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LOVELY COTTAGE ON LAKE MICHIGAN WITH A PRIVATE BEACH

 
 
 
St. Joseph cottage rental - Sunset at the bluff
Sunset at the bluff
 
St. Joseph cottage rental - Sunset at the bluff

Sunset at the bluff

Lilac Cottage in fall

Lilac Cottage in fall

Lilac Cottage from Evergreen Lane

Lilac Cottage from Evergreen Lane

Front door with lace curtain

Front door with lace curtain

Fountain in courtyard

Fountain in courtyard

Day lily garden at Lilac Cottage

Day lily garden at Lilac Cottage

Covered dining porch with swing

Covered dining porch with swing

South grilling deck with Weber grill and dining set

South grilling deck with Weber grill and dining set

Climbing hydrangeas and clematis on the north wall

Climbing hydrangeas and clematis on the north wall

Garden walk to the bluff

Garden walk to the bluff

Stairs to the beach

Stairs to the beach

Swing at the bluff

Swing at the bluff

Private white sand beach

Private white sand beach

Bedroom through the French doors

Bedroom through the French doors

Sleeping Nook

Sleeping Nook

Living room area with Vermont castings woodburning stove

Living room area with Vermont castings woodburning stove

Stainless steel appliances with butcherblock counter in kitchen

Stainless steel appliances with butcherblock counter in kitchen

View of Lake from kitchen window

View of Lake from kitchen window

Indoor dining area

Indoor dining area

Path to the bluff

Path to the bluff

Another sunset on the Lake

Another sunset on the Lake

The yard and bluff

The yard and bluff

Fire pit and bench at the bluff near the stairs to the beach

Fire pit and bench at the bluff near the stairs to the beach

Per night (USD) $275
Per week $1,500 - $1,750
Per month $5,000 - $6,000
  • Bedrooms1
  • Sleeps4
  • 1 Bathroom

Photos and Description of the St. Joseph vacation cottage rental
one bedroom + other, one bathroom, sleeps 4

Walk on the white sand, private Lake Michigan beach for miles. Come back to a gorgeous Cottage with a complete stainless steel gourmet kitchen, cozy custom furnishings, and two porches. It is in the middle of Michigan orchard country with several local winemakers (and a 'wine trail') as well as many art galleries. Nearby St. Joseph boasts a top-notch small art museum and lovely restaurants. Benton Harbor has its own microbrewery along with a public access glassblowing studio. Only a few miles away is Sarett Nature Center with cross-country ski and nature trails. When you make your reservation, you will get Morrison and David's 20 most favorite things to do in the area--guaranteed to have something for everyone!

Welcome to Lilac Cottage: Lilac Cottage, named for its large lilac tile painting by a local artist, is located on a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan. It is reminiscent of the summer resort cottages of your youth--but with modern conveniences. After entering the lace curtained front door, you can relax or change into your bathing suits to walk down the stairs to the private, white sand beach of the east Lake Michigan shore. Sunbathe, swim, kayak, or take a leisurely stroll on the sand for miles. On a clear day you can see the St. Joseph lighthouse. Spectacular sunsets are on view from a double swing on the bluff or from the new firepit patio.

Cottage Furnishings: The Cottage itself is comfortably furnished with oriental rugs, William Morris custom curtains, a rocker, a wicker sofa, and several comfortable chairs. A sleeping niche, complete with curtains to 'cabin' it off, has a day bed and trundle bed. The bedroom, with French doors that can create a private space in the open floor plan, couldn't be cozier with its own CD player and TV/VCR/DVD player that can be rolled into the living room. Satellite TV and a video/DVD library are available. A wide selection of reading materials, along with numerous board games, are also provided. A port for IPod or MP3 player is supplied. For those chilly evenings, a Vermont castings wood-burning stove provides warmth.

Cook's dream kitchen: The Bulthaup stainless steel kitchen is a cook's dream. It is fully equipped, from an espresso maker to food processor. A new 5-burner gas cooktop and wall oven were recently installed. You are encouraged to pick fresh herbs from the main house next door. A Webber gas grill is on your south porch, with dining table and chairs under the cover of the east porch. There is a dining table and chairs indoors, too. Calphalon pots and pans are provided.

