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Entire home·Private host

Relax and Enjoy. Walk to Beach, Pool, Restaurants,Grocery,Library. Ditch the car

Walk from your cottage door to the sandy beach or relax in your exclusive pool area. Enjoy BBQs on the Weber grill or toast marshmallows on the petite grill.

Photo gallery for Relax and Enjoy. Walk to Beach, Pool, Restaurants,Grocery,Library. Ditch the car

Terrace/patio
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Beach nearby, sun-loungers, beach towels
Exterior
Smart TV, fireplace, ping pong, books

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

6 bedrooms4 bathroomsSleeps 12167 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Outdoor space
  • Air conditioning
  • Kitchen

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Relax and Enjoy. Walk to Beach, Pool, Restaurants,Grocery,Library. Ditch the car

Enjoy your the Gecko Cottage

Five minutes walk to the bridge over the Galien River and you're at our lovely Lake Michigan beach. Restaurants, Shopping.

Relax at the private pool and comfortable lounging furniture for exclusive use by Merchant Street Cottage residents and guests.


You’ll love the comfort and beauty of a newer home: including high ceilings, lots of sunlight from windows and skylights, modern kitchen and bathrooms, spacious front and back porch, fireplace. Added bonus loft for children's play area.

Well stocked kitchen. Linens, towels, and cooking needs are provided.

The Gecko House - 4BR, Relax and Enjoy. Walk to Beach, Restaurants, Shopping, Groceries, Library. Ditch the car.

The Space
Cozy, clean, comfortable. Close to town, shopping & beach.

Interaction with Guests
You'll have full private access to the cottage, but your hosts are a call or text away to help with suggestions as needed.

The Neighborhood
Lots to explore, uPick Bluberries, Canoeing, Local Artists. Walk for miles on the sandy beach. Bike and walking paths/

Step out the back door to the exclusive pool.

Just a block away is the new library with both an entire floor dedicated to a kid comfy zone, and perfect spaces for remote computing.

Enjoy afternoon coffee with a book on the cottage front porch or back patio.

Getting Around
Take Amtrak from Chicago or from Ann Arbor/Detroit and walk five minutes to your cottage. Wow! Free parking in front or back. Once you arrive, put away the car keys and walk to the beach, upscale grocery, shopping and a brand new library.

There is additional hourly commuting access to Chicago on the Shoreline Train from Michigan City ( 8 miles away)

Other Things to Note
Kids and teenagers love the loft.

Great Wineries tasting and tours. We love Lemon Creek!

Casino fun on rainy days. There is a fun, well supervised, area at the casino where they will watch, feed and entertain the kids for a reasonable charge. The buffet and restaurant are great also.

*Please remove shoes before entering the cottage and leave them on the front or back porch, or inside the door.
**Notify us immediately if you have any concerns during your stay. We're here for you.
**Note that we are a pet-free property.
**You must notify us in advance if there will be more than the reserved number of guests

Other:
The pool will open in the spring as soon as weather permits in the spring and stay open in the fall as long as weather permits. The pool is private and shared only by our association of 23 homes.

Love the beach. It's 5 minute walk to the bridge. Once over the bridge you're at the beach parking. Very nice and convenient. I swim every day when we're here.

The cottage is cleaned and freshly painted for the season and there are many large and small improvements.

BBQ & firepit.

Family Fun
Lower level rec room with the professional ping pong table, and Streaming/YoutubeTV on the big screen TV. Couch rocking chair & huge comfy beanbag that can unzip into comfy queen futon. (please zip back into bean bag before leaving).

*Gather mornings and evenings in the front porch.
*Lounge on the back porch or canopy swing.
*Well equipped kitchen open to livingroom - dining room table and comfortable. A great place for gathering and games.

*Bar-B-Q on the Weber grill, or toast marshmallows on the petite grill.

*Use any of the beach toys, chairs, umbrella, sunshades that you'll find in the garage. There's even a 1-person kayak.

*Feel free to use the bikes at your own risk, but please bring your own helmets.

Property manager

Phil & Julie

Languages

English

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach nearby
  • Beach loungers
  • Beach towels

Ski

  • Cross-country skiing nearby
  • Ski-in/ski-out access

Pool/Spa

  • Communal pool
  • Fenced private pool
  • Heated pool
  • Outdoor pool

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Electric car charging station on site
  • Car not required
  • Onsite parking options include a garage

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee grinder
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Hob
  • Kitchen island
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 6 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Sofa bed

Bathroom

  • 3.5 bathrooms
  • Bathtub
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Bidet
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Books
  • Games
  • Smart TV with cable/satellite channels

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundromat nearby
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Computer monitor
  • Desk
  • Desk chair

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • 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
  • Hardwood flooring in public areas
  • In-room accessibility
  • Thin carpet in public areas
  • Smoke-free property
  • Note from host: No tobacco, cannibus, vaping in cottage ever.

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • In a village
  • In the city centre
  • Near a health/beauty spa
  • Near a hospital
  • Near an outlet shopping centre
  • Near the marina
  • Next to a golf course
  • On a lake
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Arcade/game room
  • Bicycles
  • Boat
  • Heated pool
  • Kayak
  • Ski-in/ski-out access
  • Table tennis
  • Water park
  • Water sports equipment
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Casino nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Parasailing nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Scuba diving nearby
  • Sledding nearby
  • Snorkelling nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Water tubing nearby
  • Wildlife walks 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)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • Bicycles
  • Electric car charging station
  • Energy-saving switches in guestrooms
  • Garden
  • Property located in a resort
  • Recycling
  • Unit size: 1,800 square feet
  • Vegan dining options
  • Vegetarian breakfast available
  • Vegetarian dining options
  • Water-efficient toilets

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  • Kitchen
  • Washer
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Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in and check-out are available
Minimum check-in age - 30

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Note from host: No parties or extra guests. Inquire in advance.
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
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
Property Registration Number CR19-0036

We should mention

A car is not required for transport to and from this property

Property is also known as

Relax Enjoy. Walk to Beach Restaurants
Relax Enjoy. Walk Beach s House New Buffalo
Relax Enjoy. Walk Beach s House
Relax Enjoy. Walk Beach s New Buffalo
Relax Enjoy. Walk Beach s
Relax and Enjoy. Walk to Beach & Restaurants New Buffalo
Relax Enjoy. Walk to Beach Restaurants
Relax Enjoy Walk Beach S House
Relax Enjoy. Walk to Beach Restaurants
Relax Enjoy. Walk to Beach Restaurants.
Relax and Enjoy. Walk to Beach & Restaurants. New Buffalo

About the area

Map
New Buffalo, MI

What's nearby

  • Local - 5 min walk
  • New Buffalo Public Beach - 13 min walk
  • New Buffalo Railroad Museum - 14 min walk
  • Galien River County Park - 3 min drive
  • Four Winds Casino New Buffalo - 11 min drive

Getting around

  • New Buffalo Station - 7 min walk
  • South Bend, IN (SBN-South Bend Intl.) - 44 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Buffet at Four Winds Casino - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Four Winds Sports Bar - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Timbers at Four Winds Casino - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪The Stray Dog Bar & Grill - ‬9 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Does Relax and Enjoy. Walk to Beach, Pool, Restaurants,Grocery,Library. Ditch the car have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool. Pool types include heated pools.

Is Relax and Enjoy. Walk to Beach, Pool, Restaurants,Grocery,Library. Ditch the car pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Relax and Enjoy. Walk to Beach, Pool, Restaurants,Grocery,Library. Ditch the car?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Relax and Enjoy. Walk to Beach, Pool, Restaurants,Grocery,Library. Ditch the car?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Relax and Enjoy. Walk to Beach, Pool, Restaurants,Grocery,Library. Ditch the car located?

Located in the city centre, this ski-in/ski-out holiday home in New Buffalo is within 1 mile (2 km) of New Buffalo Township Public Library and Lake Michigan, and is convenient for winter sports, such as cross-country skiing and sledging. Local and New Buffalo Marina Park are also within 10 minutes. New Buffalo Station is 7 minutes by foot.

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Relax and Enjoy. Walk to Beach, Pool, Restaurants,Grocery,Library. Ditch the car Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 152 out of 162 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 10 out of 162 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 162 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 162 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 162 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

T H.

Love New Buffalo!
Very cute cottage for a family visit!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Great house in a great location
We were very pleased with our stay at the Gecko Cottage. The house is fantastic and in a great location.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kelly R.

Chill Bachelorette
We stayed here for 4 days and 3 nights, for a chill bachelorette weekend getaway. We had so much fun, and the house was the perfect size, we each had our own space plus great gathering rooms when we played games or just sat around and chatted. The porches were wonderful, and we loved the walkability to essentials and other parts of town. Great hosts, would definitely recommend!!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca K.

Close to everything!
Great location in New Buffalo. Property was just as described. Terrific communication with the owners.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

8/10 Good

Thomas S.

Weekend getaway with friends
We really enjoyed our stay and the house was excellent. It accommodated 9 adults nicely. The location is perfect because you can walk to restaurants if you want. We would rent here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Katie D.

We love the Gecko house!
This is our 3rd time staying at the Gecko house, and we love it more each time! A fabulous house, hosts and location!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Lynda L.

Perfect for my weekend girls getaway
Perfect layout. Very well kept and organized. Can’t wait to book our next stay!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Greg T.

Lovely location
We found the house spacious and comfortable. We loved the proximity to downtown New Buffalo and the beach. We'd definitely return.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tracey W.

Beautiful Home!
We had a blast while staying in this beautiful home! Philip was great to work with and we had no issues from start to finish! Would stay here again if given the opportunity!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sarah T.

Great for families
We had a great stay with our kids and their cousins. Great access to town and grocery store. Beach is a little further when you get all of the kid's beach gear together, but it's doable. Pool access was awesome to have and easy alternative to the beach. Would stay again!
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Keith W., Franklin, IN

Wonderful Cottage
We had a wonderful time at the cottage. It was close enough to walk to the beach, restaurants and grocery. Very clean, beds comfortable. Loved the fire pit, bikes and beach toys. Would definitely stay again!
Stayed 5 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Scott S.

Family Trip
This was our 2nd trip to the Gecko house, was great time! Plan to come back next year :)
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2020

10/10 Excellent

Lynda J.

Perfect location
Phil was very attentive
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Stacie D.

A lovely cottage right near everything
Beautiful home with plenty of room to spread out or stick together with everything you'd want to make yourself at home. Comfortable beds, charming spaces, and well- stocked kitchen. A short walk to shops, restaurants and the train. We are already thinking about going back.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Laura F.

Fantastic place, fantastic location
We loved everything about the Gecko Cottage! The accommodations were perfect for our group of 7 who were in the are for a bike tour. Phil and Julie are great hosts. They
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Katie C.

Graduation weekend
The house was perfect for our family to have some together time in the midst of graduation events.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kate C.

Great weekend getaway
This little grouping of homes is just a couple of blocks from the heart of downtown New Buffalo, easily walkable to everything, which we love. Everything was just as described, with enough room for 3 adult couples (each on their own floor, which we really like!). Phil & Juli were extremely communicative and accommodating. Looking forward to staying here again!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

cindy b.

Great family rental
.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Monica G.

Wonderful Week
Our stay in New Buffalo was perfect! Phil and Julie were excellent hosts, staying in contact throughout the entire booking process and providing excellent instructions regarding check-in. The home was well equipped, met all of our needs, and the location could not have been better! This was our 5th stay in New Buffalo and I am thrilled we finally found the perfect vacation rental!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Curt P.

New Buffalo
Great property well cared for. All as promised
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2020

10/10 Excellent

Olibia S.

Home away from home…
The Gecko cottage was perfect for our family of five! We walked EVERYWHERE- including the beach. The pics DO NOT do this home justice. It is VERY big with a ton of storage. We had a great time and can’t wait to go back!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Lynda F.

Great house and location
We had a great time. The house is beautiful and well maintained. We could have used more spare blankets because the evenings were cool. Also, we ran out of paper towels and plastic garbage bags.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

8/10 Good

Sandy S.

Girls Golf Trip
Great location. Couldn’t find sheets..were in the dryer with damp towels. Accomodated 7 of us well. Think it would be quite tight for 12-14 as advertized. We did enjoy our stay, though and close to golf courses.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kristina S.

Beautiful home
My girlfriends and I stayed at this beautiful house in new Buffalo. We were greeted with snacks and a bottle of wine. The house had plenty of room and bathroom space for all of us. Had a nice cozy fireplace to sit and enjoy a cup of coffee by. Walking distance to down town area and driving distance to many Wineries. We definitely enjoyed are stay and highly recommend this cute coat house!!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kate S., Saint Louis, Missouri

The perfect landing spot for a young family
We are so glad we found this property. The house was well appointed and very clean. Phil and Julie also have a fully outfitted kids room that was perfect for my older son - he played with toys and read books there every morning! The heated community pool was also a highlight for kids on cooler afternoons. Mom and Dad loved the walkability! Phil and Julie were great communicators - very responsive and kind when we had questions. We will definitely return!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023