The Poplars. 15 Steps & Your Toes Are In The Sand!
4 Bedrooms, Spectacular Spa Bathroom Just a 15 second stroll to South Haven's famous, white-powder sand North Beach! Outstanding location with all the amenities to make your stay comfortable, relaxing, and special - Central Air-Conditioning, Premium Bedding, High Speed Wifi, TV's in each bedroom and Living Room(five screens), Surround Sound System, Fridge with Ice-maker, Dishwasher and more.
South Haven has always been a magical place to our family - somewhere that we gather to make memories and let the world drift by for a bit. We want our guests to love it every bit as much as we do.
Our cottage-home sleeps up to Eight (8) people in Four (4) bedrooms. All of our mattresses were custom-made by King Koil, integrating a cooling gel layer over several comfort layers and one of their finest innerspring systems. We provide bed linens, bath towels, and beach towels, all of which we regularly replace. You'll also find some cookies, hot cocoa and tea for your enjoyment.
We recently made many updates to make your stay more pleasant, including: • New 70" 4K TV in the Great Room with a Dolby Atmos 5.2.1 Surround Sound System • 32" TV in Kids Room for Video Gaming with FireTV • TV's in the other three Bedrooms with FireTV • Granite countertops in the kitchen • Porcelain Tile Kitchen Flooring • Water Softener • New Bathroom with Bathtub
Explore the many reasons to stay at our beautiful cottage in South Haven, Michigan. It's more than the Blueberry Festival or picture-perfect sunsets, more than the best ice cream or the art shows — it's a safe-haven from the rest of the world where time slows down as boats glide past on the Black River, a place where good friends meet for wine tasting and to talk late into the night. It's a place to relax, recharge, and enjoy living for a while! Welcome.
Poplars Cottage is ideally located just off the main beach road, Lake Shore Drive, literally seconds from one of the finest white-powder sand beaches in the U.S. Throughout the summer, the City of South Haven combs the beach of debris to keep it looking pristine. The sun, setting as it does over the lake, often brings a spectacular color palette that truly must be seen to be believed.
Set amidst this idyllic locale, Poplars Cottage features: A Great Room - A comfortable sectional makes for ideal lounging conditions to read a book, chat with family and friends, or watch some serious television on the 4K LCD with full Dolby Atmos Surround Sound. Use of our Netflix subscription is complimentary, along with Disney and Prime.
Four Bedrooms • Three bedrooms have Queen Beds • One bedroom has a Bunk Bed with a Full and a Twin mattress All the beds were replaced recently with custom King Koil™ luxury mattresses.
2 Full Bathrooms: 1. Totally Renovated Bathroom, featuring Spa-Style Shower (wall/hand-held, rain can, and body spray) and a heated floor. The six-function spa shower has (a) multi-setting wall / hand-held shower combo; (b) overhead rain-can shower; and, (c) four body sprays; plus combinations of any two. A sheet of natural onyx is inset within the shower wall, behind shelves for shampoo and soap. Besides having tremendous natural beauty, Onyx is remarkably translucent. We've added a customizable color backlight behind the onyx and a wall-mounted control panel over the sink. To add to your shower experience, turn on the onyx backlighting and watch as it continually changes colors and hues. Of course, no shower would be relaxing if you were to run out of hot water, so we've installed a high-capacity, industrial-grade tankless hot water heater for unlimited hot water. The newly installed 2nd bathroom is ensuite, with a tub/shower combination. This thoughtfully designed bathroom creates an oasis for convenience and privacy.
Other Features: • Full kitchen with dishwasher, fridge with ice maker, waffle maker, blender, and coffee maker. • Central A/C and Heat. • Full Washer & Dryer • High-speed Internet via Wifi
Outdoor shower with hot/cold water for rinsing sand off from the beach.
Built sometime around 1920, the Poplars Cottage has been in our family for four generations.
For over 100 years visitors have been vacationing in the beach cottages of South Haven. The Poplars Cottage continues this great tradition by providing an exciting beach house experience for our guests.
Come, sample the essence of South Haven: it’s History, Flavor, Watercolor Sunsets and So Much More!
Covid-19: All common surfaces in our cottage are being wiped down between stays with anti-viral / germicidal products. Guests are asked to inform us if any exhibit any symptoms of illness during or proximate to the time of their stay. Your safety, as our guests, is of the utmost importance.
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We provide 1 beach parking pass for your stay. The pass allows parking on the residential lot and streets on North Beach.
No pets! A note for those with allergies to dogs. The owner's dog spends time in the cottage. It is thoroughly cleaned after his departure.
Maximum Occupancy Rate is established by City of South Haven. Additional people over 8 total are not allowed on property.
Important information
You need to know
Property # 4610274
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, a first aid kit and a deadlock
About the area
South Haven
Located near the beach, this cottage is in North Side, a neighbourhood in South Haven. Stanley Johnson Park and Warner Vineyards are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Lake Michigan and Pilgrim Haven Natural Area. Michigan Maritime Museum and South Haven Center for the Arts are also worth visiting. Looking to get your feet wet? Jet skiing, kayaking and power boating adventures can be found near the property.
South Haven Center for the Arts - 2 min drive - 1.1 km
Kal Haven Trail - 4 min drive - 2.2 km
Getting around
Bangor Station - 20 min drive
Kalamazoo, MI (AZO-Kalamazoo-Battle Creek Intl.) - 54 min drive
Restaurants
McDonald's - 4 min drive
Cafe Julia - 3 min drive
Taco Bell - 4 min drive
Burger King - 4 min drive
Little Caesars Pizza - 4 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is The Poplars. 15 Steps & Your Toes Are In The Sand! pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at The Poplars. 15 Steps & Your Toes Are In The Sand! ?
As of 19 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Poplars. 15 Steps & Your Toes Are In The Sand! on 24 June 2026 start from AU$838, 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.
What time is check-in at The Poplars. 15 Steps & Your Toes Are In The Sand! ?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at The Poplars. 15 Steps & Your Toes Are In The Sand! ?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is The Poplars. 15 Steps & Your Toes Are In The Sand! located?
Located in North Side, this cottage is within a 5-minute walk of North Beach and Lake Michigan. Stanley Johnson Park and Michigan Maritime Museum are also within 15 minutes.
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
If you’re looking for family friendly and spacious place to stay this beach season, the Poplars are the place to be! Only a few Steps away from the beach but still tucked in enough to where you can still have a quiet place to rest and reset from a fun day in the sand! The hosts were so friendly and helpful, responded to any needs or questions we had! Highly recommend anyone to stay here.
We had a wonderful family Thanksgiving at the lake! It snowed and was a perfect winter setting for our family of five to be together for the holiday. Plenty of space to relax, play games, complete puzzles, cook, and most of all, be together!
Troy N.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Dec 2025
So happy you and family were happy with The Poplars. Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to spend in South Haven. The cottage has warm and homey vibes. Perfect for a family Thanksgiving. Thank you for taking such great care of the cottage. Please come back!
We enjoyed the stay. You could not beat the location!
We enjoy the stay. You could not beat the location!!
phi; m.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Aug 2023
Thank you Phil. So happy you were happy with the cottage and the beach location. North Beach is THE most desired location in South Haven. The perfect spot for beach lovers. You were great guests. Hoping you make The Poplars part of your holiday plans every year. Many thanks, Debbie
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Doris A
9 Sept 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Very clean! Amazing shower! Just steps away from Lake Michigan. Great communication from host. Would definitely stay here again.
Owner had excellent communication. House was as advertised and was clean. Beach towels provided which was great and outdoor shower was super helpful. Loved the proximity to the beach!
Great location with a house the feels like home. Minutes to beach, leisurely stroll to town.
Great directions regarding parking etc. description was 100% accurate, House has everything you need (including beach towels and umbrella) for an easy relaxing stay.
Deanna B.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Aug 2020
We're so happy to hear you found what you needed to make your stay relaxing and enjoyable! This year has been stressful for all of us, so if we can help you step away from all of it and catch your breath, we know we're doing something right! Thank you very much for staying with us. We hope to see you again, soon.
Check in good, kitchen good, WiFi sporadic, parking permit access a bit confusing.My family enjoyed the location to the beach, the cottage had everything we needed. Questions were answered quickly. We enjoyed walking and dining at Captain Lou's.
Our family enjoyed our stay at the Poplars - it was clean, beds were super comfy, and it had everything we needed. Hoping to stay again next year (if available!)
Great location, steps to the beach and easy access to shops and downtown. Very family friendly, house was clean, cozy and offered everything we could’ve needed during our stay!! We will be coming back!
Verified traveller
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Apr 2020
Thank you Rebecca. You are great guests! 5 star for sure. It was lovely meeting you and your wonderful family. So happy you enjoyed The Poplars.
Isn't it the perfect place for kids as well as adults? The quiet beach path, right outside the gate, makes it so easy for parents to carry all the beach "stuff" down to the shore line. Thank you for staying with us. Please come again, soon.
The Poplars was perfect for our family.
Cozy and quaint and checks all the boxes on the amenities you really need . You can’t beat the location. We will be back!
