City center stay.Within a 10-minute walk of this Saint Joseph vacation home, you'll find Lake Michigan and Silver Beach. FuzzyButz Pet Bakery and White Pine Winery are also within half a mile (1 km).
Lakeland Regional Medical Center - 3 min drive - 2.4 km
Harbor Shores Golf Club - 4 min drive - 3.1 km
Getting around
St. Joseph-Benton Harbor Station - 7 min walk
South Bend Intl. Airport (SBN) - 41 min drive
Restaurants
McDonald's - 3 min drive
Silver Beach Pizza - 7 min walk
Clementines Too - 14 min walk
Dairy Queen - 3 min drive
Azul Tequila - 10 min walk
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Historic and quiet St. Joseph neighborhood: Lovely and comfortable two story
A two-story 4 bedroom 2 bath cottage just blocks from the beach, downtown St. Joseph, and many other attractions and points of interest. Up on the bluff, so you don’t have the crowds and the walk up the bluff to town. Perfect for one or two families. Sleeps 9, with kitchenette and breakfast nook upstairs and full kitchen and dining room downstairs. Parking for 2 cars and an easy walk to Silver Beach, Whirlpool Fountain, restaurants and many other local attractions. Free WiFi internet, Central AC. Charcoal grill. No yard but front porch for relaxing in this quiet, historic, old neighborhood.
Property manager
Chris or David Vandenburgh
Languages
English
Similar properties
Downtown St. Joseph! Walk to EVERYTHING! Fall 2024/SUMMER 2025 Booking NOW!
Downtown St. Joseph! Walk to EVERYTHING! Fall 2024/SUMMER 2025 Booking NOW!
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
Area rugs in public areas
Handrails in stairways
Smooth flooring in public areas
Upper floors accessible by stairs only
Well-lit path to entrance
Smoke-free property
Services and conveniences
Iron/ironing board
Location highlights
In a rural location
In a village
In the city center
Near a health/beauty spa
Near a hospital
Near an outlet shopping mall
Near the marina
Next to a golf course
On a lake
On a river
On the waterfront
Things to do
Water park
Cycling nearby
Fishing nearby
Golfing nearby
Jet skiing nearby
Kayaking nearby
Motor boating nearby
Sailing nearby
Swimming nearby
Windsurfing nearby
Winery tours nearby
Safety features
Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
Fire extinguisher
Deadbolt lock
General
At least 80% lighting from LEDs
At least 80% of food locally-sourced
Double-glazed windows
Recycling
Unit size: 1,700 square feet
Vegan dining options
Vegetarian breakfast available
Vegetarian dining options
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 21
Check-out
Check-out before 11:00 AM
Special check-in instructions
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Pets
Pets are welcome
Only dogs are allowed
Maximum 1 pets
Service animals are exempt from fees
Note from host: Pet fee covers the extra cleaning necessary.
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome.
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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadbolt lock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a deadbolt lock in each accommodation.
Property Registration Number # 76-0340-0181-00-1
Property is also known as
Little Cottage by the Sea
Lovely comfortable two story in historic St. Joseph neighborhood
Historic and quiet St. Joseph neighborhood: Lovely and comfortable two story Reviews
Reviews
9.6
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Rating 10 - Excellent. 35 out of 42 reviews
10 - Excellent
35
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 42 reviews
8 - Good
4
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 42 reviews
6 - Okay
1
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 42 reviews
4 - Poor
2
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 42 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
9.8/10
Cleanliness
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Alice A.
7 Oct 2024
Wedding
It was a perfect location to walk dogs and to hotel where wedding party and many guests stayed. Very relaxed plenty of room for everybody
Alice A.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024
10/10 Excellent
Denise H.
26 Aug 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Very nice cottage
This is our second time at this property and I was really happy that the owners had addressed our primary issue from last year (rocking toilet). The only feedback for this year is: 1. Pls include instructions on using the TV w/Roku. We don't actually use Roku - we still have Xfinity so this was very challenging even though wea re not big TV watchers - we did want to see the Democratic convention. We finally got through the correct sequence of buttons but it was a struggle to be honest. 2. There were no washcloths left out and really no extra towels at all (not what we remembered from last year). We did raid one of the owner closets to get a couple of washcloths. If these are items we need to bring (like Europe) then pls include in the listing. 3. The new wagon was great - we used every day and just put it in the back of the car each night and locked it up. thank you so much! 4. The hot water tap in the downstairs BR just started to drip the last few days. I assume you pay for water so wanted to make sure you were aware of this potential issue. Otherwise things were fine (oh there were lo9st of DVDs but no DVD player??). Great location - walked everywhere - and very quiet. Neighbor Jan from Lansing is just delightful and very friendly (we met him in the alley). Denise
Denise H.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024
10/10 Excellent
Gary W.
7 Aug 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Annual stay
Love our visit to the cottage each July. Chris and Dave are great hosts. Thanks for sharing your cottage.
Gary W.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
Sami W.
7 Aug 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Close to St. Joe
We loved how close it was to downtown St. Joseph and how we could walk there from the property. There was plenty of space in the rental which was also nice.
Sami W.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
Rachel D. D.
21 Jul 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
perfect location and very cute, quaint little cottage!
The perfect cottage for a week's stay in the cutest beach town! The ONLY thing i might critique is maybe updating some of the furniture as it has clearly had some use over the years (very obvious to see why as this is a perfect rental for the area). I'm still giving it 5 stars as it is worthy of it!
Rachel D. D.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
Cynthia C.
8 Jul 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
The 4th
The house was charming & perfect for our extended family. Location was ideal - we could walk everywhere. We cooked most of our meals-the kitchen was well stocked with cooking equipment. It was a great vacation!
Cynthia C.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
10/10 Excellent
Allan B.
30 Jun 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect beach cottage
A lovely cottage with plenty of space and beds! We loved the location and couldn’t have been happier with our stay!
Allan B.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
10/10 Excellent
Laura H.
23 Jun 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Great location
Great location. Walkable to everything needed including the beach. Perfect place for a summer vacation!
Laura H.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
10/10 Excellent
Karen H.
10 Jun 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Family fun ♥️
We have stayed at this property almost every year since 2016! We absolutely love the home and it is close to shops and downtown and the beach. Chris is always a joy to talk to and she is thoughtful and responsive. We love our trips here and recommend the property to anyone looking to explore the third coast ♥️
Karen H.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023
10/10 Excellent
Denise H.
29 Aug 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Great cottage and location
This cottage was delightful. Close to downtown and easy to reach the beach without driving. Plenty of room for all of us. Well stocked w/kitchen items as well.
Denise H.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023
10/10 Excellent
Shelly R.
16 Aug 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Great location
Perfect location and plenty of room.
Shelly R.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023
10/10 Excellent
margaret G.
10 Aug 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
wonderful cottage
Perfect place to stay in St Joseph
margaret G.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
10/10 Excellent
Lori S.
4 Aug 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Clean, comfortable and close to bluff/downtown
My husband and I stayed here with my 3 young adult children and their significant others (ages 22-28). Chris and Dave's home worked great for our group. Two couples stayed upstairs, my single son downstairs, and we had the master bedroom.
Everyone enjoyed playing games at the huge dining room table (plus the younger ones played games upstairs some nights). The parking worked great with the two spots off the alley and one on the street (we called the number to let them know we'd have a car on the street).
It was super convenient to be able to walk downtown, over to the bluff, even down to Silver Beach Pizza. Our family made some lovely memories and we hope to be back!
Lori S.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
10/10 Excellent
Marla C.
31 Jul 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
LOVE the location!
This is our second time to stay at this property, and we absolutely love the location. Being able to walk down to the beach, to Silver Beach Pizza, to the shops and Kilwin's, and then being able to walk back "home" for a break whenever we need it is wonderful. My 3 kids also enjoy being able to have their own space and not have to share a bedroom. Chris is very easy to work with and quick to respond to questions. We will be back!
Marla C.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
10/10 Excellent
Gary W.
23 Jul 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Favorite summer trip
This property is our annual choice to stay in St Joseph Michigan. The location is within walking distance to downtown, beach and much more. We have used the cottage for over 10 summers
Gary W.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
4/10 Poor
LAURA H.
15 Jul 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely time
Had a great time with family. Everyone had their own space. Great having 2 bathrooms. Location great for walking to town and the beach. Air conditioner kept up even on the really hot days. Needs a new couch but overall lovely.
LAURA H.
Stayed 21 nights in Jun 2023
10/10 Excellent
Benjamin P.
27 Jun 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Great location!
We had a great time in St. Joe! The house is in a fantastic location, so close to everything.
David was very helpful when we had an issue with one of the TVs. He came over right away to address it and made sure we were satisfied.
Benjamin P.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023
10/10 Excellent
Kelly L.
9 May 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Excellent
Cute little home in a safe, lovely, historic area. Just a short walk away from beautiful downtown St Joe and Silver Beach. So enjoyed walking on the bluff with my family. The owners responded very quickly to any inquiries and were very kind, helpful, and generous. Highly recommend this family friendly home. 😊
Kelly L.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2023
10/10 Excellent
Jim G.
19 Sep 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Spacious, Great Location
We always enjoy the walk-ability of St. Joe. The house is very spacious and well-taken care of. Had a great week!
Jim G.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022
8/10 Good
Frances P.
21 Aug 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely little cottage
Stayed here on our first visit to St. Joseph for a summer family vacation. House is very well equipped and was very clean. Very close to town for restaurants, library, walking, etc. Beach is a bit far because of the railroad in-between town and the beach and a high hill, but parking at the beach is very easy and inexpensive.
This is NOT a 3-bathroom house, nor is it a 2-bath plus outdoor shower as there is no outdoor shower. But the 2 full baths indoors are very clean and updated.
Note that there is virtually no outdoor space except the front porch and the parking area for the 2 cars - plus the small pad where the bbq grill is. We should have been more careful about selecting someplace with a little bit of yard for the kids.
Otherwise, a very comfortable place to stay!
Frances P.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022
8/10 Good
wilma m., Normal, illinois
17 Aug 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Family summer vacation
Love staying here for the past 6-7 summers - very convenient and family friendly. Grandkids love riding their scooters to town, game nights at 'home' and great restaurants. Beaches are the best! Hosts are wonderful! Have regular updates in accommodations - may need new mattresses in small downstairs bedroom soon, but overall rest are great! Thank you Dave and Chris!! Feels like home to us!!
wilma m.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022
10/10 Excellent
Gary W.
2 Aug 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Annual family gathering
We have stayed at this property annually well over 10 years. Great location, easy walking to activities. We plan to return the summer of 2022.
Gary W.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
10/10 Excellent
Amy S.
25 Jul 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Summer family trip
Our stay at your Vrbo was fantastic! It would have been helpful to have more pictures of the inside of the home and the outside yard to give us a better idea of what to plan for. No complaints about the property itself. The place was clean and everything worked well.. and the kitchen was well stocked!! Thanks for a great stay!
Amy S.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
10/10 Excellent
Scott H.
17 Jul 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Great Location
With five family members ranging from 81 to 22 the location was super. We were a couple blocks from the Bluff and just a few blocks from the beach and the downtown shops. The house was very well furnished and stocked.
Scott H.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
10/10 Excellent
Mary M.
10 Jul 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Had an amazing stay. Beautiful quaint home with a fantastic location to everything.
Beautiful quaint home, walking distance to everything. Thank you to our host. House fully equipped with everything and then some. Beach, splash pad, restaurants, ice cream and Carousel kept us busy all week. Gorgeous weather, had a fabulous week. Thank you again for a wonderful stay!