Reviews of Property: Gorgeous, Restful and Charming Lake Michigan Cottage

Description Cottage, 1200 sq. ft.,
1 Bedroom, Sleeps 4, 1 Bathroom
Amenities beach, rural, garden, pets considered, air-conditioning, internet access
Rates per property (USD)
$200 - $250/night 
$1,000 - $1,500/week 
$4,000 - $5,500/month 
Morrison Torrey
Speaks: English, French

7 Reviews of Property 237744 in St. Joseph, Michigan

Rating
5 out of 5

Fantastic!

LakeLubber30+ Port Republic, NJ, USA
Review Submitted: November 1, 2009 Date of Stay: October 2009
I have visited "The Lake" in the summer for 30 years, up near Pentwater, MI. Unfortunately, work kept us away this summer. We live about 10 miles from some beautiful beaches on the Jersey Shore, but "The Lake" still beckons. In planning a trip to Notre Dame (about 1/2 hour away) for the Southern Cal football game this October, we got a little creative, used a couple employeer mandated furlough days, and got to see another little slice of heaven at the Lilac Cottage and in its surrounding environs.

Notre Dame is a magical place, even when there isn't a big game; on this trip we also planned one night in Chicago and a performance of the Chicago Symphony. But, it was getting Morrison's confirmation that Lilac was available when we needed it, that totally thrilled us. Having missed summer vacation, the stakes were very high.

How did Lilac stack up: There were only two things disappointing about our visit: 1. We had cloudy skies and record cold temperatures. 2. We couldn't stay longer than 2 nights.

The first "disappointment" was quickly rectified by starting a roaring fire in the wood-stove, taking in the view of the serene and scenic grounds from the many windows, selecting some CDs from the cottage's nice selection and listening on the excellent stereo system, and browsing Lilac's sizable selection of magazines and books. When time came to venture out, we did enjoy the cool and blustery fall majesty of Lake Michigan by venturing down the steep but sturdy staircase, before heading into town. St. Joe has much to offer in galleries, shops and dining. There's much more in the surrounding area. Our stay didn't give us enough time for all the areas has to offer.

Our hosts were most helpful, graceous, and obviously attentive to all the details needed to insure a wonderful stay. Lilac Cottage seems like a great destination in all seasons, but this October we concluded that getting snowed in for a few days in January would be just about as spectacular as the many summer days we've spent on The Lake.

We hope to be back ... often.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes No Helpful votes: 1/1
Rating
5 out of 5

wonderful weekend getaway

Deogi Chicago
Review Submitted: September 24, 2009 Date of Stay: September 2009
Lilac Cottage is a great place to stay and very easy to find. The owners are very hospitable and accomodating. The kitchen is well stocked with everything you need to make all of your meals at the cottage. The view of the lake and the beach are beautiful. I would definetly stay here again!
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Rating
5 out of 5

A relaxing escape at Lilac Cottage

Urban Escapee Chicago, IL
Review Submitted: August 18, 2009 Date of Stay: August 2009
Having just returned from Lilac Cottage, its relaxing atmosphere is fresh in my mind as I highly recommend it. My husband and I spent a weekend at the cottage over the summer and were charmed by its beauty. The location is perfect - easy to find and just a 10 minute drive to St. Joseph; the views of Lake Michigan from the bluff are lovely; the beach was sandy; and the water was even warm. The entire cottage was clean and comfortable, the water, air conditioning and all other appliances worked without a hitch. The kitchen was complete with almost all amenities. After returning from local wineries (also recommended for a fun afternoon), we could not find a bottle opener, but bought a little one and left it behind for future visitors. Our stay was truly outstanding. We hope to return to the area and only wish we could have stayed longer.
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Rating
5 out of 5

Guestbook Comment

HAC195174 Chicago, IL
Review Submitted: March 11, 2009 Date of Stay: March 2009
We spent Valentine's Day weekend in this sweet
cottage
and LOVED it. The
owners are very kind and it's clear they take
excellent care of the property. We hope to return
next year - if not sooner!

The only aspect we would change would be to plan
to make most of our meals at the cottage. The
kitchen is well-equipped with all that is needed for
dining in.

Recommendations:
Do take the walk down the stairs to the beach to
see the sunset - even in winter

Do have dinner at The Bistro in St. Joseph's

Do plan to enjoy much peace and quiet for a few
days
Did you find this review helpful? Yes No Helpful votes: 2/2
Rating
5 out of 5

Guestbook Comment

HAC185731 Ann Arbor, MI
Review Submitted: January 19, 2009 Date of Stay: January 2009
What an amazing weekend we had while staying at Lilac Cottage! Even in the middle of winter, the cottage offered charm, warmth and relaxation for a perfect weekend getaway! The hosts were most hospitable and friendly as they showed us the unique amenities of the cottage and recommended many activities in the area! The view of Lake Michigan from the bluff was breathtaking! Perfectly dreamy kitchen to cook in! Impeccably decorated! Such a treat! I can't recommend it enough for a romantic weekend to cozy up by the wood burning stove and make some gourmet meals!
Did you find this review helpful? Yes No Helpful votes: 1/1
Rating
5 out of 5

Guestbook Comment

HAC163337 South Bend, IN
Review Submitted: August 28, 2008 Date of Stay: August 2008
Our weekend stay was just what we needed--our
hosts provided us with innumerable different options
for local activities, but we were more interested in
eating, sleeping, swimming, and sitting on the beach
with a bottle of wine, watching the sun set. The
cottage is exceptionally comfortable and well-
furnished, and though there are houses nearby, it is
very private. I can't recommend it highly enough for a
rejuvenating getaway!
Did you find this review helpful? Yes No Helpful votes: 3/3
Rating
5 out of 5

Guestbook Comment

HAC158629 Rockford, IL
Review Submitted: August 8, 2008 Date of Stay: August 2008
Lilac Cottage was incredible. The Cottage itself was
warm and inviting, very well furnished, had a great
kitchen/dining area, and all the amenities we
needed. Beach access is convenient and the beach
was peaceful. The view from the swing in the yard
was perfect for watching spectacular sunsets. The
Cottage is about a ten minute drive from the
Benton Harbor/ St. Joseph area where there is
plenty to keep you occupied. We were welcomed
warmly by the owner who showed us around the
Cottage and gave us some great suggestions for
local dining and wineries. We felt very comfortable
during our stay and hope to return in the future.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes No Helpful votes: 3/3