There is a main house on the property, Lavender House, homeaway.com, # 357258. The houses are on 1 1/2 acres and maintain privacy although they do share beach stairs and the beach. It is 120 stair steps to the beach, with small landings every 20 steps.

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St. Joseph cottage rental - Sunset at the bluff

Sunset at the bluff

Lilac Cottage in fall

Lilac Cottage in fall

Lilac Cottage from Evergreen Lane

Lilac Cottage from Evergreen Lane

Front door with lace curtain

Front door with lace curtain

Fountain in courtyard

Fountain in courtyard

Day lily garden at Lilac Cottage

Day lily garden at Lilac Cottage

Covered dining porch with swing

Covered dining porch with swing

South grilling deck with Weber grill and dining set

South grilling deck with Weber grill and dining set

Climbing hydrangeas and clematis on the north wall

Climbing hydrangeas and clematis on the north wall

Garden walk to the bluff

Garden walk to the bluff

Stairs to the beach

Stairs to the beach

Swing at the bluff

Swing at the bluff

Private white sand beach

Private white sand beach

Bedroom through the French doors

Bedroom through the French doors

Sleeping Nook

Sleeping Nook

Living room area with Vermont castings woodburning stove

Living room area with Vermont castings woodburning stove

Stainless steel appliances with butcherblock counter in kitchen

Stainless steel appliances with butcherblock counter in kitchen

View of Lake from kitchen window

View of Lake from kitchen window

Indoor dining area

Indoor dining area

Path to the bluff

Path to the bluff

Another sunset on the Lake

Another sunset on the Lake

The yard and bluff

The yard and bluff

Fire pit and bench at the bluff near the stairs to the beach

Fire pit and bench at the bluff near the stairs to the beach

Nearest Airport : South Bend Airport at 30 Miles
Nearest Train : St. Joseph/ Benton Harbor Amtrak Station at 6 Miles
Nearest Motorway : U.S. 94 at 5 Miles
Car: necessary

St. Joseph, Southwest, Michigan, USA (Less Than 2 Hours from Chicago, 6 Miles North of St. Joseph).

Available
  
Unavailable
Special Offer
Updated:
May 6, 2013
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Changeover Day: saturday

Rental Rates for this vacation cottage rental in St. Joseph, Michigan

Rental Basis:
Per property
Rental rates quoted in:
US Dollar
Convert Currency
Rate Period Nightly Weekend Night Weekend Weekly Monthly Event Minimum Stay
 
Winter 2013
May 1 2013 - May 30 2013
$275
$275
$1,500
$5,000
2 Nights
 
 
Summer 2013
May 31 2013 - Sep 1 2013
$1,750
$6,000
1 Week
 
 
Fall 2013
Sep 2 2013 - Dec 31 2013
$275
$275
$1,500
$5,000
2 Nights
 

Additional information about rental rates

Tax Rate 6.0%

Notes

  • Credit cards accepted.
  • Reservations will be confirmed upon receipt of a 50% deposit. If reservation is less than 30 days away, the credit card payment must be in full. In the event of cancellation, any funds received will be refunded (minus $25 handling fee) ONLY if the Cottage can be rented for the days cancelled.

    Michigan sales/user tax of 6% will be added to the total rental fee.

    There also is a $49 NON-refundable damage insurance fee which may be refunded UP TO the date of the arrival in the event of a cancellation upon application to the insurance company.

    While there is no extra cleaning fee, there is a $25 pet cleaning surcharge if pets are permitted.

    Renters and guests must sign a Release of Liability before using the beach stairs.
  • There is a $500 discount on a weekly basis if Lilac Cottage is rented along with the other home on the property, Lavender House, listing 357258,

    Any returning guests will receive a 10% appreciation discount.

