Entire home

Charming Lake Cottage

Photo gallery for Charming Lake Cottage

Large Deck
Sitting area on deck with propane fire table
Table with umbrella for outside dining
Aerial view of house and deck
Large yard for lawn games

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 11

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

Map
Vandalia, MI
  • Donnell Lake
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Paradise Lake
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Diamond Lake
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Elkhart, IN (EKI-Elkhart Municipal)
    ‪41 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 11)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Queen Beds

Bedroom 3

1 Double Bed and 1 Single Bed

Living Room 1

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Hair dryer

Bathroom 2

Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden

About this property

Charming Lake Cottage

Grab your swimsuits and head to the lake! This lovely lakefront cottage has everything you need for a great weekend getaway or family vacation. Located just 45 minutes from South Bend, IN and 20 minutes from Three Rivers, MI, Donnell Lake is a beautiful 246 acre all-sport lake with depths up to 65 feet.

With three bedrooms and sleeping accommodations for eleven, there is plenty space for the whole family. All three bedrooms are located on the main floor. Bedroom one has a queen bed and two comfy chairs for sipping that morning cup of coffee and a view of the lake. Bedroom two has two queen beds and bedroom three is a bunked double bed on the bottom and twin on top. The living room has a fold out queen, sofa sleeper. The lower level offers an open area with a family room and the kitchen. Just outside the kitchen is a large, vaulted ceiling porch. This is a great gathering place to sit and relax or enjoy dinner around the table. With three walls of windows and doors, and two large ceiling fans, the porch provides a nice summer breeze, perfect for the afternoon nap. It comes equipped with a separate heating/cooling unit for those chilly mornings or hot summer afternoons. Step outside the porch to a massive, composite deck with plenty of seating and lounge chairs. The deck provides a great view of the lake, and is perfect for sunbathing or reading a novel. The big yard has plenty of space for volleyball or a friendly game of soccer. Kayak out to the island and enjoy the sandbar or make your way through the channel to (no wake) Lewis Lake. After a long day of swimming, cozy up to the propane fire table on the deck or build a fire in the fire pit. Either are the perfect end to a full day of fun on the water or to take the chill off of those cooler evenings. Finally, enjoy a glass of wine as you sit at the end of the pier and take in the stunning sunsets. For those who enjoy winter sports, we are located just 13 minutes from Swiss Valley Ski & Snowboard Area and less than an hour from Timber Ridge Ski Area.

The cottage comes equipped with four single person kayaks, two paddle boards, gas grill, yard games, fire pit, firewood, beach towels, life jackets, and various water floats and toys. A fully equipped kitchen, is located just inside the porch making it easy to entertain. Coffee, cooking/baking pans and a variety of basic spices, as well as complimentary bath and laundry soaps are also provided.

Enjoy the laid back feeling of being on lake time!
* Shallow waterfront/NO DIVING
* Private Pier & Permanent Water Raft
* Wifi
* No garage access
* Parking space for 4 vehicles
* Self check-in keypad
* No smoking inside the house or porch
* No fireworks
* No pets
* Smart TV (lower level)
* Firestick TV (main level)
* No access to closet in bedroom #3
* Security cameras monitor outside deck/yard and street side entrance
* Golf Course just 10 minutes away
* Grocery store within 12 minutes
* Pontoon available for additional cost (contact host for more details)

Property manager

Dave Baylis
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Similar properties

House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
default

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
default

Events

Events allowed: family gatherings and birthday parties
Prior notice of large gathering is required
default

Pets

No pets allowed
default

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
Parties and events (including family gatherings and birthday parties) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 30
Note from host: Prior notice of large gathering is required
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 and a deadlock

About the area

Vandalia

Located in Vandalia, this cottage is on a lake. Swiss Valley Ski Area and Park Shore Golf Course are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Riley-Shurte Woods Nature Sanctuary and Elkhart Bog Nature Preserve.
Map
Vandalia, MI

What's nearby

  • Donnell Lake - 1 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Paradise Lake - 7 min drive - 6.3 km
  • Diamond Lake - 9 min drive - 7.8 km
  • Stone Lake - 11 min drive - 11.6 km
  • Swiss Valley Ski Area - 16 min drive - 11.3 km

Getting around

  • Dowagiac Station - 24 min drive
  • South Bend, IN (SBN-South Bend Intl.) - 54 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪George's Cafe - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪The Chalet - Swiss Valley - ‬17 min drive
  • ‪Lakeside Parlor - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Subway - ‬9 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Charming Lake Cottage pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Charming Lake Cottage?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Charming Lake Cottage?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Charming Lake Cottage located?

Situated on a lake, this cottage is steps from Donnell Lake and within 6 mi (10 km) of Paradise Lake and Diamond Lake. Curtis Lake and Swiss Valley Ski Area are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 12 out of 12 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 12 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 12 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 12 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 12 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Derek R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Awesome lake cottage
Great place for kids and family to hang out. Swimming area around the dock and a slow drop so the kids didn’t have to worry about getting too deep.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Corey H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect Getaway!
This property was truly as described. The host has thought of everything, from fun water toys like kayaks provided to the little things like neutrogena make up remover towelettes in the bathroom. We had a short but fantastic stay and we look forward to booking here again. Our communication with the host was wonderful. When we reached out with questions, we always received very prompt responses. This lake house is highly recommended.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mike C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Labor Day at the Lake
We had a wonderful stay. I would like to book it again for Labor Day weekend 2025!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

LLL

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
enjoyed our stay
Property was as described. Host was responsive. Boys had fun with the kayaks and enjoyed hanging out in the large family room with reclining couch for movies. Great place.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

ELAINE V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great family getaway!!
Excellent location and lake with plenty of lake related equipment - we enjoyed the outdoor area immensely!! Everything was very organized and super clean. Thank you for a wonderful weekend!!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

john t.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place
What a great house/property. The owner has obviously made a great effort to make a comfortable place for everyone
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Katie C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Absolutely Amazing
This home is so beautiful and cozy. It has everything you will need and it is comfortable, a home away from home for sure. The lake is beautiful and waking up to the water and kayaking around was truly amazing. There is a small inlet to another lake just across by the island we never would have found without the tip from the host; that was my favorite part of the lake with no wake that you can access only via the kayaks. The house was stocked with plenty of games, life vests, towels…all of the things! Our stay was wonderful and hosts were quick and friendly in our communications. If I come back to the area we will happily make this the go-to spot as there is something for everyone at all ages! Also: in the area only a mile ish away there is the Dr. T.K. Lawless park which has a bunch of beautiful hiking/biking trails. That was a real treat for us! There is an easy paved trail and a bunch of others that branch off and take you through a wooded area, up near the corn fields, and past an old campground. Super neat!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Katelyn K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
lovely home
This was a great home to stay with a group. The house has everything you need, shampoo, beach towels, a well stocked kitchen, yard games, and many toys for the lake! The yard is perfect for yard games and the 4-seasons room was great for lounging and eating. Everything was clean. Would recommend this home!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Aletha N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our stay
Very clean, well decorated, so much to do,
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alysa L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautifully Relaxing
This lake cottage was everything we expected and more. Even more beautiful in pictures. The space was perfect for our group who were in town for a wedding. The lake was beautiful with plenty of room for activities. Would recommend and might stay there again!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Carmela L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing lakehouse!!
My family, my mom amd my sister along with her family had a mini-reunion at this lakehouse. Everybody had fun at the lake, using their pontoon, kayaks, making smores and the home was just enough for all 11 of us even the weather was perfect!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

DeAnna J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A Diamond on Donnell Lake!
The pictures are great, but the house is even better in person. We were more than satisfied and will definitely be coming back. 10/10 on cleanliness! A well-stocked kitchen is such a relief when you’re traveling…but this house had everything and more. The bathrooms had the right toiletries and plenty of towels. The bedrooms were like staying in a boutique hotel! The shed had so many games, life jackets, and floaties to enjoy yard games and the lake. Kayaks were available and even an option to rent the pontoon boat. We had a blast enjoying everything! The owners were very responsive and kind to us. They left great instructions and a long list of local restaurant recommendations. Thank you Dave and Sara! See you again soon.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

About the host

Hosted by Dave Baylis

Host profile image

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests