Reviews of Property: Charming house in quiet neighborhood with Spectacular Lake Views
Description
House, 1800 sq. ft.,
3 Bedrooms, Sleeps 6, 1 Bathroom, 1 Half Bath
3 Bedrooms, Sleeps 6, 1 Bathroom, 1 Half Bath
Amenities
beach, waterfront,
balcony,
pets considered,
air-conditioning,
internet access
Rates
per property
(USD)
$250/night
$1,550/week
$1,550/week
Andrew
269-983-8070
Speaks: English
11 Reviews of Property 147299 in St. Joseph, Michigan
Breath-taking view from little cottage!
Review Submitted: July 29, 2009
Date of Stay: June 2009
My name is Janet and I rented the "cottage" located on the same property as the "big house" in St. Joe. I woke up every morning, took my cup of coffee outside and enjoyed it while looking at the most beautiful view of the lake. I found the house to be very clean and equipped with everything I needed. The fireplace was a nice ammenity as it got cold one evening and in lieu of doing a fire pit we sat cozy by the fireplace and played games. The TV is very large and my children enjoyed playing their PS games while the girls and I cooked. It is a short walk to both beaches and very convenient ramp down to the water. It was nice being close to town because I did not have a vehicle and the Dairy King nearby was a big hit with the kids!! The little convenience store up the street has everything one might run out of or forgot to bring and has the most yummy chicken cooked daily! I had to most peaceful vacation I have ever had!! I found it very relaxing to read my book out in the yard and listen to all the boats out on the water. I would recommend this property to anyone!! It is actually that nice!! I am thinking about doing the same thing next summer in 2010 at the same place!!! Thank you Andrew for the best vacation ever!!!
Little Cottage...Big Big Views
Review Submitted: July 19, 2009
Date of Stay: July 2009
I stayed in the Little Cottage behind the Big House for one week with my daughter and two young grandchildren. Our favorites were the shared yard with fire pit and the outstanding bluff views of Lake Michigan including the St. Joe lighthouse and piers and gorgeous sunsets. Don't let the location above train tracks be scary because the trains while we were there were very short and amazingly more quiet than I would have guessed. The pedestrian walkway over the tracks and down the bluff to the Lion's Park beach and walking trail is right in front of the Big House and gives easy access to the beach. Andy was a good host and very responsive to our needs. I hope to return!
Disappointed
Review Submitted: July 7, 2009
Date of Stay: August 2008
We found the house dirty, dusty and moldy and the linens were sparse. Many listed amenities were lacking. A railroad and water treatment plant separates the property frrom the lake so it is lakeview rather than lakefront and the railroad trains run in the middle of the night. A cottage at the rear of the property was rented so we had to share the yard. Adjacent to the house at the end of the street is a public access ramp to a local beach. There was a constant stream of prople parking their cars and coming and going. Senior citizens may have a problem with the stairs to the second floor. Applauded for taking pets. Ideal for a young people getaway bash. Andy (who is not the owner) was a profound disappointment in resolving our problems.
We loved it!
Review Submitted: May 14, 2009
Date of Stay: April 2009
My family and I really enjoyed our stay in "the big house". It is a beautiful home with lots of charm. We had two couples and two crazy old ladies with us (my mom and my aunt) who had plenty of room, plenty of comfort and plenty of fun. Wonderful view of the lake from the bed rooms, living room or the large front porch. Close to everything you need. Thanks for a great weekend away.
Note: Please just add a few cleaning supplies (vacuum & broom) to help keep the place beautiful.
Note: Please just add a few cleaning supplies (vacuum & broom) to help keep the place beautiful.
Excellent vacation rental in charming St Joe
Review Submitted: April 15, 2009
Date of Stay: June 2008
Our family was fortunate enough to spend most of July 2008 in this beautiful place. The property is situated at the end of a quiet street on the bluff over looking Lake Michigan, just steps away from the pedestrian walkway down to Lions Park Beach and to the Howard Recreation Trail, a near perfect location for accessing activities at the beach and in and around the lovely town of St Joseph.
As you see from the pictures, the house is attractive, well maintained for an older home, and comfortably furnished. Our favorite spot, without a doubt, was the front porch where we enjoyed ever changing and spectacular sunsets almost every evening.
As others have mentioned Andy, the owner, was responsive and helpful with the several questions and one small problem we had during our 4 week stay. We enthusiastically recommend this rental, and are looking forward to our return visit in 2009!
(For up to date information about the many activities and amenities available locally, see the City of St Joseph website.)
As you see from the pictures, the house is attractive, well maintained for an older home, and comfortably furnished. Our favorite spot, without a doubt, was the front porch where we enjoyed ever changing and spectacular sunsets almost every evening.
As others have mentioned Andy, the owner, was responsive and helpful with the several questions and one small problem we had during our 4 week stay. We enthusiastically recommend this rental, and are looking forward to our return visit in 2009!
(For up to date information about the many activities and amenities available locally, see the City of St Joseph website.)
vacation rental
Review Submitted: October 27, 2008
Date of Stay: October 2008
The owner was quite pleasant, but the property lacked most of the amenities listed. I would call it water view not waterfront since a railroad track and water treatment plant were between the house and the lake. The only light in the living room did not work. (I did tell owner and he tried a new bulb but it didn't fix it.) Lights were missing in the kitchen and bathroom. It is not suitable for the elderly and infirm. The staircase has an "accordian/fan shape" turn that has no rail. Linens were very sparse.
Sunsets were fabulous!..
Sunsets were fabulous!..