Accommodation and Amenities for this vacation cottage rental in St. Joseph, Michigan

Property Type:
  • cottage
Forms of Payment:
  • accept credit card
Meals:
  • Guests provide their own meals
Floor Area:
  • 1200 sq. ft.
Location Type:
  • Beach
  • Rural
Theme:
  • Romantic
  • Away From It All
General:
  • Firewood
  • Linens Provided
  • Alarm Clock
  • Washing Machine
  • Air Conditioning
  • Basic Soaps
  • Paper Towels
  • Thermos Bottle
  • Local Activities Guide
  • Wireless Internet
  • Towels Provided
  • Local Restaurant Guide
  • Heating
  • Hair Dryer
  • Clothes Dryer
  • Ceiling Fans
  • Internet
  • Local Maps
  • Parking Off Street
  • Toilet Paper
  • Laundry Soap
  • Shampoo
  • Activities Guide
  • Wood Stove
  • Iron & Board
Kitchen:
  • Blender
  • Stove
  • Grill
  • Freezer
  • Coffee Grinder
  • Coffee Maker
  • Ice Maker
  • Toaster
  • Refrigerator
  • Dishwasher
  • Oven
  • Microwave
  • Cooking Utensils
Dining:
  • Dining Area
  • seating for 4 people
Bathrooms:
  • 1 Bathroom
  • Bathroom 1 - toilet , combination tub/shower
  • There is a tub/shower, hair dryer, and other basic amenities.
Bedrooms:
  • 1 Bedroom, Sleeps 4
  • Bedroom 1 - 1 queen , queen
  • There is also a twin day bed and a trundle bed.
Entertainment:
  • Music Library
  • Books for Adults
  • Satellite / Cable
  • Stereo
  • CD Player
  • Books
  • VCR
  • DVD Player
  • Video Library
  • Games
  • Television
  • Radio
Outside:
  • Unscreened Porch / Veranda
  • Lawn / Garden
  • Beach Towels
  • Wood Deck
  • Beach Chairs
  • Boat with Paddles
  • Porch / Veranda
  • Patio
  • Bicycles
  • Walkway to Water
  • Kayak / Canoe
  • Binoculars
  • Outdoor Grill Gas
  • 4 garden chairs
  • 6 beach chairs
Suitability:
  • suitable for elderly or infirm
  • pets considered
  • non smoking only
  • Long-term Renters Welcome
Attractions:
  • library
  • playground
  • theme parks
  • water parks
  • churches
  • marina
  • autumn foliage
  • recreation center
  • winery tours
  • botanical garden
  • restaurants
  • museums
  • bay/sound
  • pond
  • synagogues
  • live theater
  • cinemas
  • forests
Leisure Activities:
  • scenic drives
  • outlet shopping
  • sight seeing
  • walking
  • bird watching
  • gambling casinos
  • antiquing
  • horseback riding
  • paddle boating
  • sledding
  • beachcombing
Local Services & Businesses:
  • laundromat
  • medical services
  • hospital
  • massage therapist
  • ATM/bank
  • Babysitter
  • fitness center
  • groceries
Sports & Adventure Activities:
  • hiking
  • tennis
  • fly fishing
  • water skiing
  • golf
  • pier fishing
  • cycling
  • snorkeling
  • freshwater fishing
  • roller blading
  • swimming
  • water tubing
  • jet skiing
  • sailing
  • ice skating
  • equestrian events
  • fishing
  • sound/bay fishing
  • wind-surfing
Notes: Cottage may be unsuitable for some children; please indicate their ages in your inquiry. A liability waiver must be executed prior to using beach stairs. Dogs must be pre-approved. There is a $25 dog cleaning fee. Dogs must be kept on leash while on property. There is NO television during the winter season; internet, DVD and VCR still available.

Reviews for this vacation cottage rental in St. Joseph, Michigan

Lovely cottage on Lake Michigan with a Private Beach
average rating of 5.0 based on 26 reviews
business
Lovely cottage on Lake Michigan with a Private Beach
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p237744
St. Joseph Southwest Michigan
Bangor, Wisconsin
5

Wonderful vacation spot!

5 of 5
Submitted: July 31, 2012 Stayed: July 2012
We rented the cottage as a "making memories" week with our 9 year old granddaughter. She loved her own private sleeping nook and the living space was large enough that no one felt cramped. The shady spot kept the cottage cool, even when the temperatures were in the 90's. We rarely had the air conditioning on. Tons od windows kept everything bright and cheery. Modern kitchen and appliances made cooking and clean up a breeze. The beach was huge and very private. Most days we were the only people anywhere on the beach. Trips into town to look around or down the road for pizza were easy access and short drives. Our granddaughter said she wished she lived there always! The rental did exactly what we wanted it to do...made wonderful memories she will hopefully remember forever.
Helpful votes: 2/2
business
Lovely cottage on Lake Michigan with a Private Beach
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p237744
St. Joseph Southwest Michigan
5

Gorgeous week on Lake Michigan

5 of 5
Submitted: June 12, 2012 Stayed: June 2012
We spent a gorgeous week in Lilac cottage. The place is a real treat: the house is creatively decorated and furnished, the gardens are well kept and a very pleasant sojourn with nice trees, a lot of herbs and flowers and a wonderful variety of birds.
Most amazing however is the location itself. In the morning we spent our time at the private beach and in the afternoon we used to sip our drinks on the "bluff", overlooking the Lake.
We were very happy with our friendly host Sarah, who helped us enjoy our stay at this wonderful place.
Helpful votes: 2/2
business
Lovely cottage on Lake Michigan with a Private Beach
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p237744
St. Joseph Southwest Michigan
5

Delightful place on the lake

5 of 5
Submitted: May 17, 2012 Stayed: May 2012
We enjoyed our stay at the Lilac Cottage. The cottage has the feel of a converted barn (although in fact it was purpose-built as a cottage). The "great room" comprises the kitchen, dining area, and a cozy sitting area, as well as a sleeping nook . The main bedroom is off the great room. The laundry room and large bathroom are off the entry way - note that the bath is not directly accessible from the bedroom, so bring a robe!

The kitchen is very well-eqipped.

The stairs down to the beach might be a bit tricky for those with balance issues, as the "railing" is just a fairly loose rope with little support. The bluff is beautiful, and there is a large open lawn where our dogs enjoyed running around. The herb gardens were lovely, and the owners encourage renters to snip whatever is needed for cooking, if you so desire.

Together, the Lilac and Lavendar Cottages would be a great place for a family reunion or intimate wedding, as they are quite close together but still provide adequate privacy for each group.

St. Joe is just 10 minutes south, and South Haven less than half an hour north, so we found this location very convenient for restaurants and shopping and sight-seeing.

We would definitely stay again. This place was a real find, secluded country living but just minutes from city amenities, and very easy access to the M-63 and I 96.
Helpful votes: 2/2
business
Lovely cottage on Lake Michigan with a Private Beach
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p237744
St. Joseph Southwest Michigan
5

A Great Place to Stay

5 of 5
Submitted: August 9, 2011 Stayed: July 2011
We stayed a full week at the Lilac Cottage. Our hosts were wonderful, interesting to talk to, and very helpful. Our stay was relaxing, the cottage was spacious, clean, very well appointed, and was well stocked with books, DVDs, and games. The view was beautiful, as was the private beach. The cottage location was close enough to St. Joe for any trips downtown, but far enough away to stay away from any hustle and bustle for a completely peaceful getaway. Our hosts were able to recommend activities and trips to surrounding areas, and we found the recommendations very helpful. There were many nearby destinations that were interesting and charming, including the quaint town of Coloma (we liked the Friendly Tavern), the Coloma theatre, the Contessa and Karma Vista wineries, The Chocolate Garden (handmade truffles), and a great used book store called Lakeside Books. We highly recommend the Lilac Cottage.
Helpful votes: 5/5
business
Lovely cottage on Lake Michigan with a Private Beach
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p237744
St. Joseph Southwest Michigan
McHenry, IL
5

WOW

5 of 5
Submitted: November 23, 2010 Stayed: September 2010
We spent a long weekend at The Lilac Cottage. Everything was just perfect. The owners were very cordial and helpful. The cottage was immaculate. We had a very peaceful time of rest and relaxation. While there is plenty to do around, we were just as content to stay around the cottage and enjoy the surroundings. The kitchen was absolutely wonderful to cook in. There are a lot of places to eat nearby but we chose to cook almost every meal there. The beach was beautiful and the stairs down to the beach were quite an experience! We loved watching the sunsets over the lake from the swing in the yard.

We will definitely return in the future if the opportunity allows. We didn't lack for anything while we were there.

Thank you for sharing your home with us~
Recommended for:  Age 55+, Pet-friendly, Girls Getaway, Sightseeing, Romantic Getaway
Helpful votes: 5/5
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