Sand House: Holiday Getaway, 5 Min to Lake Michigan!
House in Chikaming Township, MI
8 guests · 5 bedrooms · 2 baths
Reasons to book
Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
Free cancellationFull refund if you change your mind
Top-tier experienceOne of the higher cost properties in the area
About this house rental
THE SAND HOUSE
SLEEPS: 8
BEDROOMS: 5
BATHROOMS: 2
*5 minute Walk to Private Lake Michigan Beach
*BALCONY
*SCREENED-IN PORCH
*QUIET TIME: Harbert Woods is a private community of homeowners. Please respect their privacy and property. We ask that guests be respectful of our community by keeping quiet hours between 10:00 pm and 7:00 am EST while at the beach, out on the back deck or on the screen porch. You may not be able to see the neighbors but they will hear you. If you are outside past 10:00 pm (9:00 pm Chicago time) please be quiet and respectful to our neighbors. NO EXCEPTIONS-- Freshwater Vacation Rentals has other options if you need a space where you can be loud with your music, and voices.
The Sand House is an ideal spot for a vacation with your family, or a getaway with friends. Just 90 minutes from Chicago, this five-bedroom, two-bath summer house on two levels via spiral staircase will provide comfort, fun and memories for all. Just a one-block walk to the beautiful, sandy, private Harbert Woods beach, you can swim, build sandcastles, and watch spectacular sunsets. At the house, have your morning coffee out on the upstairs deck surrounded by trees. The combined kitchen, dining and living room area, with vaulted ceiling, allows everyone to be together, and there is a dining table for ten.
Property provides widescreen HD TV with cable and Blu-ray DVD as well as Wi-Fi. If you bring music on your iPod or phone you can connect to the integrated sound system that plays upstairs and downstairs in your vacation treehouse. You will find movies on hand for the kids or books to read for any age. In addition to the upstairs living space, there is a family room and many games, books, toys and puzzles. Or, relax with a glass of wine on the screen porch.
Book your stay today at the Sand House in Harbert Woods!
You must be at least 30 years old to rent The Sand House.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Accessibility: You must climb four steps to enter the main floor of the house. Once on the main floor, no further stairs exist to reach the master bedroom, adjacent bathroom, kitchen, dining area, living room and deck. The additional bedrooms, second bathroom, family room, screen porch and laundry room are downstairs.
Beach/Swimming: Private swimming beach is just a one-block walk from the house! Less than a 3 minute walk. Even my 8 year old doesn't complain!
Beach Chairs/Umbrellas: Please bring your own.
Cable: Yes, there is HD cable TV and a DVD player.
Dining Area: There is a dining room table for ten. There are additional chairs if more needed.
Deck: There is a deck on the main level with a small table and four chairs, as well as a cozy screen porch downstairs.
Family Room Area: There is a family room upstairs and a second family room downstairs. You will find many books, games, toys and puzzles for your use.
Fires: Sorry, no fires allowed at the property. If the fire rings are on the Lake Michigan beach, you may bring your own firewood and have a fire.
Grill: Yes, there is a charcoal grill.
Internet: Yes, there is Wi-Fi!
Kitchen Accessories:
1. Coffee Maker: Yes (standard)
2. Cooktop stove/oven: Yes
3. Dishes: Yes
4. Microwave: Yes
5. Pots & Pans: Yes
6. Refrigerator: Yes
Linens: Yes, we provide your sheets and linens.
Parking: The driveway easily fits four cars. May fit five if some cars are compact. No parking is allowed on the roadside. It must be open for emergency vehicles (non emergency vehicles will be towed).
Pets: At this time, pets are not welcome. Sorry!
Towels: Yes, we provide towels. It's always good to bring extra though, and please bring beach towels.
Washer and dryer: Yes.
Winery Tours: The nearest wineries for tastings and tours are a 20-minute drive, but as of May 2020 most are closed due to Covid-19.
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
Grand Mere State Park: totally undeveloped dunes and Lake Michigan shoreline, often you are the only people on the beach, trails (beach is a two-mile walk from the parking lot, a one mile paved path and one mile dune trail); at Stevensville, a 16 minute drive north on Interstate 94
Warren Dunes State Park: 4 miles north on Red Arrow Highway, Sawyer (7 minute drive); requires fee to enter, 2000 acres, six miles of hiking trails, three miles of Lake Michigan coastline, beaches, rugged dune formation rises 260 feet above the lake
Beach Bucket Fudge & Popcorn: ice cream shop 4 miles north at 12021 Red Arrow Highway, Sawyer (7 minute drive)
Falatics Meat Market: incredible place, 12236 Red Arrow Hwy, Bridgman (269) 426-3224 (6 minute drive). Order ahead for curbside pick up.
Greenbush Brewing Company: taproom, annex and beer garden (3 miles north / 7 minute drive; Sawyer Road)
Sawyer Home & Garden Center: myriad fresh produce, wine, flowers (3 mile drive; north side of Sawyer Road)
Sawyer Market & Deli: grocery store and ice cream shop with excellent pre-bake pies at the deli (finish baking them at home) (269) 426-4646 (3 mile drive; south side of Sawyer Road)
Cafe Gulistan: tasty Middle Eastern restaurant and wine bar, Harbert (1 mile)
Luisa's Cafe & Harbert Swedish Bakery: coffee cake, pastry, donuts, bread etc. at the bakery; lovely fresh-cooked breakfast or lunch in attached restaurant (.8 mile / 15 minute walk)
Capozio's: Tasty pizza, south to 13982 Red Arrow Highway, Harbert (4 miles / 4 minute drive) Thursday to Sunday (269) 469-4001
Red Arrow Roadhouse: the classic, south to 15710 Red Arrow Highway, Union Pier (269) 469-3939 burgers, salads, whitefish, crab cakes, ribs, fun (9 minute drive)
The Wine Sellers: lovely wine shop at the southern end of Union Pier, 16409 Red Arrow Hwy
Ghost Isle Brewery: restaurant and brewery, views of sweeping marsh and wetlands, 17684 U.S. Highway 12, New Buffalo;sandwiches, BBQ, seafood; seasonal, ethnic flair
Barney's Market: grocery store in New Buffalo
Oink's Ice Cream and Yogurt: famous ice cream shop in New Buffalo
Stray Dog Bar & Grill: 245 N Whittaker Street, New Buffalo
Beer Church Brewing Company: wood fire pizza, small plates and small batch beer in re-purposed church 24 S Whittaker Street, New Buffalo
Acorn Theater: live music, comedy and drama 107 Generation Drive, Three Oaks
Vickers Theatre: historic movie house at 6 N Elm Street, Three Oaks
Three Oaks art galleries: along Elm Street — Studio B Gallery, art gallery at the Vickers Theatre, Judy Ferrara Gallery, Trilogy Antiques and Design (13 minute drive, take Three Oaks Road)
Harbor Country chamber of commerce: find out about road construction as well as Covid-19 "stay safe" and retail curbside pick up info as well as other events.
SLEEPS: 8
BEDROOMS: 5
BATHROOMS: 2
*5 minute Walk to Private Lake Michigan Beach
*BALCONY
*SCREENED-IN PORCH
*QUIET TIME: Harbert Woods is a private community of homeowners. Please respect their privacy and property. We ask that guests be respectful of our community by keeping quiet hours between 10:00 pm and 7:00 am EST while at the beach, out on the back deck or on the screen porch. You may not be able to see the neighbors but they will hear you. If you are outside past 10:00 pm (9:00 pm Chicago time) please be quiet and respectful to our neighbors. NO EXCEPTIONS-- Freshwater Vacation Rentals has other options if you need a space where you can be loud with your music, and voices.
The Sand House is an ideal spot for a vacation with your family, or a getaway with friends. Just 90 minutes from Chicago, this five-bedroom, two-bath summer house on two levels via spiral staircase will provide comfort, fun and memories for all. Just a one-block walk to the beautiful, sandy, private Harbert Woods beach, you can swim, build sandcastles, and watch spectacular sunsets. At the house, have your morning coffee out on the upstairs deck surrounded by trees. The combined kitchen, dining and living room area, with vaulted ceiling, allows everyone to be together, and there is a dining table for ten.
