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Birder's Home on the Galien River Preserve w/ Huge Deck, Fireplaces & Great View

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Reviews
9.4

Exceptional

4 bedrooms4+ bathroomsSleeps 8273 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Fireplace
    FireplaceFireplace
  • Kitchen
    KitchenKitchen
  • Barbecue grill
    Barbecue grillBarbecue grill
  • Air conditioning
    Air conditioningAir conditioning
  • Outdoor space
    Outdoor spaceOutdoor space
  • Washer
    WasherWasher

Explore the area

Map
New Buffalo, MI
  • Popular LocationNew Buffalo Public Beach9 min walk
  • Popular LocationLocal14 min walk
  • Popular LocationFour Winds Casino New Buffalo12 min drive
  • AirportMichigan City, IN (MGC-Michigan City Municipal)13 min drive

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 King Bed

Bedroom 4

1 Queen Bed

4 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathroom 2

Bathroom 3

Bathroom 4

Bathroom 5

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Balcony
Dining Area

About this property

Birder's Home on the Galien River Preserve w/ Huge Deck, Fireplaces & Great View

Harbor House

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Sweeping views of the tranquil Galien River Preserve await at Harbor House, a four-bedroom, four-and-a-half-bathroom home that offers privacy, seclusion, and a gorgeous wetland setting without sacrificing the convenience of proximity to downtown New Buffalo. Whether you’re catching the sunrise over the river from the vast decks or gathering with family in one of several common areas, Harbor House is certain to be an exercise in relaxation.

The focal point of this home is the expansive wrap-around deck overlooking an enormous swath of preserved wetlands that's alive with nature and bird life. It's a birdwatcher's paradise, where you can sit with a pair of binoculars, soak up the sun in a lounge chair, or even light the gas grill for lunch or dinner outside at the patio dining set. There's also a well-furnished and shaded screened porch that opens to the patio deck, so you can still enjoy the sights and sounds of nature while keeping cool and out of the sun.

The house itself is modern, up-to-date, and impeccably cared for, offering such at-home comforts as cable TV, high-speed WiFi, and high-quality furniture and appliances. On the main level, the primary living and sitting room overlooks the preserve, with tremendous windows that bathe the home in natural light and seem to bridge the separation between the indoors and outdoors. The wood-burning fireplace offers cozy ambience for those rare cool summer nights; it's even better during the spring, winter, and fall. The open kitchen and dining room is just off the living room, featuring a large dining table for entertaining as well as a breakfast nook and island bar. The lower-level family room is a great place to break off and spend some time, with a big-screen TV, a DVD player, and a foosball table. This space provides wonderful entertainment on rainy days; it's also a good spot to let the gamers in your group hook up to the TV.

At night, you'll find the first bedroom on the main floor, decorated in French country style. It features a queen bed, an en suite bathroom with a jetted tub, and access to the patio if you wish to sneak out at night for a look at the stars. The upper level of Harbor House has a loft office with view over the living room and out towards nature, as well as the second and third bedrooms. The second bedroom has a queen bed, a private shower bathroom, and south-facing windows that make use of natural light without serving as a wake-up call at sunrise. The third guest bedroom has a king bed, its own private shower bathroom, and direct access to the smaller second-floor deck - the perfect spot for enjoying a cup of coffee while watching the sunrise color the sky above the river. The fourth bedroom is on the lower level, with a queen bed and access to a full bathroom. There is also a large air mattress in the downstairs closet.

As for location, the house sits at the end of a quiet road with little traffic. New Buffalo Beach is just steps away (800 yards from the front door), so you can easily walk or drive and park, whatever suits you and your group best! The rest of downtown New Buffalo is equally close as well.

Things to know
The two wood fireplaces are for seasonal use only
This property is managed by Vacasa Michigan, LLC.

Parking notes: There is free parking available for 3 vehicles.

Please note: this home resides in a noise-sensitive area and the owners participate in our Good Neighbor protection program. Our smart home technology will alert our team if excessive decibel or occupancy levels are detected, allowing us to reach out directly with a reminder of maximum occupancy and quiet hours. This technology is privacy compliant, and only monitors the presence of decibels and devices-not any personal conversation or information. Thank you for supporting our efforts to be good neighbors!

Damage waiver: The total cost of your reservation for this Property includes a nightly damage waiver fee, plus tax if applicable (the “Damage Waiver”). (A discount may be applied for stays of 28 nights or longer, if permitted.) The Damage Waiver covers you for up to $3,000 of accidental damage to the Property or its contents (such as furniture, fixtures, and appliances) as long as you report the incident to the host prior to checking out. The Damage Waiver fee eliminates the need for a traditional security deposit.
More information can be downloaded from the "Rental Agreement" on the checkout page.

Due to local laws or HOA requirements, guests must be at least 28 years of age to book. Guests under 28 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian for the duration of the reservation.

Property manager

Vacasa of Michigan
Premier Host
Premier Host

Languages

English, French, German, Italian, Spanish

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Water view

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 28
Check out before 10:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the premises.
For information about quiet hours, please refer to the listing description.

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 fire extinguisher and a first aid kit

About the area

New Buffalo

Located in New Buffalo, this holiday home is in the city centre. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Lake Michigan and Indiana Dunes National Park. Local and New Buffalo Railroad Museum are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
New Buffalo, MI

What's nearby

  • New Buffalo Public Beach - 9 min walk
  • Local - 14 min walk
  • New Buffalo Railroad Museum - 18 min walk
  • Galien River County Park - 4 min drive
  • Four Winds Casino New Buffalo - 12 min drive

Getting around

  • New Buffalo Station - 4 min walk
  • South Bend, IN (SBN-South Bend Intl.) - 45 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Buffet at Four Winds Casino - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Timbers at Four Winds Casino - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Copper Rock Steakhouse New Buffalo - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪The Stray Dog Bar & Grill - ‬3 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Birder's Home on the Galien River Preserve w/ Huge Deck, Fireplaces & Great View pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Birder's Home on the Galien River Preserve w/ Huge Deck, Fireplaces & Great View?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Birder's Home on the Galien River Preserve w/ Huge Deck, Fireplaces & Great View?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Birder's Home on the Galien River Preserve w/ Huge Deck, Fireplaces & Great View located?

Located in the heart of New Buffalo, this holiday home is within a 15-minute walk of New Buffalo Public Beach and Lake Michigan. Local and New Buffalo Railroad Museum are also within 1 mile (2 km). New Buffalo Station is only a 4-minute walk.

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 24 out of 32 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 32 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 32 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 32 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 32 reviews" "

9.4/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

9.0/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Tara O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
10/10 highly recommend!
This place has an incredibly unique location and is very tastefully decorated. We loved watching the birds in the marsh! We saw swans, herons, cedar waxwings, a zillion redwing blackbirds, woodpeckers, grackles, robins, cardinals, swallows, two kinds of ducks, snow geese, and even a bald eagle. Bring your binoculars and birdwatch on the balcony with your coffee! Hilariously, we could see the house from the window at our table at the stray dog. Incredible.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

David M.

Beautiful House, Beautiful Setting
The deck and marsh birds, ability to walk to restaurants. Amenities made it easy to use the house.

8/10 Good

Jennifer B.

Liked: Check-in, location, listing accuracy
Christmas Time
Great place to stay and my only complaint is there is not enough parking
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Stephenie L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful house.. Beautiful views!
House was perfect for a girls weekend. Cozy living spaces with amazing views and nice bedrooms with private bathrooms for each of us. Very clean. Kitchen was nice too. Walking distance to town was a bonus.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Denise K.

Top Notch!
We celebrated Thanksgiving at this beautiful home. The kitchen amenities were extremely accommodating, even with all the extras that were needed to cook a large dinner. The location is second to none, and we truly appreciated the view of the protected marsh and its proximity to the lake. It was large enough to comfortably accommodate two families, and the home boasts high end amenities. We would highly recommend this home to anyone!
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023

6/10 Okay

Sharie P.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location
The location is great. House needs a deep clean. There was a huge fly issue inside. 😬. There is only one hair dryer so pack one. The deck furniture needs cleaning and repair. Also a hodgepodge of glass wear so if picky bring your own. Great set up for four couples but the mattress on main floor needs replacement.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Rosanne L.

Fabulous house and location
This huge home, located on a peaceful and tranquil wetland, was the perfect setting for a Girls Trip. We enjoyed sunrises and morning coffee overlooking the marsh, often seeing swans floating in the distance. The home is conveniently located within walking distance to the beach, restaurants (Stray Dog, Brewster's, and Casey's to name a few) and shopping (Barney's is a great spot for groceries, wine, etc.). The home lacked for nothing and had a particularly well stocked kitchen. With New Buffalo being a boating town, our visit in mid-October was met with few people and no crowds. The home is next to a marina, so during the busy season I imagine it's lively. Recommend visiting Indiana Dunes National Park. A trip to St Joseph offers great shopping and restaurants.
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Cindy B.

Perfect for family with kids
We loved the privacy of a master in the basement as well as the first floor! Family with kids were upstairs ! Plenty of room in living areas but still felt close and cozy on our cool fall weekend. It was fun to walk back and forth from this beautiful home to restaurants, grocery and beach! Will book again!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Janet K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cousins Weekend
Very good experience and we loved the house. Plenty of room, well stocked kitchen, walkable to the downtown and beach. Fabulous view from the deck! Few minor housekeeping issues (mattresses needed to be flipped and a broken towel bar) aside, we definitely recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kristen S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy
Great Weekend at Harbor House
The house was just as pictured and in an amazing location to enjoy New Buffalo. The deck was absolutely picturesque and very peaceful being on the marsh. As a group of 8, we had plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the weekend. The house is well equipped with everything you need, especially the kitchen. The extra fridge in the garage was very useful as well. Would definitely recommend staying here!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Michael O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cold but great weekend
The weather did not cooperate but the house worked great for 6 high school friends and location was perfect. Looking forward to next year for another NCAA and St. Patrick’s weekend. Thanks
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Gregory T.

The Owners are chefs
Everything you need to cook fantastic meals. Pots, pans, knives, spices. These folks cook. Great place. Home Run.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

6/10 Okay

Holly K.

You cannot believe the pictures.
The photos were taken with a wide angle lens giving you many impressions that were not what we found to be. The house is not secluded, it is in a very public busy area. The flagstone walkway to the front door is a bit treacherous and to be avoided. Most times we went in and out of the garage. The River side of the home with the decks is marvelous, peaceful, amazing views to be enjoyed from the main and second floors. The interior of the home was delightful for our family of 6 adults. Doing puzzles, playing games and cooking was great. Close to Starbucks for your morning caffeine and numerous delightful restaurants. The main floor bath had no outlets for drying your hair. Most pillows were the shopped up foam that made you feel like you were sleeping on rocks. 3 of the 4 mattresses were lumpy and not all that comfortable. My experience with Vacasa was challenging from the beginning. I had asked a couple of questions and never received a reply. After a couple,of phone calls, one of the reps told me that for some reasons my requests went right back into my file????? Sounds like an IT issue that just looked like no one cared enough to reply to me. All in all, I would never use Vacasa again nor rent this house. It was not worth the $. New Buffalo is charming and we have already found a couple of locations we like for next year.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Claudette S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful location/Fantastic stay
The house provided a wonderful stay for our family of three couples plus. The bedrooms were quite spacious with plenty of privacy for all. The extra rooms and nooks around the house allowed everyone room to spread out. The kitchen was well appointed and terrific for communal meals. The decks were spectacular with beautiful views . The location was walking distance to the beach and the main part of town. The condition of the house was excellent. Because we visited in December, we didn't get the full summer/outdoor effect, but the house was so wonderful that we want to come back in the summer. Beautiful house! A definite repeat rental!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022

6/10 Okay

Pat G., Yorkville, Illiniois, United States

Liked: Check-in
Disliked: Communication, listing accuracy
The Birder Home
The house is big enough for large groups. Esthetically the house needs a general refurbish. Carpets are worn and stained in places. The furniture is old, dark woods, and heavy. The house is generally dark, unlike the pictures indicate on the website. The kitchen is also dark wood, dark floors, and the basement game level is musty and dark. This was not what we were expecting, particularly with the price of the rental. On a positive note, the back deck is lovely, with a great view, and the deck furniture is nice. We had trouble with the local management company, regarding cleaning and some repairs, and we have already registered our concerns with them in writing. If you want to be close to the beaches, restaurants and marina, and don't expect to spend much time in the house, you will probably be able to overlook most of our concerns.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Patricia T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy
Problem with form needed to finalize rental. Kept sending but getting messages to send.
The stay there was great. Wonderful property, setting and location!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Dan M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great facility!
Beautiful, large and clean house. No issues at all.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Angella G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing place & location!
This house was great. Went there for girls weekend & the location is perfect. It’s a block away from the downtown strip so we could walk everywhere beach, shops, bars, restaurants. There is so many bathrooms, and the deck I screened in porch were great!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Debra S.

JUST WHAT WE NEEDED
Great rental home, just what we needed for grown children, grandparents and grands. Home had everything we needed bedroom for everyone and a bath for everyone...all bedrooms large and bathrooms very large and beautiful too. Well stocked home. Kitchen was great for cooking and eating as a full family at the huge dining room table. We did not spend much time on the deck or screened porch but we could see how great those would be if it were not the heat on August in the summer. Lots of toys and games to keep us all occupied, we rarely watched TV however TVs were available in all the rooms. Linens all fresh and clean, we felt like home. Home is right in the heart of New Buffalo but you felt like you were off on your own. 2 minute walk to Stray Dog, 5 minute walk to Starbucks which our kids loved doing each morning. 15 minute walk to New Buffalo beach which is an easy walk, we did it several times in a day...old folks, young folks and little ones. A collapsible wagon was key for toting umbrella, soft sided cooler and ..and sometimes some tired kids after swimming at the lake all day. Beautiful Lake Michigan..we love it! We went to the beach everyday. Ice cream at Nancy's down the block. Walked with our wagon for groceries at Barney's when we needed them. Kids had fun seeing the Amtrak train stop in town a few times a day. It was a great vacation and a great home. Vacasa was an excellent company to work with start to finish. They communicate quickly and regularly and make sure all of your needs are met. I would rent again from this company as they have very high standards for their homes and make your vacation relaxing and easy. Check in and check out was a breeze. I would rent this home again. We thank the owners for sharing their lovely property with us.
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Terry M.

Amazing views out every window!
We loved our stay at Harbor House. The pictures do not do it justice! We stayed in June and the nature preserve was stunning. The high windows in the master bedroom mean light wakes you pretty early….but they also provided an unexpected view of deer walking through the pond in morning! It’s a short walk to a beach and a charming downtown. Fantastic spot!

10/10 Excellent

Jodi O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Spacious home in a great location
Beautiful home…tons of space. Clean and nicely stocked.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Kathryn B.

Gorgeous and restful
Amazing home. Our prime activity was listening to the birdsong from the marsh. Swans, herons, red-winged blackbirds, and more. Very clean. Comfortable beds. Local staff were exceptionally helpful when we reached out. Highly recommend.

10/10 Excellent

Martin U.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
An excellent property and location
A great location
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2022
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Becky D.

Great place!
The house was wonderful. We had everything we needed right there. There was more than enough room for everyone. There was even a view of 2 eagles nesting in nearby trees. The house was so close to all the wineries and restaurants that we enjoy. We will rent this house again!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Debra S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Friends getaway
The house was perfect for the 4 couples trip!
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2022

About the host

Hosted by Vacasa of Michigan

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Languages:

English, French, German, Italian, Spanish

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