Enjoy peacefulness & nature in our pet friendly cottage along the St. Joe River.

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Entire home

Open field at the end of the trail to the river.

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

Exceptional

2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 5111.5 sq m

Popular amenities

Dryer
Washer
Parking available
Pet-friendly
Barbecue grill
Kitchen

Explore the area

Sodus, MI

Lakeland Regional Medical Center
‪8 min drive‬
Lake Michigan College
‪9 min drive‬
Silver Beach
‪13 min drive‬
Benton Harbor, MI (BEH-Southwest Michigan Regional)
‪9 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 5)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Double Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio

Porch or lanai

Kitchen

Garden

Dining area

About this property

This two bedroom home with central AC and clean, sanitized, comfortable accommodations is under 2 hours from Chicago. On the St Joe River, this wooded setting on 10+ acres is great for a relaxing retreat or fun with friends and family. The 1000 ft. of river front is easily accessed from a nature walking trail through the wooded property or enjoy the view from the screened porch. Bring your fishing poles, tubes or Kayaks. 15 minutes to downtown St. Joe, award-winning Silver Beach, and Harbor Shores Golf Club and many other fun distractions. The Cottage sleeps 4 with one queen and one full bed. Fresh linens and towels are provided.

This cottage is a real charmer. The setting feels remote, but you will have easy access to shopping, downtown St. Joe and the Arts District in Benton Harbor. Awesome beaches, antiquing, winery tours, breweries, restaurants, barn sales, ad golfing are all close by.

Some of the best activities are on the property: fishing is right at your doorstep, hiking through the forest, a ball game in the open field, building a cool fort, hanging out in the storybook playhouse (see photos) or simply wading in the plastic kiddie's pool. Great spot to enjoy a good book, play board games, cook a nice meal or just enjoy a campfire.

Property manager

Mike Hillgamyer

Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Pet-friendly

Air conditioning

Outdoor space

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Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly

House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 25

Check out before 11:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Events

No events allowed

Pets

Pets allowed: limit 2 total

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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

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 first aid kit and a deadlock

Property Registration Number C18000035646

About the area

Benton Harbor

Located in Benton Harbor, this cottage is in a rural area and on the waterfront. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Lake Michigan and Silver Beach. FuzzyButz Pet Bakery and Free Run Cellars are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

Sodus, MI

What's nearby

Lakeland Regional Medical Center - 8 min drive - 7.1 km
Lake Michigan College - 9 min drive - 6.3 km
Harbor Shores Golf Club - 10 min drive - 8.8 km
White Pine Winery - 12 min drive - 10.2 km
Silver Beach - 13 min drive - 10.6 km

Getting around

St. Joseph-Benton Harbor Station - 12 min drive
South Bend, IN (SBN-South Bend Intl.) - 35 min drive

Restaurants

‪McDonald's - ‬3 min drive
‪Grand Crossing - ‬5 min drive
‪Good Fortune Restauran - ‬6 min drive
‪La Perla Produce - ‬5 min drive
‪Arby's - ‬5 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Enjoy peacefulness & nature in our pet friendly cottage along the St. Joe River. pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows pets (limit 2 total).

What time is check-in at Enjoy peacefulness & nature in our pet friendly cottage along the St. Joe River.?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Enjoy peacefulness & nature in our pet friendly cottage along the St. Joe River.?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Enjoy peacefulness & nature in our pet friendly cottage along the St. Joe River. located?

Situated on the waterfront, this cottage is within 6 miles (10 km) of Intercare Community Health Network, Lake Michigan College and Lakeland Regional Medical Center. Harbor Shores Golf Club and St. Joseph Dog Park are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

Learn more

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Magda M.

15 September 2024

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

Lovely cottage

We spent three weeks at the cabin and enjoyed very much. The house is comfortable, the kitchen is well equipped and the surrounding area is beautiful. Loved our walks on the trail and seeing wild life! The location is convenient to shops, restaurants, St. Joseph and other attractions. Thank you for your hospitality!

Stayed 20 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mandy M.

10 August 2024

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

Relaxing

This is a great property tucked away in the woods

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer K.

4 August 2024

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

Beautiful hideaway cottage

My husband and I traveled with our grandson who turned 2 during our stay. I was astounded by the beauty of this property. The landscaping surrounding the cottage itself was incredible but the best surprise was all the outdoor space to roam down to the river for a good walk. It goes without saying our grandson was captivated by the play cottage which was stocked with fresh PlayDoh and art supplies. I even took advantage of some evening down time in it (she-shed?!). They had a firepit set up with fresh firewood and a bid feeder loaded with fresh seed. We sat on the screened porch watching the birds, squirrels and deer. Insdie, the cottage is simple and uncluttered which made it easy to todder proof.. There are some awesome mid-century, vintage decor elements that make for a unique and fun vibe. The kitchen is roomy and the entire cottage feela a lot more spacious than it looks.The outdoor shower is NOT just cold water and was delightful after sandy beach days. We were sightseeing a lot and found plenty to do to entertain our toddler. The toy store in St. Joseph is a must for kids! Thank you for this wonderful week of family memories at your serene and comfortable cottage!

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ivanka S.

30 July 2024

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

We had a wonderful stay

Everything was organized and clean when we arrived, the hosts were very gracious and available when needed. The location is nice and quiet and has some great views of both nature and wildlife. Thank you again!

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mitch B.

20 July 2024

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

Excellent Retreat

The house and property were everything we needed in a getaway. It was equipped with nice dishes, grill, charcoal, appliances, furniture, etc for a great time. The host was super easy to work with, communicated well without being intrusive. Highly recommended.

Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ashley L.

14 July 2024

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

Secluded Perfection

This was a great stay, with the feeling of being secluded however in close proximity to pretty much everything. The house was clean and comfortable. All of the necessities are provided! Communication with the owners was very easy, even if we didn’t actually need to reach out much. The fire pit is lovely and it’s really sweet they provided smores supplies! We truly enjoyed our stay and would stay again!

Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Karen L.

7 July 2024

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

Fun and Relaxing Family Getaway

We had a WONDERFUL vacation here!! Everything was just like the pictures. The house was beautiful with very comfortable furniture and the bedrooms were perfect for a good night's sleep. Our son really loved the playhouse right next to the house. It was filled with toys, beach toys, and games. It was the perfect place for him to play. What I loved most about our stay was how peaceful everything was but, at the same time, very close to the beach, shopping and restaurants within 10 minutes. There was definitely something for everyone. Our hosts were spectaculer. Very friendly and helpful with anything we needed and always so quick to respond. We would absolutely love to stay here again and will recommend it to friends. Great memories made. Thank you so much Joe and Mike!!

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Holly R.

17 June 2024

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

Great get away

Loved the place. Close to beach but felt like you were in the woods. The playhouse was a big hit for our toddler.

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Christina R.

31 May 2024

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

Perfect

This rental was very well equipped with things to help in case you forgot your essentials. They also provided a s'mores kits. They really were exceptional host.

Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Marlo M.

14 May 2024

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

Eclectic cozy woodland cabin!

This wonderful cabin was in a beautiful surrounding, sitting in the screened porch enjoying nature and the view of the river was one of my favorite things. You feel secluded here and can hike down to the river but you are minutes away from town and Lake Michigan. They cabin was wonderfuly appointed with everything you need for cooking a meal, on an amazing vintage stove. So many games to choose to play, lots of pillows, blankets, towels and even toiletries you may need but forgot. The best part were the small personal touches, chocolates on our pillows, everything you need for s'mores, stuff for a dog washing station and dog treats. Thank you for sharing your wonderful property with us.

Stayed 5 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Stephen L.

16 September 2023

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

Peaceful Paradise

If you’re looking for a peaceful, private slice of heaven tucked into the woods, this is it! Close enough to any convenience you might need but situated on a very private property tucked into the woods. The cabin has everything you need for an extended stay. It’s spacious and very comfortable. Our hosts, Mike & Joe, are wonderful people and they feel more like good neighbors then property hosts. We would definitely stay here again. I highly recommend checking out this property if you’re going to be in the St. Joseph/Benton Harbor area.

Stayed 16 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

27 August 2023

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

Lovely Wooded Setting

This was a charming cottage, well stocked with all we needed and more. The owners were attentive and kind. We loved the retro vibe and it was newly updated. Very thoughtful touches such as a fire built and ready to light complete with smores makings. Great stay and hope to return.

Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Annalise H.

9 August 2023

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

Fantastic getaway that exceeded our expectations!

My two adult children and I had a fantastic stay. As others have noted, the house was very clean and comfortable and has everything you need and more. The kitchen is very well-equipped (we cooked most of our meals and were able to pick up groceries at the nearby Walmart.) The location was perfect for day trips to St. Joseph and the Warren Dunes. The nearby mini golf was perfect on an overcast day. We enjoyed the fire pit in the evening. The hosts were so responsive for even minor questions. We can't thank them enough for their hospitality. We will definitely be back!

Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Brenna S.

4 August 2023

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

Fabulous Cottage

Beautiful cottage, Nice area to relax but still close to the beach and shops. The trail to the river was great Wonderful vacation spot!.

Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Brian M.

31 July 2023

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

Low key fam vacation

Just what we wanted. Great location close to St. Joseph and ice cream

Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Eric L.

28 July 2023

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

Perfect for our family

We loved our stay at this cabin on the St. Joe River. We are familiar with the area, and we were happy to be able to have river access for fishing as well as an easy 15 minute drive to some of the best Lake Michigan beaches. Our daughter loved the fairy playhouse, our dog loved the walk we took down to the river or up the drive, and Mike and Joe were so friendly and accommodating. We highly recommend Silver Beach Pizza and Silver Harbour Brewing Co, browsing the shops in downtown St. Joe, breakfast at the Mason Jar in Benton Harbor, and pastries at Caffe Tosikpphhhyyfyfyygl

Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tish M.

17 July 2023

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

Beautiful and Serene

This was a perfectly laid out cottage. For it's size it was very spacious. The owners are great and were available to help with anything you may need. The house had everything you needed.Very close to town and to stores and restaurants. Beautiful property!

Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

heather B., Indianapolis

29 June 2023

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

St. Joesph River Fun!

The hosts treated us like we were old friends! They were so attentive, responsive and even warned us when a severe storm was on the way. They helped let us know the best place to launch our canoe - and we canoed and fished the St. Joe's river almost every day with success! The house was very comfortable, cool and clean and they left little treats as such a warm touch! Thank you for the best time, we would love to come back again!

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Robert O.

19 August 2022

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

Sunday every day

Great stay. Great fishing. Great vacation close to home. Great for the dogs to really run around. I even found an arrow head while fishing. Highly recommend this place.

Stayed 9 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Janet F.

9 August 2022

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

Turn right for Peace and Tranquility

The sign indicating where to turn right onto the driveway to the cottage says to follow the arrow to peace and tranquility. That turned out to be so true. We traveled to Michigan from Tennessee to visit family members who still live there, which is all of my six siblings. We entertained them at the cottage for brunch on Sunday and dinner on Monday. So we put the vintage stove and the very well stocked kitchen to the test and we're pleased to find nothing lacking. The atmosphere of peace and tranquility on the property is apparently contagious and everyone enjoyed there time there. The beds were comfortable and the cottage was so cute. The hosts go out of their way to make you feel welcome with extra special little touches like chocolates on your pillows, plenty of towels and fixins for s'mores. The property is conveniently located for all the local attractions. Best of all, they were agreeable to hosting our two little fur babies as well. We will definitely be staying here again.

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Mandy M.

7 August 2022

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

Quiet getaway

Nice area to relax. Close to the beach and stores.

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Gale G.

6 August 2022

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

Great Escape with Close Access to St. Joseph/Benton Harbor

Hosts communicated well to allow for contactless check-in and out. House was clean and supplied essential tools for a week away. Appreciated the range of thoughtful supplies and games provided! We were originally planning to split our time between the property and St. Joseph but ended up spending more time in town because our family loved Silver Beach. It looked like there would have been plenty of opportunities to enjoy nature around the house and on the property's river access, though. (Just bring bug spray, as you would expect in the woods!)

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Laura L.

23 July 2022

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

Excellent experience!!

My husband and I have never been to thus part of Michigan and choose to stay for a week. We found this great place to stay near St Joseph!! Couldn’t have been happier!! Such a clean, bright, cheerful house and the MOST EQUIPPED place we have ever stayed!! More than enough linens, paper products, and unexpected extras!!! If you are thinking of renting- this is the place. It’s in a lovely wooded setting, close to St Joseph, beaches, wineries, orchards!! The one thing I would say is that if you like to watch TV, or have little ones, you might bring a blue ray player and movies. There is no cable- but there is an entire game closet!!! We would certainly stay here again! Our hosts were kind and thoughtful to have out together such a great vacation home!!!

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

MIKE P.

13 July 2022

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

Chicago Getaway

Quaint house in a wooded setting. The house is stocked with all the essentials, including laundry supplies which came in handy with our beach days! The house is a short, simple 13 minute drive to the beach and the St. Joseph Main Street shops. We stayed for a week and would definitely go back again! Thanks to Joe and Mike for a great stay!

Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Dustin L.

8 July 2022

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

Secluded, Yet Close to Everything

We stayed here for a week with our two dogs. Upon our arrival, the place was well-stocked, clean, and just as described. Joe and Mike are a stone’s throw down the road, but they are invisible unless you need them; then, their response time to minor questions was lightning fast. Cute fire pit and a charcoal grill, with charcoal. There was also fixins for s’mores set out for us. The bathroom was stocked with towels and toiletries. The bathroom/shower was very clean. Even though you feel like you are in the middle of the woods, downtown St. Joseph is only twelve minutes away, with great dining options, Lake Michigan beaches, and some nice boutique shops. Within thirty minutes of the property, there are a lot of little towns (many of which are very dog-friendly)and parks to explore (we went to a town twenty minutes away for a fireworks show on the 4th). Overall, this was a great place to experience “pure Michigan” without having to travel up north. Five stars.

Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2022

About the host

Hosted by Mike Hillgamyer

We moved here full time after retiring in 2014. We live in another home at the far end of the property, so we are here if you need anything, but far enough away to ensure your privacy. We love the beautiful and serene nature that the property offers and know that you will love it as well.

Why they chose this property

The main house was built in 1939 and we are its third owners. We first bought a home next door and got to know the previous owners over time. When they chose assisted living nearby, they offered to sell us this property which we so loved to visit. We were enthralled with the setting and how remote it felt while offering easy access to everything we need. We truly enjoy its proximity to Chicago where we visit family and friends often.

What makes this property unique

Secluded peace and quiet with loads of wildlife, comfortable central air and heat, clean and functional living spaces, large eat-in kitchen with plates, flatware, serving pieces, pot/pans and cooking utensils, washer/dryer, near a great many fun outdoor activities, attractions, shopping, local events and festivals, winery tours, farm stands and antiquing!

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests

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Enjoy peacefulness & nature in our pet friendly cottage along the St. Joe River.

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Reviews

Popular amenities

Explore the area

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 5)

Bedroom 1

Bedroom 2

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Spaces

About this property