ON LAKE MICHIGAN WITH PRIVATE BEACH! 3 NIGHTS LEFT JUNE 4-7
ONLY 3 NIGHTS LEFT FOR THIS YEAR! IDEAL FOR 1-2 COUPLES IN THE SOUTH APARTMENT HALF OF THE DUPLEX. Friendly, respectful neighbors and located in an upscale neighborhood area with all the conveniences in walking/biking distance. Our "Thunderdune" cottage is so relaxing and our most treasured place of all time! Charming and super clean duplex cottage on Lake Michigan with amazing lake views inside cottage and out. Private beach access in large front yard with room for games or just chillin' around the fire pit. Walking/biking distance to popular restaurants, deli, coffee shop and garden/craft market (during season). Fully supplied kitchens with new appliances. Drip coffee makers, microwaves, ranges, full size refrigerators, toasters, crockpots, and blenders, Outdoor charcoal grilling and utensils. Garage can house your bicycles & water toys with nearby rentals & delivery. Can rent whole house( when available) or half (securely divided apartment units) RATES SHOWN ARE FOR ONE apartment (SIDE) OF THE DUPLEX. SIDES ARE SEPARATED BY DOUBLE DOORS WITH DEADBOLT LOCKS ON EACH SIDE. CAN OPEN IF RENTING BOTH SIDES AND USE AS ONE LARGE HOUSE. (inquire with owner) Large yard areas OVERLOOKING THE LAKE for cookouts, games and lounging. Upscale neighborhood area. Guests often repeat stays, annually. High speed WIFI & CABLE & SMART TVS. Comprehensive cleaning and sanitizing practices in each side of the duplex. Ample liquid hand soap and other cleaning disinfecting products provided. Tissues, tp, garbage bags and paper towel provided. AWESOME LOCATION! Walking distance to restaurants with biking/hiking trails. Paved trail alongside Red Arrow hwy. goes several miles north to Harbert and south to New Buffalo. Rent is by the week Sunday to Sunday with flexibility before Memorial Day and after Labor Day Three night minimum is required during shoulder seasons. There are approximately 80 gradual steps down to beach. Access to our beach steps is right off the front yard of the cottage. (facing the lake) Cottage sleeps up to 6 per side. Each side has 2 bedrooms with brand new queen mattresses, one bath per side with large room like showers. Full size futon in both living rooms. Rent one side or entire cottage on select weeks (as available). Lake view lakefront bedrooms and separate yard picnic/grill areas on each side. North side apartment unit has a laundry room with washer/dryer. Outdoor clotheslines on both sides. (CHECK IN AT 3PM. CHECK OUT TIME 11AM) THE COTTAGE IS SMOKE FREE SORRY, NO PETS A/C and heat on both sides! Cottage and yard are nicely shaded. Lake breezes and sounds of the waves are heavenly. Hosts always available.
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Have a question?
AI iconBetaBeta
Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.
Similar properties
*SPRING DISCOUNT!* Right on Lake Michigan! Large 2 acre yard and private beach
*SPRING DISCOUNT!* Right on Lake Michigan! Large 2 acre yard and private beach
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 not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
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
Lakeside
Located in Lakeside, this cottage is in a rural area and on the waterfront. 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 Ghost Isle Brewery. Travelling with kids? Consider Round Barn Union Pier Tasting Room and Local. Jet skiing and windsurfing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking and horse riding nearby.
St. Julian Winery - Union Pier Tasting Room - 3 min drive - 2.5 km
Round Barn Union Pier Tasting Room - 3 min drive - 2.5 km
Getting around
New Buffalo Station - 9 min drive
South Bend, IN (SBN-South Bend Intl.) - 45 min drive
Restaurants
The Buffet at Four Winds Casino - 14 min drive
Four Winds Sports Bar - 14 min drive
Timbers at Four Winds Casino - 16 min drive
The Stray Dog Bar & Grill - 8 min drive
Redamak's Tavern - 7 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is ON LAKE MICHIGAN WITH PRIVATE BEACH! 3 NIGHTS LEFT JUNE 4-7 pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at ON LAKE MICHIGAN WITH PRIVATE BEACH! 3 NIGHTS LEFT JUNE 4-7?
As of 31 March 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at ON LAKE MICHIGAN WITH PRIVATE BEACH! 3 NIGHTS LEFT JUNE 4-7 on 4 June 2026 start from NZ$426, 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 ON LAKE MICHIGAN WITH PRIVATE BEACH! 3 NIGHTS LEFT JUNE 4-7?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at ON LAKE MICHIGAN WITH PRIVATE BEACH! 3 NIGHTS LEFT JUNE 4-7?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at ON LAKE MICHIGAN WITH PRIVATE BEACH! 3 NIGHTS LEFT JUNE 4-7?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is ON LAKE MICHIGAN WITH PRIVATE BEACH! 3 NIGHTS LEFT JUNE 4-7 located?
This family-friendly Lakeside cottage is located on the waterfront, within 1 mi (2 km) of Burnison Galleries and Lake Michigan. Union Pier Beach and Gordon Beach are also within 15 minutes.
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Beautiful private beach and gorgeous beach cottage feel. Host Maria was wonderful and attentive throughout our stay. We can’t wait to stay again!
Andrea G.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 30 September 2025
Loved having Andrea and her delightful family! Would love to have them back for a future stay!! They went above and beyond to leave the cottage in great shape.
Excellent communication with Maria during the booking and thru out the stay. House is very clean and great location right on the beach. Lots of trails around and good places to eat. Highly recommend for small groups to go for a relaxing get away!!
Brenda H.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 23 October 2021
Thank you Brenda! It was a pleasure to meet you both and glad you enjoyed the cottage. Would love to have you back for a future stay!
We’ve been visiting this area for years and this property has it all. Beautiful clean cabin, incredible view of the sunset over the lake, and gorgeous beach. Highly recommend!
Laura C.
Stayed 6 nights in May 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 8 June 2024
Thank you Laura! We were happy to have you and family. You went above and beyond in caring for the cottage and we look forward to having you back again!
Had an absolutely positively delightful stay. Was the perfect place for me and a couple of girlfriends to escape and enjoy the peace and beauty of the area. Maria could not have been a more lovely host
Mary H.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 16 June 2022
Thank you Mary! So glad you stayed and welcome back in the future!
This property is so peaceful, nestled in the trees, but beach access available. The kitchen is stocked with everything you would need to cook at home and with a view like this, why would you want to leave and go out. We really enjoyed our stay here and would definitely go back!
Stacy S.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 2 October 2020
Thanks Stacey! We are so glad you had an enjoyable stay with your beautiful family! We appreciated your great communication and would love to have a return visit in the future!
Maria & Mark
We loved our stay at this place. The accommodations were as shown online. The house was immaculate. The weather was perfect. Easy timely communication with the host made our trip so easy.
Melissa K.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 4 October 2022
Thanks Melissa! Glad you enjoyed your stay and we would love to have you back in the future!
Maria
We had a perfect girls weekend enjoying the beautiful lake front at this cabin and also exploring the surrounding towns of southwest Michigan. Maria was an attentive and wonderful host. We look forward to renting here in the future!
Margo O.
Response from VrboOwner on 22 March 2020
Thank you Margo! We enjoyed meeting you and friends! So glad you stayed and had a nice time. Hope to see you for a future visit!
Maria & Mark
A proper lake cottage with the sound of the waves lulling you to sleep each night. Wonderful beach time with beautiful sunsets. We had a great time. Even got some exercise in with the stairs and the beach walks. Wonderful, relaxing reunion!
Kim C.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 5 October 2024
Thanks for your wonderful review Kim! We greatly enjoyed having you and sisters as guests! Thanks for leaving the cottage (Mark’s words) “perfect” !! Would happily have you back.
We had a great weekend getaway. Maria met us when we arrived, showed us around, gave us suggestions for restaurants and nearby attractions. The cottage was great! It was fully stocked with everything we needed!! There was a short walk to the beach with outstanding views. There were beach chairs, umbrellas for guests to utilize and a great common area for campfires. We absolutely enjoyed this place!
JIll M.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 27 September 2022
Loved having the two of you Jill! Thanks for leaving the cottage so nice! Would have you back anytime!
Maria
Fantastic location close to shopping and restaurants. Host was very helpful prior to our stay and during our stay. Spot on with cottage photos. Great yard for family campfire, picnic, and outdoor games. Beach chairs and foam boards provided along with private beach access. Our family of 5 adults and a17 month old had had a fantastic week! Thank you!!!
Grace P.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 20 June 2022
Thanks Grace! You have a beautiful family and left the cottage in great shape! We would gladly welcome you back for a future stay!
My family had a great stay at the Donner’s cottage! It was perfect for us and had everything we needed. We loved the view and the private beach was awesome. Maria was super helpful and responded to our questions right away. Thank you for letting my husband and I have great quality time with our 5 kids(ages 22 to 10). Lots of fun memories created during our stay!
Erin M.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 29 June 2022
Thank you Erin! Would love to have a return visit from you and family in the future! Glad you had a good time!
Maria
Mark and Maria could not have been better hosts. Communication before and during our stay was prompt and helpful. Inside was immaculate and included a very well stocked kitchen. Outside had numerous table and chair options where we ate the majority of our meals. Every morning we walked the beautiful beach and every night we were provided with a beautiful sunset. Our whole family will have fond memories of our stay on Lake Michigan because of Mark and Maria - Thank you so much!
Laurene J.
Stayed 12 nights in Jun 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 15 June 2021
We loved having Laurene, Bart and family! They were excellent guests in every way. They left everything in perfect order as well! Would not hesitate to host them and would love to have them return.
Maria & Mark Donner
A beautiful, welcoming space for meaningful family time. Steps away from a gorgeous beach. Friendly and very responsive host. Extremely clean. Totally charming decor and updates.
The listing notes a washer. I believe that applies to one side of the duplex, but not the other. Reach out to host if that aspect is important to you.
We really had a wonderful getaway at this magical space.
Mariah Z.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 25 September 2023
Thank you Mariah! Glad you enjoyed your stay! It was a pleasure having you.
Maria was very good at communicating before and during our stay. The house is overall clean and with great view and access to the private beach. My family and I enjoyed our stay, we can’t wait for next summer.
Rose G.
Response from VrboOwner on 20 September 2021
Thanks Rose! We would love to have you back again! Glad you had a nice stay!
Maria
We enjoyed our weekend at Thunder Dune. The property was exactly what I had in mind and the beach was beautiful. So many fun things to do in the area, even when the weather doesn’t cooperate. Would totally rent this place again.
Thanks again!
Pamela H.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 24 October 2020
Thank you Pamela! Would love to have you back again!
Maria & Mark
The beach and property are in an excellent location. The private beach was a key find!
This was great property the beach and sunsets were spectacular. The owners are great! We will definitely be returning. Charming beach cottage!
Cassie M.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 30 June 2020
Thanks Cassie! We so enjoyed getting acquainted with you and Mark. Would love to have you back again!
About the host
Hosted by Maria Donner
Mark & I are passionate about Lake Michigan! Our family has years (generations) of cherished memories here. Family owned since the early 60s. We prioritize the comfort and enjoyment of our guests, maintaining high standards for cleaning, maintaining, and assisting them when needed. Retro cottage feel with upgrades for comfort and all you need for a wonderful stay.
Why they chose this property
The neighborhood chose us! It is an upscale area and super popular for beautiful sights & activities all around. Lake view and private beach access right in the front yard Summer weeks book up quickly with repeat families . We also offer plenty of nicely groomed yard space for grilling, picnicking and playing. Large yard overlooking Lake Michigan is shady and cool with lake breezes, and the sounds of the waves crashing make for a slice of heaven. The Donner family has roots in nearby Three Oaks and the cottage is multi generational. A pleasantly unique experience in a spotless, & comfy summer cottage. We often refer to it as "the cottage of content" and it's actual name is "Thunderdune".
What makes this property unique
Nature, art & music, family fun, or nightlife! take your pick! Great Wi-Fi for “working vacations” So very rare to stay in a cute, clean, comfy cottage with sunset, private stairs and soft sandy beach right in the front yard! Walking or biking distance to Whistle stop deli, Red Arrow Roadhouse, and Skips European market (weekends). New bike/pedestrian path alongside Red Arrow hwy links to restaurants, delis and party stores. Visit nearby festivals, casinos, micro brews and wineries. Take a day trip into Chicago museums riding the nearby Amtrak or South Shore line trains. Shop boutiques in nearby New Buffalo, and Three Oaks. 15 minute drive to Michigan City Lighthouse outlet mall. Family fun parks also nearby & multiplex cinemas, fabulous restaurants, delis, wine tasting & microbreweries. Birds watchers enjoy the many species visiting our trees, flowerbeds and landscaping. On clear mornings and evenings you can see the Chicago skyline across the lake. Sunset is viewed from the front yard, while playing yard games, grilling & chilling in a lounger or Adirondack. Perfect for reading, sketching, journaling. Lakeshore drive for biking, jogging, and strolls. Bike/Pedestrian path along Red Arrow highway Union Pier. Easy bike ride to Red Arrow Roadhouse, and Whistle Stop deli. Beautiful upscale neighborhood. Quick ride to Union Pier's trendy Black Currant Bakehouse, Timothy's fine dining, The social and ice cream shop, grocery & party store within a couple miles. Garage space for bikes & beach toys. nearby rentals deliver large floats, bikes, & kayaks. Onsite parking for your vehicle & some roadside usually available for visitors. Nearby boat launch & fishing opportunities. Personal attention & information access as needed.