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Great Family Home Set In Critical Dunes Of SW MI. Short Walk to lake!

Family-friendly holiday home in South Haven

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Huge screened in wrap-around porch for plenty of family fun!
New sitting areas - one seats 6 and the other seats 8.
Another seating area that sits 6.
North side of the wrap around porch. Eating area or card playing area.
Living area with wood burning fireplace, TV and stereo.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 11151.8 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Pet-friendly

Explore the area

View map
South Haven, MI
  • Place, Porter Legacy Dunes
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, North Point Conservation Area
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Place, Van Buren State Park
    ‪9 min walk‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 11)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

2 Single Bunk Beds and 1 Double Bed

Bedroom 4

1 Queen Bed

3 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 3

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Great Family Home Set In Critical Dunes Of SW MI. Short Walk to lake!

You will delight in the privacy of your own home nestled in the beautiful critical sand dunes of Lake Michigan. The area is small and quiet with dirt paths that all end at the incredible dunes that separate you from spectacular Lake Michigan! The large screened-in, wrap-around porch with a fireplace, allows you to enjoy the outdoors during any type of weather. The beach is walking distance away giving you the option of conquering the dunes by climbing over them or sneaking through woods to get there. Either way, you end up on the uncrowded, white sand beach where you can lounge, play in the lake or take a walk to nearby Van Buren State Park. (And don't miss the sensational sunsets!!!)
Lealiou Lodge is on 1.5 acres tucked away in a wooded area. There are 3 bedrooms upstairs, sleeping 9: a queen bed in the master with its own bathroom; a double/twin bunk bed and trundel beds in one room - perfect for kids; and a queen bed in the 3rd bedroom. Ceiling fans are in all bedrooms. There is another full bath up there as well. On the first floor, there is a bedroom with a queen bed, and a full bath.
The kitchen hosts a granite island that seats 4, granite counter tops, a dishwasher, complete set of pots and pans and all the dishes and glasses you would need.There is a dining table that will seat 10 for those late night card games! If you feel like watching TV or taking in a movie, there is a DVD player AND a VCR player - lots of movies as well. Board games for family fun out on the screened porch are plentiful too. Firewood is provided for the spacious fire pit in the front yard and if more is needed, it is sold just down the road. The grassy area to the north of the house is ideal for a wiffle ball game, while the sand court behind the house beckons you to a down and dirty game of sand volleyball or badminton. This is a perfect setting for families to spend time together playing games or roasting marshmallows over the campfire.
The Lealiou Lodge is available all year long. There are some great family ski areas within an hours drive. Sledding down the dunes and exploring the spectacular coastline while under ice is something you cannot imagine. Then warm up with the wood burning/gas fireplace inside.
This is a perfect place for friends and family to gather. Once you have experienced it, we hope you will want to come back year after year. Our family has been coming up here for 30 years. We bought the property in 1996 and camped on it until we were able to build our dream house. We hope you enjoy your stay as much as we do.

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Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

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House Rules

Check in after 5:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 28
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Children welcome
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 1 total)
No cats. Some dogs will be considered.
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Non smoking only
If there is a pet, please please pick up after it!
Please leave the kitchen clean and run the dishwasher before you leave. Any recyclables, please leave in a large black garbage bag by barn.
ABSOLUTELY NO BALLOONS OR CONFETTI - PLEASE

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 not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts
A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

South Haven

South Haven is home to this holiday home. Liberty Hyde Bailey Museum & Gardens and Michigan Maritime Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Warner Vineyards and Karma Vista Vineyards and Winery. Travelling with kids? Consider The Fun Park and Kids Place Park. Swimming offers a great chance to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking/biking trails and cycling nearby.
Map
South Haven, MI

What's nearby

  • Porter Legacy Dunes - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • North Point Conservation Area - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Van Buren State Park - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Pilgrim Haven Natural Area - 3 min drive - 1.8 km
  • Silver Beach - 27 min drive - 45.2 km

Getting around

  • Bangor Station - 18 min drive
  • Kalamazoo, MI (AZO-Kalamazoo-Battle Creek Intl.) - 52 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪South Beach Cafe - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Clementine's - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Burger King - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Cafe Julia - ‬9 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Great Family Home Set In Critical Dunes Of SW MI. Short Walk to lake! pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total). Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

How much is parking at Great Family Home Set In Critical Dunes Of SW MI. Short Walk to lake!?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Great Family Home Set In Critical Dunes Of SW MI. Short Walk to lake!?

Check-in begins at 5:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Great Family Home Set In Critical Dunes Of SW MI. Short Walk to lake!?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Great Family Home Set In Critical Dunes Of SW MI. Short Walk to lake! located?

This family-friendly South Haven holiday home is within a 5-minute walk of Porter Legacy Dunes and Lake Michigan. North Point Conservation Area and Van Buren State Park 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.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 87 out of 106 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 19 out of 106 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 106 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 106 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 106 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.0/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

8/10 Good

Tammy

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
Beautiful house and setting. The wrap around porch was very nice. The hosts were great at responding to any questions we had while there.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Andrew R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This is our second time staying here. Place was clean and welcoming. Spent most of the time on the screened in porch. Some beds could use updated but that’s personal preference. Had a great time with family.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Patricia and Todd R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic

Spacious home. Good communication with owner. Path thru woods led to beautiful beach. There is a rope at the end of path to get down to the beach. The other option is the dune, which some in our group enjoyed. Loved loved loved the large screen in porch! My favorite part!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

ashlee n.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

WILL VISIT AGAIN

Amazing spot for families! Very close to parks/beaches and town! Our kids had an amazing, HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

8/10 Good

Kevin B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy

Nice week by the beach.

The property is well appointed, close to the beach, and near South Haven and Saint Joseph.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mackenzie H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful family getaway

We enjoyed this beautiful lodge, amenities & incredible wrap around porch! To be within walking distance of the dunes and trails was a plus. Seeing it all in person exceeded our expectations.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Pam W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

First family vacation in south haven

It was wonderful! The home was more than we anticipated! Very nice and homey! Super easy checking in and out! Many thanks!
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Janet C.

Very nice & clean house!

My college friends & I thoroughly enjoyed staying in this lovely home. It was close to town, quiet & comfortable.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2018

10/10 Excellent

Erin M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great girls get away

Great house for a girls get a way weekend!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lisa F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Very nice house!

We really enjoyed this house at South Haven! Very nice, plenty of rooms, great porch, loved the sand volleyball court! Is was close to town. I would stay here again!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

judy e.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Egolf Family

We loved the house & the hugh porch was awesome! This is definitely the best house our family has ever stayed at. The owners were excellent to work with as well.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2020

10/10 Excellent

Sarah B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice family vacation spot

The house is spacious and very well stocked in the kitchen and bathrooms. The upstairs bedrooms get stuffy at night; it helps to sleep with the doors open. The firepit and beach gear available to guests were greatly appreciated!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lyndsey H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family vacation

Great place to stay overall. There were 6 adults and 5 kids total staying and it didnt feel cramped at all. The screened in porch is amazing; Great place to sit and relax. The kids loved the toys that were there.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Andrew R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great vacation!!

We had a great time staying at this rental property. House was very tidy and clean. We spent most of the time on the covered porch just visiting. Nice short walk to an awesome private beach and the volleyball pit beside the house was a hit. Would definitely recommend and plan on staying there again.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Terri V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Secluded getaway

We had a wonderful time at the house! The volleyball sand area, the wraparound porch, being able to grill, the spacious and well stocked living quarters were enjoyed by all!! The proximity to the South Haven beach topped off the vacation! Lynn was an excellent host!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2020

10/10 Excellent

Terrie N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent location close to beach.

My family had a great time! Excellent location. The screened in porch was our favorite! We had a great time at the beach. The owner was quick to respond and answer our questions. Looking forward to returning next summer.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Rob B.

Great House Secluded in the Woods

Beautiful home. Well maintained with great amenities. Wonderful, responsive owners. Great location (although prepare to drive or ride your bikes for a short trip to the beach).
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2018

10/10 Excellent

Patricia R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent for families

A good location not far from South Haven. A beach is close to the house, if you are good at climbing the sand dune. A wonderful screened-in porch that is a relaxing retreat especially on rainy days. Lots of space inside and outside for fun with family.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

RICHARD G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family Get Away

Our stay was most enjoyable. The house and property offered a lot of privacy and quiet. We especially enjoyed spending evening around the fire pit, making s’mores and talking. The house was quite spacious. The wrap around porch was a great place to just read and rest.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Mary Ellen M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A great family get away!

Very comfortable, well maintained home with tons of privacy! Outside fire one night, inside fire in the beautiful large wrap around screened in porch. Yes, we did the dune! A hike but definitely worth it!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2020

10/10 Excellent

Patrick S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family Get-together

We really enjoyed our stay at this wonderful home! The wrap-around front porch was awesome. We also enjoyed the fire pit in the evenings. The house was well stocked with bbq equipment, kitchen items, beach chairs, games, etc. It was a great location—near the Lake but also quiet and secluded. Would definitely highly recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mary H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family retreat

We loved this home! It is nice and secluded from the other homes in the neighborhood. The wrap around porch is where we spent most of our time. I definitely recommend taking the wooded path to the beach instead of going over the dune. We had the beach all to ourselves most days. Perfect family retreat!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Nancy B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Loved the porch!!

We had a wonderful stay at your spacious home. The wrap around screened in porch was amazing! We never ate anywhere else. It was so relaxing to sit out there feeling like we were in a treehouse. The house was clean, well stocked and plenty of room for our family. Lynn gave us accurate information prior to arrival making check-in easy. The dune and lake was a big hit! You’ve got to take.the dune to the lake at least once, but the trail is much easier. We had a great time and hope to return!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jessica P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Property and Peaceful Setting

We really enjoyed our time at the lodge. It had everything we could need for a fun family vacation, plus many extras for the kids. It was very clean and well maintained. We weren’t looking for a home in the hustle and bustle of town and this was perfect. Private and peaceful while still being close enough to town center and activities. The dunes and beach were beautiful and we enjoyed the adventure of climbing the dunes. We look forward to visiting again!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Paul M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Very nice house with a terrific porch

Roomy 4 bedroom house with lots of amenities, but the highlight is the roomy screened in porch complete with many tables, chairs, lights, fans, and its own fireplace. Also has a great fire pit with lots of good Adirondack chairs and plenty of firewood. We had 11 in our party and were very well accommodated in this house. Also enjoyed the sand volleyball court behind the house.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2020

About the host

Hosted by Lynn Lealiou

Host profile image
My husband and I have been married 31 years and have 3 great kids. Due to the fact that my brother bought a cottage in this area 37 years ago, we came up often with the kids and loved it. We bought the land in 1996 and when mortgage rates fell in 2010, we decided it was time to build. My husband is a finish carpenter and really put his heart into this house.He did the interior all himself. It is our home away from home, which is in Oak Park Illinois.

Why they chose this property

We're tucked away in the woods! Very private lot with lots of trees.

What makes this property unique

Very spacious wrap-around porch ideal for any type of weather.

Languages:

English