Spacious 4-bedroom house near Schafer Lake minutes off I-94. High Speed Wi-Fi.
Make yourself at home in this private four bedroom, four bath country retreat near Shafer Lake. Public lake access is a short walk or drive away, offering a boat launch for water sports, fishing, or a quiet float in the sun.
At your disposal is a king suite with private bath, a queen suite with private bath, another queen bedroom, and an office with a queen-sized Murphy bed to easily accommodate families, groups of friends, or long-term corporate stays.
Enjoy newly renovated fixtures in our fully equipped kitchen where you can prepare your favorite meals. High speed fiber optic internet and Wi-fi is available throughout the house to support streaming or remote work needs. Forced-air heating and air conditioning ensures you are comfortable throughout the year. On the back of the house is a large deck with a grill and seating for outdoor cooking. Rounding out your comforts is an attached two-car garage that connects to a fully appointed mudroom with washer and dryer.
We are optimally located just a few minutes off the I-94 highway between Chicago and Detroit, and about a half hour to gorgeous lake Michigan beaches and Kalamazoo. We invite you to enjoy all that West Michigan has to offer during your stay with us.
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Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
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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
Gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
If you use the garage door opener, please put it back when you leave.
If you do not want the Ring Security Cameras on please flip the switch to off, it’s there for protection when no one is there!
Hope your time was enjoyable and hope to see you back! Thank you!
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Do not walk on properties that are connected to mine , they are neighbors properties, their are guests that live in apartment attached to barn.
Do not block driveway
Important information
You need to know
Property # 4415528vb
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
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 15
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
About the area
Hartford
Hartford is home to this holiday home. Lake Cora Hills Golf Club and St. Julian Winery are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit Kids Place Park and Surfari Joe's Indoor Wilderness Water Park.
Western Michigan University - 31 min drive - 59.6 km
Warren Dunes State Park - 34 min drive - 71.2 km
Getting around
Bangor Station - 17 min drive
Kalamazoo, MI (AZO-Kalamazoo-Battle Creek Intl.) - 31 min drive
Restaurants
Casey's - 11 min drive
McDonald's - 11 min drive
Panel Room Restaurant - 10 min drive
Subway - 10 min drive
Big Twin Tavern - 9 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Spacious 4-bedroom house near Schafer Lake minutes off I-94. High Speed Wi-Fi. pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Spacious 4-bedroom house near Schafer Lake minutes off I-94. High Speed Wi-Fi.?
As of 10 August 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Spacious 4-bedroom house near Schafer Lake minutes off I-94. High Speed Wi-Fi. on 15 August 2026 start from NZ$2,362, 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 Spacious 4-bedroom house near Schafer Lake minutes off I-94. High Speed Wi-Fi.?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Spacious 4-bedroom house near Schafer Lake minutes off I-94. High Speed Wi-Fi.?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Spacious 4-bedroom house near Schafer Lake minutes off I-94. High Speed Wi-Fi.?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Spacious 4-bedroom house near Schafer Lake minutes off I-94. High Speed Wi-Fi. located?
This family-friendly Hartford holiday home is within 3 mi (5 km) of Shafer Lake, Hall Lake and Van Buren Historical Society Museum. Cornwall Lake and Tiger Den Sports Complex are also within 6 miles (10 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
We couldn't have asked for a better place to stay.Our family was in the area for my grandmother Anita's memorial service, and this home was the perfect location. Her house was just a few miles down County Road 365, and my aunt's farmhouse in Decatur was only minutes away. We gather here once or twice a year, and there's never enough room for everyone to stay together. In the past we've stayed in hotels in St. Joseph, but this was far more convenient and made it easy to spend more time with family.The home itself is beautiful. It's clear great care went into the renovation. The kitchens and bathrooms have lovely finishes, every room is thoughtfully furnished, and the beds are very comfortable. Everything was spotless when we arrived, and the property is well maintained inside and out.We spent most of our time at family gatherings but wished we had another day to enjoy the home. The front porch would be perfect for watching a Michigan sunset, and the back porch is ideal for relaxing while dinner cooks on the grill.Patty was a wonderful host—responsive, welcoming, and thoughtful. The homemade cookies were a warm and personal touch.We would absolutely stay here again and highly recommend it.
Shannon H.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 14 July 2026
Thank you for your thoughtful words! It was a delight to have you stay with us at Shafer Lake Express! Look forward in seeing you again!
The property was absolutely gorgeous. Everything seemed brand new and spotlessly clean. The furniture was very comfortable. Easy drive to several locations with activities for families. Also, the chocolate chip and monster cookies were delicious! 10 out of 10 would stay here again anytime we’re in the area.
We had the best experience in this house!! The host is unbelievably friendly and helpful. The house is equipped with everything! Way more than we needed to the 3 day stay. Definitely going back there again!!
We had a most wonderful time here!!! Definitely one of the BEST vacation rentals we’ve ever stayed in. Everything was pristine and perfect! This house has it all and the attention to detail and craftsmanship was incredible! The location was very convenient to Lake Michigan and all the surrounding small towns. We truly enjoyed our stay and will definitely be back and we will definitely recommend this place to our friends and family for future adventures in beautiful Michigan! Thank you so much for making our stay so special and memorable!
Andi R.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 19 August 2025
Thank you for staying with us at Shafer Express! Hope your stay was enjoyable!
Patty Ratzlaff
Couldn't have been happier. Our group, consisting of 3 adults and 3-4 kids was thrilled with the house. Brand new appliances, quick internet, and everything was so clean.Patty baked cookies for our arrival and even left us some things in the fridge. Every single detail was thought about, from soft towels, to comfortable sleeping arrangements, to blankets on the couch. Happiest I've been with a rental property. Don't hesitate to book.
Eli C.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 23 June 2025
Thank you for your stay and response!
It was a delight to have you at our place!
This VRBO was by far the BEST place we have rented. Not only was Patty (owner) helpful prior to our arrival, she communicated with us and answered any/all questions we had during and after our stay. This home is immaculate, organized, clean, and absolutely stunning. We rented as my daughter was getting married and we needed a place to stay that was large enough for my parents, the bride, a few bridesmaids, and my husband and I. The home had anything we could’ve asked for, comfortable beds, spacious kitchen/dining area and a large living room- with plenty of room outside, including a nice back deck. We had all of our wedding makeup/hair done at the house the morning of the wedding because of how beautifully decorated and spacious the home was. Every room had clean towels, and was beautifully decorated, and included tv’s, WiFi, and any other amenity you could possibly need. You will not be disappointed staying in this home, and we cannot wait to come back! Thank you Patty!
This is a beautiful home. We loved everything about it. The kitchen is extremely well stocked and it is apparent that they thought about all the little details when designing the property so that you can enjoy your stay. I would highly recommend it.
Eddie B.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 8 August 2026
Thank you for staying with us! It was great having you in our home!
Have a great year!
Patty Ratzlaff
Our family really enjoyed this newly renovated country farm house with so many well thought out amenities. The kitchen is clean and well stocked, comfortable living room with games for the kids and a huge TV. With 4 bedrooms and 4 full baths everyone was comfortable and had room.
Jennifer H.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 6 July 2026
Thank you for coming and enjoying Shafer Lake Express! Look forward in maybe seeing you again someday!
Blessings to you!
Patty Ratzlaff
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Jessica A.
4 August 2025
Jessica A.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025
About the host
Hosted by Patty Ratzlaff
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests