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Tranquil and Spacious Cottage close to South Haven Beaches and Downtown

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Private. Quiet. Spacious, well appointed 2/1 with mem foam Queen Sleeper Sofa
Plenty of parking for two vehicles.
Living room has Large sleeper sofa, oversized chair, two side chairs.
Smart Roku TV, Turntable, card\board games. Art supplies.
Game Central! Paint, Draw, Play!

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 6111.5 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Parking available
  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

Map
South Haven, MI
  • Michigan Maritime Museum
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • South Beach
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Kal Haven Trail
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Benton Harbor, MI (BEH-Southwest Michigan Regional)
    ‪25 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Common area 1

1 Double Sofa Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Tranquil and Spacious Cottage close to South Haven Beaches and Downtown

Greetings!

The cottage is tucked away on a one acre lot and situated between the owner's historic farmhouse and the original well-maintained hay barn, the positioning of the buildings offer plenty of privacy to guests.

It is conveniently located half a mile to the east of Lake Michigan and less than 2 miles directly south of the charming historic downtown South Haven and South Beach. Within one mile south of the cottage, guests can access Lake Michigan at Deerlick Creek Park Beach as well, and Van Buren State Park is about 2 miles further south. Moreover, the State Park and downtown beaches are easily reachable via the 5 mile long Van Buren Hike and Bike Trail, which is just a 1/4 mile from the driveway. All of South Haven's main attractions can be reached in a quick 5-10 minute drive or a leisurely 15-20 minute bike ride.

The interior offers a very spacious living room that easily accommodates a queen memory foam sleeper sofa, an oversized chair, and two upholstered chairs. Child-friendly seating options are available for activities on the large factory cart coffee table, which can be conveniently rolled away if using the sleeper sofa. There is plenty of space for enjoying the array of card and board games or relaxing and watching movies amidst child-friendly decor. The living room is equipped with a Smart TV, a high-speed Xfinity internet/WIFI connection, also a collection of painting and drawing art supplies. You'll also find postcards to send to loved ones, a retro turntable with a diverse selection of albums, and a vintage restored typewriter for composing poetry or letters while revolting against technology.

In the fully stocked kitchen, you'l find a dishwasher, disposal, coffee grinder, toaster, microwave, gas stove, crockpot, baking dishes, and a ninja blender. Additionally, we provide various kitchen essentials such as spices, olive oil, wine, balsamic vinegar, coffee, tea, and all condiments. The pantry is stocked with a variety of amenities, including Starbucks’s Keurig pods, assorted black and herbal teas, and baking essentials.

For outdoor activities, there is a propane BBQ grill, coolers, bicycles, and helmets, beach towels, beach blankets, umbrellas, portable chairs, and a collapsible wagon to tote the kids or the goods to the beach. You will also find sandcastle building toys and several other recreational amenities. Prior to your arrival, we will send you a detailed list of all house and recreational amenities to help you prepare for your trip.

The two spacious bedrooms feature queen pillow top mattresses with bamboo cotton linens and comforters. Each bedroom is equipped with plenty of storage space, oscillating floor fans, and nightlights. The master bedroom includes an exterior door opening to a patio, offering a tranquil view of the densely tree lined property, fire ring with provided firewood and an organic vegetable garden.

For families with infants or toddlers, we offer two freshly sanitized Pack and Play units, along with linens.
The bathroom features a large 6 x 4 walk in shower, heated tile flooring and shower stool if needed. For families with young children, a step stool is available..

The laundry area is equipped with a stack washer-dryer, along with detergent, bleach, and dryer sheets for your use. Additionally, we provide a selection of toiletries including shampoo, conditioner, body soap, body lotion, a lint brush, hair dryer, cotton balls, and Q-tips.

Central AC/Heat to ensure a pleasant and comfortable environment throughout your stay.

For outdoor enthusiasts, access to the Kal-Haven hike and bike trailhead is located just a short distance from downtown. This trail spans 30 miles to Kalamazoo, offering picturesque views of the Black River and surrounding farmland. Additionally, the Van Buren Trail, situated only 1/4 mile from the house, extends approximately 5 miles from downtown to the Van Buren State Park.

To further enhance your experience, we provide a detailed list of recommendations for dining and local attractions prior to your arrival. You'll receive website links to each recommended location to facilitate your planning and exploration.

Conveniently located approximately 3 miles away, you'll find a Meijers grocery, pharmacy, and home goods store, as well as a Walgreens. Should you require it, Meijers offers a home grocery delivery service through the Shipt app, which we are happy to assist with prior to your check-in.

In addition to our main accommodations, we have recently completed construction of a duplex-style addition to the Farmhouse - a two-story one-bedroom/bathroom and living room with a kitchen. This unit is available as a nightly rental, accommodating larger parties and offering its own private outdoor area. More details about this additional unit can be found at VRBO #9298628ha.

We look forward to providing you with a comfortable and memorable stay.

Best, Marc

Property manager

Marc Elson
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

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House Rules

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

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Child friendly decor, Cabinet locks, night lights.
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Events

No events allowed
Until 8pm please be respectful of neighbors
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Outside ok
The property cannot accommodate recreational vehicles
All we ask is that you tidy up the kitchen and place your recycling and waste bags outside the front door upon check out..
Please let me know if you will have two or more vehicles that need parking spaces before arriving.

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
Note from host: Until 8pm please be respectful of neighbors
Long-term renters welcome
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
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, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

South Haven

Located in South Haven, this cottage is in a rural area. Lake Michigan and Pilgrim Haven Natural Area reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Michigan Maritime Museum and The Fun Park. Travelling with kids? Consider Kids Place Park and Breedsville Park. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
South Haven, MI

What's nearby

  • South Haven Center for the Arts - 4 min drive - 4.0 km
  • Michigan Maritime Museum - 5 min drive - 4.6 km
  • South Beach - 5 min drive - 2.5 km
  • Kal Haven Trail - 6 min drive - 5.3 km
  • North Beach - 7 min drive - 5.7 km

Getting around

  • Bangor Station - 17 min drive
  • Kalamazoo, MI (AZO-Kalamazoo-Battle Creek Intl.) - 51 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Culver's - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Biggby Coffee - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Burger King - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬5 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Tranquil and Spacious Cottage close to South Haven Beaches and Downtown pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Tranquil and Spacious Cottage close to South Haven Beaches and Downtown?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Tranquil and Spacious Cottage close to South Haven Beaches and Downtown?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Tranquil and Spacious Cottage close to South Haven Beaches and Downtown located?

This family-friendly South Haven cottage is located in a rural location, within 1 mi (2 km) of Deerlick Creek Beach Park and Lake Michigan. South Beach and Pilgrim Haven Natural Area are also within 2 miles (3 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. 142 out of 142 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 142 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 142 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 142 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 142 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Penny S.

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

An excellent place to stay

The home is well cared for, clean, and well stocked. This would be an excellent place for a single person, a couple or two couples. If you are traveling with children, the home has things for the children to do. It is located in a private location but is close to everything South Haven has to offer. If you need addition space the owners also have another place to stay on the premises. We wouldn't hesitate to stay here again. Marc, the owner made sure our stay was everything we hoped for.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

christina t.

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

At home

My mom n sisters and I took a few days to just be with one another and what a perfect place to do it. Everything we needed plus some was available to us. It felt like home. Warm, comfortable and so many beautiful unexpected touches. Decorated perfectly. Thanks for an enjoyable stay
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sara W.

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

Everything was wonderful

Everything was amazing, from the decor, to location, to the accommodations. This was our first visit to Michigan, and we hope to return soon.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kelly L.

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

Excellent property

This property was beautiful and very well maintained. Marc, the host was beyond awesome. The house is well decorated and very welcoming. Marc does the little things that makes your stay feel special. Thanks again, we will be back....
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jason

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
The best stay we have had yet. The property was beautiful, quiet and serene. Inside was very clean and spacious. Lots of little things the owner supplied that made our vacation easier like towels, blankets, coffee, tea, supplies for smores and wood for the fire pit. Also bikes, helmets, chairs, toys, and canopy for the beach!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

txd R.

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

Wonderful get away

We enjoyed our stay in South Haven. The guest house was great and Marc was a wonderful host! We had everything we could need plus so much more. We enjoyed the bikes, beach chairs, and fire pit.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Debbie A.

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

Highly Recommended

After many years of staying in vacation rentals across the country , I have to say that none of them matched this owners attention to detail and providing of supplies. From very good quality spices , olive oil, flavored vinegars, fresh fruit, coffee and teas, paper supplies( like baggies, foils etc…). There was no limit to his attention to provisions. Marc was so very responsive to any questions or recommendations and even notified us that we could check in early. He should receive some “Greatest Host Award”;))
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kristen

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
The cottage and surrounding grounds were so well kept and the interior decorated with great charm. The owner was very communicative and hospitable. The beach and downtown were just five minutes away by car. We hope to stay here again and will recommend to family and friends.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Erika H.

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

Amazing trip!

We can’t thank Marc enough! By far the best VRBO we’ve stayed in. Thank you for your hospitality!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Scott D.

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

Could not have asked for better

We had a great stay. The property was clean and well stocked with just about anything you could need. Marc was very attentive to anything we needed or just the random question.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jonathan T.

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

Great place to stay and will stay here again

We all had a great time Marc was a great host. The house is beautiful and very clean
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Matthew A.

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

Best Vrbo ever

We can’t say enough great things. Marc is such a phenomenal host. He has absolutely everything you need to enjoy your stay. His personal touches, down to the simplest things of proving muffins, is overwhelming. This is absolutely the best Vrbo we’ve stayed in. Please pick his property the next time you’re in South Haven.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Beth S.

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

Girls Birthday Trip

Wonderful! Marc’s place was phenomenal! His attention to detail was amazing. He thought of everything. His communication was excellent! Cannot say enough good things about our stay! Would definitely stay again! Thank you Marc!!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sharon F.

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

Awesome!!

We had a wonderful time and our stay at the cabin was outstanding. Very clean, comfortable and fun! Our host, Marc, was the best!! Many, many amenities and he checked on us, and kept us posted on things happening around town and directions to points of interest. If you're thinking about this destination, you won't be disappointed. We will definitely be back...thank you Marc. Sharon and Gino
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jamie G.

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

Just the right place!

This is a cute and comfortable cottage tucked away on a wooded lot, just a few short minutes from the beach. We had everything we needed for our stay - Marc is the most amazing host! He checked on us several times while we were there to see if we needed anything and was always ready with suggestions for things to do and places to eat. We took advantage of the fully equipped kitchen and grill and cooked most of our dinners at the house. Marc even had s'mores ingredients ready to go to enjoy by the firepit out back. We would absolutely stay here again!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Melinda B.

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

Cozy cottage

Marc was a great host that provided a personalized experience. We will definitely be back.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tracy W.

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

Excellent Stay!

We had a wonderful team at Marc's cottage, it's in a great location and is a beautiful property. We appreciated how immaculate the cottage was and how Marc reached out daily to see if we needed anything! Would definitely stay again!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Carrie H.

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

Best host ever!

We booked this house for our first visit to South Haven, MI. From the time we reserved the house, Marc was a great communicator and host. The house had all the necessities you might need when going to a beach town making it less stressful for packing. In addition to the groceries that we ordered from the local grocery store (which were delivered and put away by Marc prior to our arrival), he also left us some yummy treats (muffins, cherries, strawberries, grapes, cheese, crackers, and so much more). His homemade tart cherry jam was amazing as well!! The property was park-like with flowers everywhere, a garden, bird houses, squirrel feeders, hummingbird feeder, and a fire-pit (Marc supplied the s'mores ingredients too). It was so nice to sit in the backyard and read by book while wildlife were all around. We saw squirrels, birds, butterflies, hummingbirds, and chipmunks almost daily. My family and I were absolutely in love with the house and yard and were very sad to leave. We hope to be back some time in the future and will definitely try to staying at one of the two houses on the property! Marc, thank you for such an enjoyable stay!! You really are the best host! A++
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Julie C.

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

Wonderful place😊

The best Vrbo home ever have stayed at and I’ve stayed at many. The host is the best host I’ve ever dealt with he contacts you right back. When you have any questions he had all kinds of suggestions for us to do in South Haven had everything you needed in the home that you could ask for I will be back to this place many times over probably😊
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kelly H., Wheaton

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

Beautiful home away from home

We absolutely loved our stay! Marc is an exceptional host who has a passion for making his guests have a great experience from start to finish. Check-in was a breeze and Marc reached out to make sure everything went well. The cottage is tucked away from the road and very peaceful. This place has so many thoughtful details and amenities (especially for kids). We loved the delicious coffee options and we were able to make full meals with the fully stocked kitchen. We were easily able to enjoy all the local beaches and wineries. My parents were able to stay in his other home on the property which was also a bonus!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tori S.

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

Exceptional Stay

This property was exactly as listed and more. It was perfectly charming and conveniently located. Marc was a great host who provided everything we needed and more. He was easy to contact and went above and beyond. Having all items for my child like a pack n play, beach toys, wagon, etc. made this trip all the more enjoyable. We highly recommend this property and would gladly stay again!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Barbie A.

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

Awesome Place!

Marc’s house is awesome! Super cute home and plenty of room for our family to be comfortable and relaxed! Super close to the beaches and downtown area. Marc is very friendly and attentive! Checked in on us to see if we needed anything and let us check out late in the hopes we got to enjoy one more good day while there, weather didn’t cooperate for the first couple of days plus the haze from the Canadian wildfires. The kids loved it, especially the old fashioned typewriter, games and art supplies! We would definitely go back and recommend anyone stay there.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Todd F., LOVELAND

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

Perfect getaway!! Highly recommended!!

As an owner of a VRBO rental plus we mainly stay at VRBO rentals when traveling, I know the importance of being a "premier host" and will say that Marc went above and beyond making sure his place was clean and have everything my wife and I needed and more!! We loved the privacy of this cottage and the short bike ride or walk into South Haven and the small beach area close by as well. Highly recommend a stay here for a couple or small family.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Christina D.

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

Wonderful stay

Property was clean and as advertised. Host was phenomenal. Have a lot of great information about the area and included a lot of extras for use during the stay. Recommend!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Chris W.

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

Absolutely wonderful!!

The little touches made us feel like a friend prepared the house for our stay❤️. The owner went above and beyond making our stay special and memorable. Besides being very clean we had absolutely everything we could ever need. I would recommend to anyone and would love to come back someday!
Stayed 6 nights in May 2023

About the host

Hosted by Marc Elson

Host profile image
I have been self employed most of my life with businesses ranging from catering to interior design. I enjoy repurposing items in to functioning home and garden decor. I moved back to Michigan after living in Austin for 40 years and found what remained of this early 20th century dairy farm. Located just outside South Haven city limits and just a few minutes from the Lake.

Why they chose this property

I have always enjoyed resort coastal towns. I love being near water, marinas and on the beach. I’m also an avid gardener.South Haven is a perfect small town with a lot of charm and summer activities to enjoy, and a close proximity to Chicago for when I need my big city fix.

What makes this property unique

I have always lived in historic homes and especially love old farmhouses. This was a small family dairy farm in early 1900. It's somewhat unusual for this area so close to the lake to have been a farm. The land was divided up in the 50s making this one of the oldest properties in the neighborhood.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests