A Great Escape for Any Season! Walk to Kid's Corner, South Beach & Downtown.
This comfortable and spacious home is the perfect getaway in SW Michigan. It's located near everything, and you'll enjoy the open layout, beautiful new kitchen, relaxing porches, an evening outside cooking smores, and the AC after a hot day at the beach. Walk a few blocks west to South Beach for beautiful sunsets and a view of the lighthouse. Before you head to bed try out one of two jacuzzi tubs (one in each master bath) or give the kids a bath with a detachable shower hose - great for getting off sand!
There are stairs to get in either entrance, but once inside it is easy to enjoy one-floor living. The laundry room, kitchen, master suite and full bath are all on the main level.
There are five bedrooms: Downstairs master suite with a queen bed Upstairs yellow room with a queen bed Upstairs blue room with twin over full bunk beds Upstairs green room with twin over full bunk beds Upstairs master suite with a queen bed and a twin bed with a trundle bed Pack and play can be easily located in any room.
Enjoy cooking with new appliances in a brand new kitchen. With two dining tables and a kitchen island, there is dining seating for 12 plus a youth chair and a high chair/booster seat that can strap on to a regular chair. The back deck has two tables that can seat up to 10.
For entertainment watch shows using chromecast or firesticks on a 55" TV in the front room or enjoy TV in your bedroom (all rooms except kids' blue rm.).
We have a little free library on our front lawn - browse books, take books, donate books. More information about the little free library can be found at LittleFreeLibrary.org. Ours is number 35906. It is also on FaceBook at facebook.com/thebigbirdhouselfl
Southwest Michigan is chock full of great places to explore and ways to enjoy the outdoors. We supply a folder with maps, menus, activity information and great things to do within a short drive of South Haven.
We require a full week rental during peak season from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The cleaning fee is half during the off-season.
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Hot tub
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
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Walk to South Beach and downtown, then relax in your private fenced yard with hot tub. This spacious 5-bedroom home sleeps 12 and is built for group fun — big kitchen, games, outdoor hangouts, and everything you need for an easy South Haven getaway.
South Haven
Walk to South Beach and downtown, then relax in your private fenced yard with hot tub. This spacious 5-bedroom home sleeps 12 and is built for group fun — big kitchen, games, outdoor hangouts, and everything you need for an easy South Haven getaway.
Events allowed: family gatherings and birthday parties
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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
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
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
Parties and events (including family gatherings and birthday parties) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 19
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
About the area
South Haven
Located in South Haven, this holiday home is in the city centre. Liberty Hyde Bailey Museum & Gardens and Michigan Maritime Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include South Haven Center for the Arts and The Fun Park. Travelling with kids? Consider Kids Place Park and Breedsville Park. Enjoy the area's slopes with cross-country skiing and snowboarding, and don't miss out on the ice skating and sledging.
South Haven Center for the Arts - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
North Beach - 11 min walk - 1.0 km
Warner Vineyards - 13 min walk - 1.1 km
Michigan Maritime Museum - 16 min walk - 1.4 km
Getting around
Bangor Station - 18 min drive
Kalamazoo, MI (AZO-Kalamazoo-Battle Creek Intl.) - 52 min drive
Restaurants
McDonald's - 15 min walk
Cafe Julia - 11 min walk
Burger King - 12 min walk
Taco Bell - 3 min drive
Little Caesars Pizza - 18 min walk
Frequently asked questions
Is A Great Escape for Any Season! Walk to Kid's Corner, South Beach & Downtown. pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at A Great Escape for Any Season! Walk to Kid's Corner, South Beach & Downtown. ?
As of 18 April 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at A Great Escape for Any Season! Walk to Kid's Corner, South Beach & Downtown. on 26 May 2026 start from NZ$1,409, 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 A Great Escape for Any Season! Walk to Kid's Corner, South Beach & Downtown. ?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at A Great Escape for Any Season! Walk to Kid's Corner, South Beach & Downtown. ?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at A Great Escape for Any Season! Walk to Kid's Corner, South Beach & Downtown. ?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is A Great Escape for Any Season! Walk to Kid's Corner, South Beach & Downtown. located?
Located in the centre of South Haven, this family-friendly holiday home is within a 10-minute walk of South Beach and Lake Michigan. South Haven Center for the Arts and Southside Municipal Marina are also within 15 minutes.
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
This house was amazing. We spent most of our time on the front porch which a swing, glider and a rocking chair. It's located close to everything. Great stay!
Joyce K.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 28 July 2025
I’m so glad you had a great stay and that you enjoyed the porch - it’s one of my favorite spots.
:)
Joyce
Stay was amazing! House was very clean and had plenty of room. We were a short walk from the beach. Grilled and used the fire pit as well. Would definitely recommend.
Stayed here for a weekend for a sister/daughters trip with Grandma. The house was perfect for the 10 of us. We walked to the beach and downtown. Thanks for having us Joyce!
Everything was great. Beds are very comfy. Plenty of room for our 5 couple stay. Close to downtown. The only thing that was a con was the digital door locks were tough to get open, but that was manageable. Wonderful day in such a fun town.
We enjoyed our stay so much this beautiful home. Front porch was a favorite hangout for morning coffee and after dinner refreshments. The little guys loved everything there was to offer in the garage. Looking forward to next year.
Diane S.
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2021
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Catherine W.
25 April 2015
Great place to stay for a race weekend!
My husband and I stayed at this wonderful home in July 2014. We were in town for the SCCA races at Gingerman. This home fit the bill perfectly! Close to the race track AND Lake Michigan. The home is perfectly appointed. We already have that same weekend booked for 2015.
Catherine W.
Response from VrboOwner on 6 March 2020
Thank you for your review. I'm glad you enjoyed your stay and thank you for booking again this year!
When we got there the house was only half cleaned and it was after our check in time when we arrived. I called the owner and she was on it!!! She had a cleaning team there within 30 minutes and they did a great job. We had plenty of room and the location was great!! We will definitely stay again.
Shellie B.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Mary E.
15 June 2016
Perfect
This home is lovely--spacious and very clean and well-maintained, and it has everything you might need. This includes several bikes for kids and adults along with a couple of scooters for the kids and a nice grill in the backyard. The home is an easy walk to the beach, to the downtown and to the Kids Corner park. It really is a great location. Finally, the owner is responsive, kind and gracious and a pleasure to work with. We hope to be back at the same location next year!
This home is a beautiful open concept home for a multiple family home. There are so many kid toys they never got bored. The porch with swing and rockers were amazing for relaxing after a long day. It was really nice to have two full bathrooms upstairs and an extra 1/2 bath downstairs. The bikes were awesome to ride and the beach wasn't too far. Joyce was quick to respond to any questions we had and so very kind and easy to deal with. Everyone enjoyed their time at this home. Thank you.
Pam
We had a fantastic 1-week stay at this property, and I only have the highest praise to give!
First, the house. The pictures don't do it justice - you need to see it to appreciate it. It's perfect for families. The house is spacious, with every detail well-thought through to create a comfortable, beautiful and relaxing experience. It has plenty of space downstairs, and 5 large bedrooms including 2 bedrooms setup for different age kids. One of the kids' bedrooms has a full kitchen playset in the closet, which occupied out 3 and 6 year old for hours! It is also extremely well stocked (except for personal toiletries - shampoo, body wash, etc) - from scissors and tape to all sorts of kitchen utensils/appliances (including an espresso maker!) to beach toys/tents/bikes, etc. The location is just on the border of what would be a comfortable distance to the beach - another block, and it might have been too far. As it was, we didn't feel it a burden to get to the beach, and most days went there twice a day - once for swimming/beach time and once for the sunset.
Second, the owner. Again, I have nothing but the highest praise! Joyce was very hands-on and responsive. Here's a situation that she handled in the best way possible. There was a broken water main when we arrived, and not only did she keep us updated on the ETA for repairs, but she also brought potable water within hours, and even refunded the first day, though this was NOT her fault. That was above and beyond - thank you!
Lilia M.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Teri W.
6 August 2018
Perfect house for our mini family reunion: great location, great spaces, well-appointed everything
Everyone in our 3-generation group loved this house! Only about 4 blocks from the beach, and maybe a 15-20 min walk to town/restaurants, the location was perfect! I didn’t have to get in a car for 4 days because we walked to everything! The large open kitchen/living room was great and fit our family nicely at the two dining room tables (one seated up to 10, the other 5), but we always had our own spaces to retreat to for quiet (my sister said the house was perfect for introverts like her who don’t mind being with people but need escapes too). There are nice seating areas in the back (deck and by garage) but our overall favorite place was the front porch/deck—if people were home there was more often than not 1-10 people out there. This house is on a quiet street despite leading to the park and beach.
The house itself was very well appointed, having plenty of silverware, plates, bowls, etc for everyone. There’s a very nice washer and dryer as well. There are also plenty of blankets/sheets/beds for all. Joyce was very good with communication/responsiveness both before we arrived and also during our stay. The ONLY change/recommendation I would make would be to change 3 of the queen beds into king beds, as those rooms are large enough to accommodate that and some of the adults in our group prefer kings to queens (but we were fully aware of what we were getting so there’s no problem...). My only concern is it looks like they will be finishing the basement in the near future which may price us out of this house:(. We really all had a wonderful time and would love to return in the future!
Teri W.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 6 March 2020
Thank you for the great review and for the feedback - that is helpful. Everyone in your group was great to work with and we would love to host your family again. I'm glad to hear there was a space for everyone to enjoy their getaway.
No worries regarding the basement - that space was part of our initial build-out and plans, and in the past we've opened it up as an extra space to play in. This Summer we've determined there is too much down there so we've been keeping it separate.
Everyone in the family enjoyed their stay! The home was well equipped with cooking supplies, toilet paper, and bath towels, etc. plus lots of extra beach equipment and kids’ toys in the home and garage. The location to the beach, kids corner, and downtown was just a short walk. We would visit again!
Everything was great about the house! The only issue was the dishwasher. There is a roller on the bottom rack missing so that rack constantly came off the track. You may want to order a roller from an online appliance parts company.
This house was great for our extended family group. Plenty of beds and bathrooms. The openness of the kitchen/dining/family room made it easy to prep meals and all eat in the same area of the house. House was clean and comfortable. We enjoyed the yard and all of the extra toys in the garage. The walk to the beach and downtown was easy so location was great. Communication with the owner also excellent.
We enjoyed our stay here. Very close to the Kids Corner Playground, and the South Beach access. Everything was clean and communication with the host was excellent.
My husband and I hosted our 3 adult children and their families to a week in South Haven. This home was the most comfortable rental we have had for the past 7 years that we’ve been doing this. Comfortable, clean, roomy, and well stocked. The extras in the way of toys and beach equipment from the garage were a huge plus. Location was a 5 block walk to Kids Corner and the stairway for the beach which was perfect for our family. We hope to stay there again next summer.
What an outstanding home.... Clean and well appointed with lots of toys, games, and activities for the kids. Great location with easy walk to the beach and downtown. The front porch was icing on the cake!
We'll be back!
Wonderful host, beautiful home, and a surprise bonus for our four-year-old and one-year-old: TOYS! We had a fantastic weekend and would 100% recommend this home and host to anyone looking for a family-friendly place to stay in South Haven!
The house was perfect for our family fall gathering. The house was clean, spacious, provided many options for sleeping arrangements, and had everything we could possibly need. The garage has everything you need from bikes to a kids wagon, which we used to walk to town with our daughter. The house is well located, a short walk to town and to the water plus the cool kid's corner playground. Communication and flexibility with the owner was great too. Would love to visit again and stay at this house in the future.
We had an amazing experience at this beautiful, spacious vacation house! The proximity to the beach and downtown bars / restaurants was exactly what we were looking for. We will definitely stay here again!
Shelly S.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2021
About the host
Hosted by Joyce Hagen-McIntosh
Joyce grew up in Portage, MI and her family spent many evenings at South Beach in South Haven flying kites, having cookouts and enjoying the beach.
In 2014 we built a house in South Haven and we enjoy spending time there with our sons, extended family, and friends. We are now a short drive from family in the Kalamazoo area and Grand Rapids. There are many great festivals in town and nearby (Blueberry Fest, Harborfest, Icecutter fest, Holland Tulip Festival, and summer art fairs!) as well as great golfing and winery tours for the adults. It is also near the Gingerman Speedway and son got to go last year and see the races. He loved it!
Why they chose this property
Our home is the perfect vacation spot - whether your idea of relaxation is shopping, dining out and going to a movie, and laying on the beach or taking a 20 mile bike ride on the Kal Haven Trail, hiking, para sailing, ice skating, cross country skiing, or hunting.