones but not as bad as they trip up for us older ones (83)! But we all managed and loved the stay. They only down side was the parking as only 4 cars could be there. We had two other families at another house and when they came over we had to shuffle cars to their house to keep the cars in the drive to 4. We will definatley keep this house on our list for next year.
Sandra S.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 14 September 2025
Thank you for the wonderful feedback! We're glad you enjoyed the house and all the amenities, and appreciate your understanding about the parking and stairs. You were fantastic guests, and we’d love to welcome you back next year! -Van FVR
I rented a house for 8 adults in the Harbert, MI area. Freshwater was very responsive and answered all my questions in a timely manner. They were so easy to work with and gave such helpful information about the surrounding area too. It was great working with them. The house we stayed in, was very clean, had all the necessities and much more. You can tell they had put a lot of thought into the home, making it a more than comfortable stay.
Emily W.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 23 June 2023
Emily, we love hearing that the cottage worked out so well for your large group. We appreciate your kind words for the staff of FVR. It means a lot to us. We hope that you come back again.
This 5 bedroom house served our family of 11 adults and 8 children well. The house is open concept and spacious. A short walk to Lake Michigan- the private beach is beautiful. We played frisbee, sat under furnished umbrellas in furnished beach chairs. We swam and skipped flat rocks. The kitchen is so well stocked with everything a cook needs; even a variety of spices. The upper deck looks out over a beautiful woods. We will definitely return.
Shirley B.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 5 December 2024
Thank you for sharing such a wonderful review Shirley! We're delighted to hear that the house accommodated your large group so well and spaciousness met your needs. We're thrilled the well-stocked kitchen and upper deck added to your experience, and it’s fantastic to hear you'll be returning. We look forward to hosting you and your family again for more memorable moments! -Van, FVR
This is a very well appointed house that worked perfectly for our family. It is well stocked with everything you need for the beach including high quality beach chairs and umbrellas, plus the beach was so close and really spectacular. We spent time on the large deck upstairs and the screened porch downstairs. There was plenty of room for 8 adults and one baby to spread out. We enjoyed the stereo set-up and our adult children enjoyed the large selection of DVD’s (many from the ‘90’s, so a trip down memory lane). The house has a ton of games, puzzles and toddler toys that we all enjoyed. Everything in the kitchen and house was clearly labeled which made it very easy to find what we needed quickly.
Marsha D.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 13 May 2024
Marsha. thank you for this positive, extensive review. It means a lot to us when guests take the time to detail their stay, as you did. We agree, being only 5 minutes to beautiful Lake Michigan is quite spectacular. You were wonderful guests, and we hope that you come back again. - Claire, FVR
Me and large family of 9 loved our stay in the Sand House. The house was amazing, with everything we needed (except dish cloths for some reason). So many toys and books and movies. There was adequate room for us all to spread out. Rooms were nicely sized but I will add that some rooms are in need of mattress upgrades. The one I slept in (in downstairs porch room) was very old and hard. The kitchen was VERY well stocked with dishes. Almost too much so there wasn't much space to "put things away," for our stay. The refrigerator is a little on the small side, so a second fridge to use would be nice. We loved the neighborhood, and saw a family of deer nearly every day. The walk to the beach was easy, and lovely, and the private beach was the highlight of the trip, with the home owners providing all necessary beach gear (chairs, etc) for our use. We've stayed in various houses along Lake, MI for the past 5 years and this is our favorite house so far.
Cari K.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 23 June 2023
Cari, we love that The Sand House has been your favorite spot in the past 5 years! There are 5 bedrooms that sleep 8 and 2 bathrooms. It is a short 5 minute walk to Lake Michigan. There is a deck on the main level with a small table and four chairs, as well as a cozy screen porch downstairs. There is also a washer and dryer for guests' convenience.
About the host
Hosted by Freshwater Vacation Rentals
Freshwater Vacation Rentals • Established in 2005 If you are looking for a vacation rental, you have come to the right spot! We offer an unparalleled selection of properties across the state-from private islands and large family lodges to peaceful Great Lakes getaways. We specialize in finding your ideal setting, whether it's a social spot where you can enjoy evening fires with neighbors, or a remote retreat where you won't see another soul. Our philosophy: We work hard so you don't have to. As both owners and property managers for nearly two decades (since our start with Republic island and the Rapid River Lodge), we offer a unique, insider perspective. Our mission is to guarantee our guests a wonderful experience and help our owners maximize their investment. Give us a call, and we'll find the right fit for you!
Languages:
English, Spanish, Danish, Croatian
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests