Place, St. Julian Winery - Union Pier Tasting Room
3 min drive
South Bend, IN (SBN-South Bend Intl.)
Airport, South Bend, IN (SBN-South Bend Intl.)
39 min drive
Rooms & beds
3 bedrooms (sleeps 5)
Bedroom 1
1 Queen Bed
Bedroom 2
2 Single Beds
pull out couch
1 Double Futon
1 bathroom
Bathroom 1
Bathtub or shower · Toilet
Spaces
Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area
About this property
2 bed/1 bath, 1.5 blocks to beach/town, dog friendly
Come explore Elephant Walk, a dog-friendly compound, walkable to beach and town, designed to make memories for your group. It provides multiple gathering spots both outside and in while ensuring ample privacy at the same time. Our Main House offers giant living spaces to accommodate the whole group and provides 4 very large bedrooms and 3 baths. On the same grounds, there are 5 smaller cottages that offer full kitchens/bathrooms/living spaces and house 1-2 bedrooms each. If you would like to rent the Main House as well as 1+ cottages, please see our VRBO links to the other cottages or message me to check on availability. Host your retreat, wedding party, or reunion here for an unforgettable experience!
We allow large group bookings only (Main House + at least 2 cottages) until late Fall of each year at which point we'll open up the calendar for anyone to reserve the house and cottages separately and allow for instant booking. Please message us for details, and we will respond within 24 hours.
Much work has been done to this compound since we bought it in Jan 2019. Stay tuned to this as we will update pictures as changes are made as well as provide more updates we'll make over the coming years.
*2024 updates from a home maintenance standpoint: -Entire property: new exterior paint, parking signs for all of the cottages, new ceiling fans -Main House: gas grill added to charcoal grill option, new screened porch furniture and ceiling (no leaks!), kitchen backsplash, new balcony off primary bedroom -Cottage 2: electrical overhaul to fix sporadic outages -Cottage 3: expanded private enclosed yard -Cottage 4: new basketball hoop -Cottage 5: kitchen refresh with new countertops and kitchen sink
**Everyone must review the rental agreement which is comprehensive: lists the terms of the rental agreement, the dog waiver (if you are bringing a dog), provides suggested packing items, lists the hot tub rules (for Main House only).
**Please designate upon checking out if you are bringing a dog so you can have the pet fee added onto your final total.
**Note that Cottage 1 shares a wall with the far hallway corner of the Main House but as of 2022, we've added insulation and other measures to ensure noise transfer is drastically minimized. Cottage 1 and 2 used to have an interior door that locked but it was the source of noise transfer so in Spring of 2022, we closed up that door and added insulation in the units to minimize noise transfer. Cottages 4 and 5 share no walls as they stand alone on the property. All cottages have a pull out couch, and the Main House has 2 pull out couches, one in each king bedroom.
**From Memorial Day to Labor Day we require 3 night minimum stay, but a 7 night stay (Fri-Fri) is required in the heart of the summer, from June through beginning of August unless the week is already broken up.
**Well behaved dogs are welcome. Pets are required to be on leash, and you are required to pick up after them or fee will be assessed.
**Note our suggested packing items we provide right before your arrival. Starter paper towels, toilet paper, and garbage bags are provided but you'll have to bring your own after the starters. We don't do this because we're cheap or insensitive. We do this because we are not often in the area to run these kinds of things over, and we also like for guests to be respectful of the environment which we've noticed happens more often when guests bring their own disposable supplies. Thank you for your understanding!
Thank you for visiting, we hope you choose Elephant Walk for your next group get-away! Email us with any questions, and we'll answer any questions within 24 hours.
The links to the other units on the property are as follows:
Cottage 4 is a stand alone cottage with private deck and reserved parking. Still a great arrangement for an extended family visit as you can connect through the backyard but also perfect for traveling alone. Cottages 4 has a private driveway with a private basketball net.
• 1 Bedroom Queen • 1 Bedroom with 2 Twins • 1 queen Sofa Bed in Living Room • 1 Bath • Cable TV • Free wi-fi internet • Air Conditioning, Central Heating • Private deck with bbq grill • Private driveway with private basketball net • Access to Main House big backyard and other amenities (hot tub, outdoor shower, fire pits, game room, etc.) if sharing compound with large group • Weber Kettle Grill for Charcoal • Fully Equipped Kitchen • Washer/dryer
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
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Dogs only, waiver adhered to, $100 fee @ check out
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Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
-Pls bring own paper towels, toilet ppr, garbage bags. We provide starters only. No Saturday check outs ever! Cleaners don't work on Saturdays.
- Well behaved dogs are welcome, must adhere to pet waiver and must pay $100 pet fee at check out.
- 7 night rentals, Fri-Fri,last week of June-mid Aug, unless week is already broken up.Email for exceptions for large gps. 2 or 3 nt min other times
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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
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 and a deadlock
About the area
Union Pier
Located in Union Pier, this holiday home is near theme parks and near the beach. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Lake Michigan and Edward and Elizabeth Leonard Wildlife Preserve, while Burnison Galleries and Wilkinson Village Heritage Museum are cultural highlights. Round Barn Union Pier Tasting Room and Local are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
St. Julian Winery - Union Pier Tasting Room - 3 min drive - 1.8 km
Round Barn Union Pier Tasting Room - 3 min drive - 1.8 km
Townline Beach - 9 min drive - 2.5 km
Getting around
New Buffalo Station - 8 min drive
South Bend, IN (SBN-South Bend Intl.) - 46 min drive
Restaurants
The Buffet at Four Winds Casino - 13 min drive
Four Winds Sports Bar - 13 min drive
Timbers at Four Winds Casino - 15 min drive
The Stray Dog Bar & Grill - 7 min drive
Redamak's Tavern - 6 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is 2 bed/1 bath, 1.5 blocks to beach/town, dog friendly pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total). Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.
How much does it cost to stay at 2 bed/1 bath, 1.5 blocks to beach/town, dog friendly?
As of 3 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at 2 bed/1 bath, 1.5 blocks to beach/town, dog friendly on 7 Apr 2026 start from AU$310, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at 2 bed/1 bath, 1.5 blocks to beach/town, dog friendly?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at 2 bed/1 bath, 1.5 blocks to beach/town, dog friendly?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at 2 bed/1 bath, 1.5 blocks to beach/town, dog friendly?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is 2 bed/1 bath, 1.5 blocks to beach/town, dog friendly located?
Situated near the beach, this holiday home is within a 15-minute walk of Union Pier Beach and Lake Michigan. Gordon Beach and Burnison Galleries are also within 15 minutes.
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
It is a very cute little cabin in a great location very near the beach and the town of Union Pier. Although Red Arrow is half a block away we did not hear noise. The beds were comfortable and communication with owner was excellent.
We rented another unit on the property to accommodate extra family members. Everything worked out perfectly. Parking was not an issue. Close to lots of local attractions.
Stephanie P.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Dec 2022
Loved hosting you again-- please come back any time!
This place and the property owners are fantastic! The house was the perfect size for my wife, two boys and me. It’s literally a five minute walk to the beach and a two minute walk to a local restaurant that’s kid and dog friendly! The house has a nice little private patio and is on a very quiet road. There are lots of neat places to explore and the location makes it convenient to visit places nearby. We’re so glad we stayed here and will likely be back with more family and friends!
Steve W.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 1 July 2021
So glad you had a great time, Steve! Come stay with us again!
Property is an easy stroll to a beach on Lake Michigan and a 10 minute drive to Warren Dunes State Park. The Whistle Stop was a 2 minute stroll and offers wonderful coffee, bakery items, gourmet sandwiches, etc. 15 Breweries within 30 miles. Fresh fruit stands.
We loved our visit to Union Pier. So many great things about this property but I think it’s important to consider some things before booking.
CONS
- host provides you with *one* roll of single ply toilet paper. To me, this is unacceptable. If you have 4 adults booking your space for 4 nights, you need to do more to accommodate the basic necessities. Even if you go to a state park campground, you’re provided with toilet paper in the restrooms. If you don’t want to drag a bunch of tp with you during your travels, you will pay quite a bit for it at the local stores.
- they also only provide one roll of paper towels and one trash bag. Again, having to bring trash bags felt pretty bad.
- house is smaller than I realized… it was definitely livable for us but the pull out couch is in a small space and isn't super practical as a sleeping option.
- one bedroom did not get air and was really warm and stuffy
PROS
- lovely location: just a few blocks from a gorgeous beach on a quiet street with restaurant and coffee shop literally at the end of the street! Start your day with a bfast sandwich from the Whistle Stop!
- great shared fire pit and plenty of grassy space with elephant statues that our small son loved! Bring s’mores!
- house was charming, but small
- host was communicative, kind, and flexible!
Catherine N.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Sept 2022
Thanks for your comments Catherine. We send you and all renters check in docs 3-4 days before arrival that you signed off on as having reviewed. It states very clearly that we provide starter paper towels, tp, and garbage bags and that you should pack extra so you don't have to pay higher prices in the tourist towns in the area. We are not always on site to provide things like this when renters run out. We provide very thorough packing lists/lists of what each unit contains so our renters can know what to expect with plenty of notice. You signed off as having understood this. In addition, I don't use filters on any of my pictures so size is as appears in photos. Glad you liked the area, however. We certainly would love to have you back to give it another try.
We all had a great time at the Elephant cottage!! It was warm and friendly!!! Cute place & the lake was awesome on Saturday!! Had a nice camp fire & enjoyed the stars!! All tops!!
Sharon G.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 26 May 2022
Loved hosting you Sharon. Please come back again soon!
We came here for a few day getaway and had a wonderful trip! Beach was easy to get to and we went to the apple orchard that the owners recommended. We would definitely return and stay here again!
Comfortable, clean, quiet, conveniently located summer beach cottage. Short walk to the beach and family dining options. Perfect for a couple getaway or family vacation.
Matthew B.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Sept 2021
Loved hosting you Matthew! We'd love to have you back!
With all
Of the craziness going on, I needed to get home to The Mitten. I found Elephant Walk, a perfect little place where I could also bring my dog and be close to the lake. I couldn’t have asked for a more cozy place to stay to get away and recharge. I’ll definitely be back and bring family and friends. Thank you for such a nice place to stay!
Mom and 2 adult daughters, here for a weekend getaway, very nicely decorated, very comfortable. Loved that we could walk to Red Arrow Roadhouse and Whistle Stop. Erica was great to keep us updated and answer questions, even with a 5 to 6 power outage! We'd return!
sherry s.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 9 Oct 2020
We loved having you Sherry! And thank you for being patient with power outage during the day on Saturday! Fortunately it was resolved as quickly as it happened, due to tree branch that snapped a line. I was so happy it was during the day when most everyone was out and enjoying the area. Come back anytime, we love repeat renters!
Loved hosting you Lisa! Please come back any time!
About the host
Hosted by Erica Carli
We live in Chicago and discovered Harbor Country through a family member, who has a home in New Buffalo. We fell in love with the area as it is a very short drive from Chicago, but makes you feel like you are a world away from the hustle bustle of the city. We know you will love this area of the country as much as we do. We are very detail-oriented when it comes to furnishing a home and have tried to think of everything to make your stay fun, relaxing and enjoyable. We are fair, level-headed and love to hear feedback about how to make your stay even better.
Languages:
English, Spanish
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests