Experience a tranquil getaway with Great Lakes Escape, where panoramic views of Lake Michigan meet serene evenings by the fire pit. Enjoy direct beach access, unwind in the private hot tub or covered outdoor dining area and relish summer cookouts on the gas grill.
Reviews
9.69.6 out of 10
Exceptional
Entire home
4 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 123040 sq ft
Popular amenities
Beach view
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free Wi-Fi
Add dates for prices
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Great Lakes Escape
Summary:
Blufftop Lake Michigan Retreat | Private Beach Access | Hot Tub | Sleeps 12
Featured Amenities:
~ Panoramic Lake Michigan views from main living areas
~ Private hot tub overlooking the water
~ Direct private beach access via lakeside trail and stairs
~ Fire pit for sunset gatherings and late-night storytelling
~ Covered outdoor dining area with lake views
~ Gas grill for easy summer cookouts
~ Lower-level recreation space with ping pong table and fireplace
~ Telescope for stargazing under dark Michigan skies
The Space:
Tucked at the end of a quiet, low-traffic road, Great Lakes Escape offers front-row views of Lake Michigan from a peaceful blufftop setting. This Prairie-style ranch features an open floor plan and comfortably hosts up to 12 guests, making it ideal for multi-generational gatherings, friend retreats, or extended family vacations.
Perfectly positioned between South Haven and Saugatuck/Douglas, you’re minutes from charming beach towns, art galleries, restaurants, and summer festivals. Just north in Glenn, you’ll find The Glenn Store, a local favorite for wine, deli sandwiches, and pizza along Blue Star Highway. Whether you want a full day of exploring or a quick market run, everything is within easy reach.
Of course, you may decide not to leave at all.
The expansive deck overlooks the lake and provides an ever-changing backdrop of blues, greens, and unforgettable sunsets. The bluff is a natural perch for morning coffee, quiet reading, or simply watching the light shift across the water. Evenings are especially memorable here. Slip into the hot tub as the sun dips below the horizon and the stars begin to appear in surprisingly vivid detail thanks to minimal light pollution.
Inside, large windows frame the water and fill the main living spaces with natural light. The open-concept kitchen offers generous counter space for preparing group meals, holiday spreads, or casual beach-day snacks. A spacious dining table keeps everyone gathered in one place, making it easy to linger long after the plates are cleared.
Bedrooms are thoughtfully arranged to give everyone room to spread out. From king accommodations to flexible shared sleeping spaces, each room is designed for comfort with quality linens and supportive bedding so guests can truly rest and recharge.
The lower level shifts the energy from serene to playful. A ping pong table, cozy fireplace lounge, and family game area create space for connection and friendly competition. The telescope adds a special touch, inviting guests of all ages to explore the night sky and share a quiet moment of wonder together.
Whether your days are filled with beach walks, town-hopping, or simply watching the lake from the deck, Great Lakes Escape is designed for the kind of vacation that feels both restorative and memorable.
Guest Access:
Guests have full access to the home, driveway parking (up to 4 vehicles), outdoor spaces, and the private beach access trail.
Please note that while this home offers private beach access, the path down to the shoreline is steep and includes over 100 steps along a bluff trail. Portions of the descent are uneven and require steady footing. The return climb can be physically demanding.
This property is best suited for guests who are comfortable navigating stairs and natural terrain. Those with mobility concerns may prefer to enjoy the lake views from the deck and blufftop rather than plan full days directly on the beach below.
The Neighborhood:
Great Lakes Escape is located on a quiet, private stretch of blufftop homes. The setting is peaceful and residential, with minimal traffic and neighbors who value privacy and the natural beauty of the area.
Guests are asked to be mindful of noise, especially in the evenings, and to respect neighboring properties.
Please drive slowly on the road approaching the home, as it is narrow and lightly traveled. The slower pace here is intentional and appreciated by the surrounding community.
Other Things to Note:
Occupancy: 12
Parking: Driveway parking for up to 4 vehicles
Pets: Pets are not allowed at this home
Beach Access: Great Lakes Escape has a private beach accessible from the trail on the lakefront side of the home
Bluff Notice: The lakeside yard has no fence and a steep bluff, so please keep an eye on children when they're outside. The walkway to the shoreline includes wooden steps and a path with 4x4 dividers, leading you down over 100 steps to the water
WiFi Notice: The WiFi at this home is great for emails and messaging, but it might not handle Zoom meetings or streaming on multiple devices very well
Interaction with Guests:
Your Shores Vacation Rentals team are local area experts who know all of the ins and outs of our beautiful homes in South Haven.
We're available in-person Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, to assist guests in planning their South Haven vacation and providing insider tips for an authentic local experience.
For our incoming guests:
Prior to your arrival you will receive all pertinent check-in information communicated via email and mobile SMS messaging, as well as a local destination guide with our personal recommendations on local eats and activities in the area.
We provide an after-hours emergency phone number to call in case an issue arises outside of our standard business hours. Additionally, we provide you with a mobile SMS number that you can text for non-emergency issues.
We look forward to having you stay with us at Shores Vacation Rentals!
Property amenities
Beach
Beach nearby
Pool/Spa
Hot tub
Internet
Available in the house: Free WiFi
Parking and transport
Parking on site
Kitchen
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Dishwasher
Hob
Microwave
Oven
Refrigerator
Toaster
Bedrooms
4 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
3 bathrooms
Bathtub
Hair dryer
Shower
Towels provided
Living spaces
Fireplace
Entertainment
DVD player
Games
TV with cable/satellite channels
Video games
Outdoor areas
Balcony
Barbecue grill
Firepit
Garden
Laundry
Laundry facilities
Washing machine
Work spaces
Office
Comfort
Air conditioning
Heating
Pets
No pets allowed
Suitability/Accessibility
Smoke-free property
Note from host: No smoking allowed at/in our home, no exceptions.
Services and conveniences
Iron/ironing board
Location highlights
On the waterfront
Things to do
Optional golf privileges
Cycling nearby
Fishing 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
General
Garden
Unit size: 3,040 square feet
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You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Rules
This is a vacation rental agreement. The rights and obligations of the parties to this agreement are defined by law and include unique provisions t...
Pets
Pets not allowed
Note from host: Pets are not allowed at this home.
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Note from host: Families with kids are welcome at all our homes!
Events
No events allowed
No events. Violations may lead to eviction/fees.
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
No smoking allowed at/in our home, no exceptions.
Important information
You need to know
This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
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 events. Violations may lead to eviction/fees.
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
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
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
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with UK consumer law, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.
About the area
Located in South Haven, this holiday home is near a water park and on the waterfront. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Lake Michigan and Oval Beach. South Haven Center for the Arts and Michigan Maritime Museum are also worth visiting. Fishing offers a great chance to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with cycling nearby. Visit our South Haven travel guide
Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is 0.1 mi (0.1 km) from Lake Michigan and within 6 miles (10 km) of North Beach and Kal Haven Trail. South Haven Center for the Arts and Warner Vineyards are also within 9 miles (15 km).
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Great Lakes Escape Reviews
Reviews
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.
Highly recommend if you are looking to stay in Michigan! My children ranging in age from 7-16 all enjoyed this vacation so much!! The view is absolutely beautiful and the private beach is a huge plus!
Perfect last minute Michigan get-away before winter sets in. The house is perched on the edge of a bluff with fantastic views of Lake Michigan. Everything was clean, easy, nicely furnished and just as advertised. The hot tub was large, clean, modern, very warm and comforting with the same great views of the lake. Beach access via private stairs was no problem for us. Recommended!!
The Best view I've ever seen of the Lake! 180 degrees - WOW!
The property was easy to find and well-appointed and comfortable. It must sit on a outcropping of sorts because it feels like you're on the bow of a ship, with water views to both sides, as well as to the front astounding!
The beds were super comfortable, the kitchen well-supplied with utensils. And extra fridge in the garage made storage a breeze - dishwasher and disposal all there!
We used the fire pit everyday and there was plenty of comfortable seating. The hot tub was large, lovely and very clean.
South Haven itself felt cute and clean, but with enough variety and options to go out...and the pizza from the Glenn Store was outstanding!
We had a lovely time - thank you!
Lisa N.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2024
Verified
6/10 Okay
Barbara L.
1 Sept 2025
Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Cleanliness
Your review needs some work Thank you for submitting your review. Unfortunately, it needs a little bit of work before we can post it to our site. The reason we are currently unable to approve it is listed below. Please revise your review so that it meets our content guidelines, which you can see here. When you’re done you can resubmit it by clicking the button below. Great Lakes Escape Surreal Lakeview Getaway Private Beach Access Hot Tub The online photos give the impression of a much newer and up-to-date home then what it actually is. The location is fantastic and so was the view. We enjoyed the deck and the bonfire very much. However, it took us about 3 1/2 hours of heavy cleaning to get it ready for the rest of our family. There were cobwebs and spiders throughout and a very musty smell throughout as well, especially in the basement. Major dust under the beds. Also, the home is listed as no pets yet we found dog hair on some of the blankets and there are doggy cover pads on the sofa. It's a beautiful property that just needs and deserves a lot more TLC.
We lucked out with gorgeous weather with beautiful sunsets. The house has everything you need if you choose to cook there and/or is a short jaunt to South Haven. We got to meet a few of the neighbors with their pups, saw the resident eagle pass by as well as a few kayakers. My hubby and brother simmered in the hot tub while enjoying the lake views. The Ravines golf course never disappoints - greens are a challenge. A fabulous spot to relax! Thank you.
Overall, we had a very good experience. The house has many pluses, but the best part of the house is the fantastic view of Lake Michigan. We enjoyed many nights sitting on the deck with the beautiful views of the lake and sunset, and the children really enjoyed the hottub. The private beach is also very beautiful and very secluded, however, it is a more difficult walk to the beach than we expected. There are two paths, and one of them is a very steep staircase with 122 steps, and the other a very steep walkway. My parents are in their seventies and did have difficulty navigating both ways. Just be aware that this may make this house not a great choice if you aren't able to do a lot of exercise.The house was very clean, but one downside was the smell of mildew, which was especially bad in one of the front bedrooms. We also went during one of the hottest weeks for Michigan and the air was not working well. When we reported this, they responded very quickly and sent someone to put in a portable air conditioner, which definitely helped. The house was very spacious with plenty of places to sleep, but the bathrooms with exception of one have no counter space, and adding some hooks for hanging items would be helpful. There are many things for kids to do in the house, including multiple video games and toys. The house is also only about ten minutes from South Haven, and only 20-30 minutes to get to Saugatuck and Holland. There were a few downsides, but overall, we really enjoyed!