Owner's Response: I’m not sure what they were referring to by “property lacked most of the amenities listed”, I went down the list and it had everything that I advertised. Yes, there is a railroad down the bluff but mostly out of sight, it goes by a couple times a day (Amtrack is only 3-4 cars long and quiet). It runs along the lake all the way to Chicago. You would be hard pressed to get a lake view around here without being near it. You see and hear it a lot less here than you would in other parts of town.
The “water treatment plant” is actually a 1 story water pumping station and doesn’t obscure the view and is silent. The lamp in the living room did quit, I tried to fix it by replacing the bulb, but that didn’t fix it. I then said I would go and purchase a new lamp, and they said that wasn’t necessary, they could get along fine by taking a lamp out of one of the bedrooms, so I left it at that. The lights in the kitchen & bathroom were both fine, they just didn’t flip the right switch. They also never indicated that there was any problem with either.
It probably is not suitable for elderly people or infirm as the bedrooms are upstairs. There is a handrail on both sides of the staircase, we could not pass the city inspection without it. “linens were very sparse”, not sure what they meant by this, they never said anything about needing more. They were left with 6 bath towels, hand towels & washcloths. Also extra blankets in the closets. I figured this was plenty for 2 people for the weekend.
We try to be very accommodating and if you need something, just ask! Its too bad we were left a negative review (& a pile of dirty dishes) when we gave you a great deal on the weekend rate. You could not have stayed at a local hotel for the rate I gave you, and you would not have had a deck or lake view (or quiet dead end street).We try our best but i guess we cant please everyone. Please see other reviews!
The “water treatment plant” is actually a 1 story water pumping station and doesn’t obscure the view and is silent. The lamp in the living room did quit, I tried to fix it by replacing the bulb, but that didn’t fix it. I then said I would go and purchase a new lamp, and they said that wasn’t necessary, they could get along fine by taking a lamp out of one of the bedrooms, so I left it at that. The lights in the kitchen & bathroom were both fine, they just didn’t flip the right switch. They also never indicated that there was any problem with either.
It probably is not suitable for elderly people or infirm as the bedrooms are upstairs. There is a handrail on both sides of the staircase, we could not pass the city inspection without it. “linens were very sparse”, not sure what they meant by this, they never said anything about needing more. They were left with 6 bath towels, hand towels & washcloths. Also extra blankets in the closets. I figured this was plenty for 2 people for the weekend.
We try to be very accommodating and if you need something, just ask! Its too bad we were left a negative review (& a pile of dirty dishes) when we gave you a great deal on the weekend rate. You could not have stayed at a local hotel for the rate I gave you, and you would not have had a deck or lake view (or quiet dead end street).We try our best but i guess we cant please everyone. Please see other reviews!
little house in back
Review Submitted: September 10, 2008
Date of Stay: September 2008
Modest but very clean. In the midst of an upgrade. View is grand. Beach a short walk down a complex boardwalk that our kids considered an attraction. Andy, the owner, couldn't have been more accommodating. A value for the $$$. Not for Four Seasons people. But if you enjoy doing your own cooking, the kitchen is very servicable and the sitting areas comfortable. Easy parking. Close enough to everything. Don't miss walking out to the end of the pier/breakwater and seeing the salmon. Just one bathroom, so it builds character by making you responsive to the needs of others.
Nice Little Cottage
Review Submitted: August 13, 2008
Date of Stay: August 2008
Clean older cottage with MILLION DOLLAR VIEWS! The bluff is located above the end of Lions Park which happens to be just south of Silver Beach - a very popular beach spot. I liked the Lions Park for the fact that there were less people there.
Back to the cottage, you can see that the owner is starting to rehab it. Older appliances and bathroom but all in workable shape. Only one bathroom is a drawback when you have more than two people in the cottage but you soon adapt.
It would be very crowded if you slept 8 people, I'd recommend only 4 - 6 if you include some small children.
The price was very reasonable for what you got. I would rebook again if we go back to the area. I recommend it.
When you go, if you want a terrific meal, drive about 20 min south to Union Pier and find Timothy's Restaraunt at Gordon Beach Inn. Far and away the best seafood within an hours drive. I had the horseradish crusted whitefish and couldn't get enough. I'd make a 2 hour drive for it again.
Enjoy your stay!
Back to the cottage, you can see that the owner is starting to rehab it. Older appliances and bathroom but all in workable shape. Only one bathroom is a drawback when you have more than two people in the cottage but you soon adapt.
It would be very crowded if you slept 8 people, I'd recommend only 4 - 6 if you include some small children.
The price was very reasonable for what you got. I would rebook again if we go back to the area. I recommend it.
When you go, if you want a terrific meal, drive about 20 min south to Union Pier and find Timothy's Restaraunt at Gordon Beach Inn. Far and away the best seafood within an hours drive. I had the horseradish crusted whitefish and couldn't get enough. I'd make a 2 hour drive for it again.
Enjoy your stay!
Great view!
Review Submitted: August 12, 2008
Date of Stay: August 2008
The view from the front porch was excellent! The property was average in maintenance. You could use more towels at the property but we used the washer and dryer in the basement to wash the towels. You are close to all attractions and downtown. I would recommend this property to famlies or couples. Bedrooms are upstairs.
The perfect place!
Review Submitted: August 12, 2008
Date of Stay: July 2008
We loooved this place. The location is great - right by steps that take you down to the beach - and there's a great backyard overlooking the lake. The house itself is wonderful - very charming, nicely furnished, comfy, clean, etc. And Andy, the homeowner, couldn't have been more accommodating. I can't say enough good things about this place - I definitely hope to be back!
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