Property provides widescreen HD TV with cable and Blu-ray DVD as well as Wi-Fi. If you bring music on your iPod or phone you can connect to the integrated sound system that plays upstairs and downstairs in your vacation treehouse. You will find movies on hand for the kids or books to read for any age. In addition to the upstairs living space, there is a family room and many games, books, toys and puzzles. Or, relax with a glass of wine on the screen porch.
Book your stay today at the Sand House in Harbert Woods!
You must be at least 30 years old to rent The Sand House.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Accessibility: You must climb four steps to enter the main floor of the house. Once on the main floor, no further stairs exist to reach the master bedroom, adjacent bathroom, kitchen, dining area, living room and deck. The additional bedrooms, second bathroom, family room, screen porch and laundry room are downstairs.
Beach/Swimming: Private swimming beach is just a one-block walk from the house! Less than a 3 minute walk. Even my 8 year old doesn't complain!
Beach Chairs/Umbrellas: Please bring your own.
Cable: Yes, there is HD cable TV and a DVD player.
Dining Area: There is a dining room table for ten. There are additional chairs if more needed.
Deck: There is a deck on the main level with a small table and four chairs, as well as a cozy screen porch downstairs.
Family Room Area: There is a family room upstairs and a second family room downstairs. You will find many books, games, toys and puzzles for your use.
Fires: Sorry, no fires allowed at the property. If the fire rings are on the Lake Michigan beach, you may bring your own firewood and have a fire.
Grill: Yes, there is a charcoal grill.
Internet: Yes, there is Wi-Fi!
Kitchen Accessories:
1. Coffee Maker: Yes (standard)
2. Cooktop stove/oven: Yes
3. Dishes: Yes
4. Microwave: Yes
5. Pots & Pans: Yes
6. Refrigerator: Yes
Linens: Yes, we provide your sheets and linens.
Parking: The driveway easily fits four cars. May fit five if some cars are compact. No parking is allowed on the roadside. It must be open for emergency vehicles (non emergency vehicles will be towed).
Pets: At this time, pets are not welcome. Sorry!
Towels: Yes, we provide towels. It's always good to bring extra though, and please bring beach towels.
Washer and dryer: Yes.
Winery Tours: The nearest wineries for tastings and tours are a 20-minute drive, but as of May 2020 most are closed due to Covid-19.
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
Grand Mere State Park: totally undeveloped dunes and Lake Michigan shoreline, often you are the only people on the beach, trails (beach is a two-mile walk from the parking lot, a one mile paved path and one mile dune trail); at Stevensville, a 16 minute drive north on Interstate 94
Warren Dunes State Park: 4 miles north on Red Arrow Highway, Sawyer (7 minute drive); requires fee to enter, 2000 acres, six miles of hiking trails, three miles of Lake Michigan coastline, beaches, rugged dune formation rises 260 feet above the lake
Beach Bucket Fudge & Popcorn: ice cream shop 4 miles north at 12021 Red Arrow Highway, Sawyer (7 minute drive)
Falatics Meat Market: incredible place, 12236 Red Arrow Hwy, Bridgman (269) 426-3224 (6 minute drive). Order ahead for curbside pick up.
Greenbush Brewing Company: taproom, annex and beer garden (3 miles north / 7 minute drive; Sawyer Road)
Sawyer Home & Garden Center: myriad fresh produce, wine, flowers (3 mile drive; north side of Sawyer Road)
Sawyer Market & Deli: grocery store and ice cream shop with excellent pre-bake pies at the deli (finish baking them at home) (269) 426-4646 (3 mile drive; south side of Sawyer Road)
Cafe Gulistan: tasty Middle Eastern restaurant and wine bar, Harbert (1 mile)
Luisa's Cafe & Harbert Swedish Bakery: coffee cake, pastry, donuts, bread etc. at the bakery; lovely fresh-cooked breakfast or lunch in attached restaurant (.8 mile / 15 minute walk)
Capozio's: Tasty pizza, south to 13982 Red Arrow Highway, Harbert (4 miles / 4 minute drive) Thursday to Sunday (269) 469-4001
Red Arrow Roadhouse: the classic, south to 15710 Red Arrow Highway, Union Pier (269) 469-3939 burgers, salads, whitefish, crab cakes, ribs, fun (9 minute drive)
The Wine Sellers: lovely wine shop at the southern end of Union Pier, 16409 Red Arrow Hwy
Ghost Isle Brewery: restaurant and brewery, views of sweeping marsh and wetlands, 17684 U.S. Highway 12, New Buffalo;sandwiches, BBQ, seafood; seasonal, ethnic flair
Barney's Market: grocery store in New Buffalo
Oink's Ice Cream and Yogurt: famous ice cream shop in New Buffalo
Stray Dog Bar & Grill: 245 N Whittaker Street, New Buffalo
Beer Church Brewing Company: wood fire pizza, small plates and small batch beer in re-purposed church 24 S Whittaker Street, New Buffalo
Acorn Theater: live music, comedy and drama 107 Generation Drive, Three Oaks
Vickers Theatre: historic movie house at 6 N Elm Street, Three Oaks
Three Oaks art galleries: along Elm Street — Studio B Gallery, art gallery at the Vickers Theatre, Judy Ferrara Gallery, Trilogy Antiques and Design (13 minute drive, take Three Oaks Road)
Harbor Country chamber of commerce: find out about road construction as well as Covid-19 "stay safe" and retail curbside pick up info as well as other events.
Amenities
Air conditioner
Kitchen or Kitchenette
Internet / Wifi
Parking
Laundry
Balcony or Patio
Dishwasher
TV
Family friendly
Map of Chikaming Township, MI
££££
Ratings and reviews
Summary of reviews
The properties received high praise for their proximity to the beach, well-equipped kitchens, spaciousness, and overall cleanliness, making them ideal for family getaways and beach weekends.
8.0 / 10.0
Spacious home clean and comfortable.
10.0 / 10.0
This is our fourth time at this property. The layout and location of this house is great. 5 minutes down a few very stable steps and you arrive at an expansive beach where everyone is courteous and clean. Looking forward to next year already!
10.0 / 10.0
The house was well appointed and the location was outstanding. We had a lovely stay!
8.0 / 10.0
Hosted my mom for her birthday with my extended family. Really close to the beach and very vintage decor! Had a great time!
10.0 / 10.0
This is a very well appointed house that worked perfectly for our family. It is well stocked with everything you need for the beach including high quality beach chairs and umbrellas, plus the beach was so close and really spectacular. We spent time on the large deck upstairs and the screened porch downstairs. There was plenty of room for 8 adults and one baby to spread out. We enjoyed the stereo set-up and our adult children enjoyed the large selection of DVD’s (many from the ‘90’s, so a trip down memory lane). The house has a ton of games, puzzles and toddler toys that we all enjoyed. Everything in the kitchen and house was clearly labeled which made it very easy to find what we needed quickly.
10.0 / 10.0
Always great to go to the lake . Proximity to the lake was a big plus .Kitchen was really nice and stocked well with great dishes and cutlery -the owner took time to decorate the living room and stock the board games as well .
10.0 / 10.0
We had a wonderful stay here with our kids and parents. The house was even more spacious than comes through in the pictures, had nice amenities in the kitchen and a great basement. And the nearby beach (just a few minutes walk) was truly beautiful - we might have just gotten lucky with the weather, but it was a nice sandy beach, and the water was swimmable and calm.
10.0 / 10.0
Sand House offers the perfect location and space for a day(s) at the beach. Property was clean and spacious with a good TV, expansive library and games for those less than perfect weather days. Easy walk to an awesome beach.
10.0 / 10.0
This property was perfect for our annual SW Michigan friends getaway weekend. Great space for hanging out in both levels, lots of comfortable sleeping options. The access to the beach was as easy as described. We are already considering re-booking for our trip next year!
10.0 / 10.0
The house was so comfortable, furnished with everything a group could need. The beach was a five minute walk, and just beautiful. Had a great time.
10.0 / 10.0
This was a great property. Very clean, lots of space, close to the beach and had everything we needed.
8.0 / 10.0
We enjoyed our stay at the Sand House. It was a peaceful and quiet setting. The house was spacious and very accommodating to our needs.
8.0 / 10.0
Overall, great experience!
10.0 / 10.0
We booked the Sand House for a family fall getaway. The property was spacious and accommodating for a large group. Comfortable design with lots of ammenities. Beautiful setting in the woods and just a short walk to the beach. I highly recommend!
10.0 / 10.0
The owners of this property really took the extra step to make it welcoming for families. We'll be back!
10.0 / 10.0
Great host and nice house!
I rented a house for 8 adults in the Harbert, MI area. Freshwater was very responsive and answered all my questions in a timely manner. They were so easy to work with and gave such helpful information about the surrounding area too. It was great working with them. The house we stayed in, was very clean, had all the necessities and much more. You can tell they had put a lot of thought into the home, making it a more than comfortable stay.
10.0 / 10.0
Family vacation
Very nice property. Clean.
10.0 / 10.0
Amazing stay for beach weekend with friends!
We had an amazing stay, perfect for a group of 8 friends from the city looking for a beach weekend. Short Walking distance to private beach. Beautiful home, super clean. Host was so responsive. It was perfect !
10.0 / 10.0
Best weekend ever
This 5 bedroom house served our family of 11 adults and 8 children well. The house is open concept and spacious. A short walk to Lake Michigan- the private beach is beautiful. We played frisbee, sat under furnished umbrellas in furnished beach chairs. We swam and skipped flat rocks. The kitchen is so well stocked with everything a cook needs; even a variety of spices. The upper deck looks out over a beautiful woods. We will definitely return.
10.0 / 10.0
Beautiful!
We stayed here on a girls trip and it was perfect! The property is tucked in the trees for privacy and a quick walk to the beach. We were disappointed no fires on the beach, but still had a good time!
10.0 / 10.0
Wonderful home!
The home was very clean and furnished with everything needed. The beach was an easy short walk and beautiful.
10.0 / 10.0
The Sand House is a great choice!
The house was so fun. The play area kept the kids happy. The winding stairway might be an issue for kid traffic, but they had a kid gate to use. The spacious kitchen was nice to use. The art on the walls the cute writings posted in areas along with the beautiful woods to see thru the windows made this an outstanding experience. The walk to the beach may be a challenge to anyone who is not mobile as there are stairs to use. We had no issues. The beach is beautiful and clean.
10.0 / 10.0
Great space - very responsive
The Sand House was great and it has beutiful access to Lake Michigan
10.0 / 10.0
Not long enough
Just 2 nights but wish it was longer. Comfortable, peaceful and a short walk to a private beach.
10.0 / 10.0
Great location!
Our family of grown kids plus their significant others enjoyed the very short walk to the beach. Due to the virus we ate our meals in the house. The house was well laid out and was perfect!
10.0 / 10.0
Great house, great trip
Me and large family of 9 loved our stay in the Sand House. The house was amazing, with everything we needed (except dish cloths for some reason). So many toys and books and movies. There was adequate room for us all to spread out. Rooms were nicely sized but I will add that some rooms are in need of mattress upgrades. The one I slept in (in downstairs porch room) was very old and hard. The kitchen was VERY well stocked with dishes. Almost too much so there wasn't much space to "put things away," for our stay. The refrigerator is a little on the small side, so a second fridge to use would be nice. We loved the neighborhood, and saw a family of deer nearly every day. The walk to the beach was easy, and lovely, and the private beach was the highlight of the trip, with the home owners providing all necessary beach gear (chairs, etc) for our use. We've stayed in various houses along Lake, MI for the past 5 years and this is our favorite house so far.
10.0 / 10.0
Excellent Vacation spot
Pictures are super accurate of house. The house is the icing on the cake to the location and private beach. Wonderfully set up for children and adults alike. The large table, spiral staircase, and book collection were our highlights. We will definitely be repeat guests at the Sand House.
10.0 / 10.0
Place was amazing! Had a great time!
Loved this rental! Will definitely book again!
10.0 / 10.0
Great place for family getaway
We really enjoyed our stay at the sand house. It worked really well for our family with 7 adults (including 2 married couples) and one small child. The wooded setting is beautiful, quiet, and feels secluded even though there are other homes nearby. The private beach was a little small due to high water levels but was still very nice. We also had a great time one day at the nearby Warren Dunes. There is also a nice supply of games, toys, and books to satisfy all ages as well as beach gear.
10.0 / 10.0
Rest and relaxation
Two families shared this terrific property. We loved being able to walk to the beach. The many games and amenities in the home made the entire experience very relaxing.
10.0 / 10.0
Perfect!
We had a perfect extended family vacation at the Sandhouse! The beach is a quick walk away, even for toddlers and grand parents. The beautiful home is full of toys and games and perfect for cooking family dinners. No one wanted to leave! We hope to stay at the Sandhouse again in future!
10.0 / 10.0
Great stay in the peaceful woods and close to the beach
The home was lovely with all the necessary amenities. All the basics were there plus loads of games for the house and the beach for both kids and adults. It was a short walk down to the water.
10.0 / 10.0
Girls weekend
Plenty of space for 7 ladies for a short get away! Perfect location for winery tour!!
10.0 / 10.0
Sand House
The property was very well equipped and comfortable. Plenty of room for the six of us women who get together once a year. One small issue...the instructions we received through the vacation rental people and the instructions that were in the house were a bit confusing. There was conflicting information for checkout cleaning instructions and recycling information. Other than that, it was a great place and we would happily stay there again.
10.0 / 10.0
Sand House for the win!
Great vacation spot for a woodsy weekend get-away. Very comfortable house with everything we needed to have a relaxing Southwest Michigan vacation retreat. Thank you!
10.0 / 10.0
Great Weekend
Beautiful home and very clean. Had a wonderful time. Will definitely book again. Highly recommended!!
10.0 / 10.0
Awesome Getaway
Perfect weekend getaway! Very comfortable, and had everything you could use for a weekend away. Would stay again!
10.0 / 10.0
Terrific location!! Steps to the beach.
The Sand House was the perfect getaway for my family. Just literally steps away from the private beach and close to everything you want to do in Harbor Country.
10.0 / 10.0
Lovely home just right for our extended family group
This property was fantastic. Well appointed with almost everything we could need for our stay. Beautiful location not far from the beach. Would definitely stay again!
10.0 / 10.0
Loved the privacy
We had a great time! The house was stocked with all of our necessity needs.
FAQs
How much does this house cost compared to others in Chikaming Township?
The average price for a rental in Chikaming Township is £267 per night. This rental is £218 above the average.
Is parking included with this house?
Yes, parking is listed as an amenity at Sand House: Holiday Getaway, 5 Min to Lake Michigan!. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.
Is there a pool at this house?
We didn’t find pool listed as an amenity for this house. It may be worth double checking if a pool is important for your stay.
Is Sand House: Holiday Getaway, 5 Min to Lake Michigan! pet friendly?
Unfortunately, this house is not pet-friendly. Try searching again and filter for "Pets Allowed"
What amenities are available at Sand House: Holiday Getaway, 5 Min to Lake Michigan!?
We found 9 amenities for this rental. This includes air conditioner, kitchen or kitchenette, internet / wifi, parking, and laundry.
Explore similar vacation rentals in Chikaming Township
Explore all rentals in Chikaming TownshipChikaming Township travel inspiration
Read our blogGuides
Best East Coast Beaches and Getaway Locations You Can’t Miss
Budget Travel
7 Most Affordable Snowbird Destinations for 2025
Guides
Top Activities to Try in Panama City Beach, Florida
Guides
Top Things to Do in Gulf Shores, Alabama: Adventure and Fun Await
Local Culture
Exploring Miami’s Wynwood District: Street Art, Food, and More
Guides
Fun Things to Do in Ocean City, Maryland
Local Culture
A Foodie’s Guide to the Best Dining in Orlando, Florida
Guides
Top Things to Do in Oahu and Honolulu