Liz P.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 4 July 2020
Hi Liz,
So happy you were happy with The Poplars. You and your family are great guests. I love that you noticed all the amenities. We provide many more items for our guests enjoyment than any other cottage on North Beach.
Please come back soon!
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Marlene B.
18 Sept 2017
Beautiful place to stay and perfect location!
Debbie was awesome with any questions or assistance we needed. The house is perfect for families and has the BEST shower! Literally steps away from beach and nice back patio. Beds were all comfortable! Will definitely stay here again!
Marlene B.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Apr 2020
Thank you Marlene.
So happy this worked for you and your family. The neighbors loved seeing your daughters and friends enjoying the cottage and beach! That's what South Haven is all about. Families taking time out of their busy schedule to reconnect. The Poplars makes it so easy for people to create memories that will be shared as the years go by. Reminiscing about living on the beach, watching the boats sail by on the Harbor Walk, so many boats! and Sherman's ice cream.
We hope you all can return to The Poplars again. We would love to see the girls every year as they grow into young women.
Thank you again for allowing us to share our cottage with your beautiful family.
Debbie
Had a great time at this comfortable and clean cottage. The beach was huge with soft white sand. Parking was close and easy. Set in a beautiful, quite community. The sunsets are gorgeous!
Gary H.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Oct 2022
Thank you for staying with us Gary. So happy you enjoyed our glorious sunsets and The Poplars Cottage..
We hope you come back, soon.
It was our 1st visit to South Haven. We loved it! Cottage was perfect with the best location. Beach, shopping, biking chartered fishing. Exceeded our expections!!!We hope to visit again👍
Jennifer G.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 10 Aug 2023
Thank you Jennifer. So happy you enjoyed the cottage and your South Haven holiday. Hope you return again.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
peter d.
11 Sept 2017
Great location. Great beach. Cozy home.
Great experience being steps from the beach. Nice amenities in the house. Debbie is a pleasure to work with.
peter d.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Apr 2020
Thank you, Peter.
What a pleasure meeting you and your wonderful family.
The cottage provides ALL the comforts of home with added benefits: the 15 second stroll to the Beach and the incredible Spa like bathroom!
I look forward to seeing you next Summer and showing you the many upgrades we are making this Winter!
Many thanks, Debbie
We loved our time at this property. The house is small but it's all about the location. The bathrooms are updated and clean. The kitchen was tight but the outdoor space more than compensates.
We have been going to South Haven for years and this is our favorite rental. The location is just perfect - we love being so close to the beach. The house has always been clean and has everything we need for a getaway. The hosts are great - responsive, friendly and flexible. A four bedroom house so close to the beach just can't be beat! I highly recommend this rental!
Ilana S.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Aug 2020
I can't begin to express how much your kind words mean to my family and I. The location really is unique in some ways - you get a bit more privacy being behind the front row of houses and don't hear so much of the traffic, but when evening settles in, you can fall asleep to the sound of the waves. And for people watching, being next to the sidewalk to the beach provides an endless parade during the day. Thank you so very much - we hope to see you again, soon!
We loved this property - it is exactly as advertised. Full kitchen, which is nice, and plenty of beach towels. The bedding was nice, we all slept well. My son wanted to take the shower home. It is just a little tricky to find - be sure to follow the directions carefully and go all the way around the hairpin turn. We would stay again - great access to beach.
Becky B.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 10 Aug 2023
Thank you Becky, for choosing The Poplars for your Summer holiday. Love it when kids are excited about the shower!!! Adults like it too. Thank you for sharing your son's happy experience with us.
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Kimberly C.
13 June 2018
Clean & Clear
The Poplars was our first visit SoHa and we loved it! Debbie was wonderful to work with and the home was perfect for our family of 5. Very clean and comfortable! Everything was provided that was needed. Thank you for a peaceful retreat! We hope to return again soon!
Kimberly C.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2018
About the host
Hosted by Debbie Masterson
Our grandfather purchased Poplars cottage back around 1920, when air conditioning was for movie theaters and people flocked to summer vacation homes near the lake to cool off. Grandpa Phil owned it until the mid 1950's when he transferred it to his oldest son, Marshall. When Marshall passed in 2016, he wanted his three boys - Jeffrey, David, and Philip - to keep it in the family. Today, we keep the property both in his honor and as a place to relive some of our fondest childhood memories. With busy schedules that keep us away too much, and costly taxes and upkeep, we decided that the best way to keep our cottage was to share it with others who we hope will find the same magic we've known all these years. Even today, we each find that time slows down when we take a quick weekend to touch up some paint or do some work on our place. It's the quiet at night, punctuated by the sound of waves, set against the sparkling skies even in winter. It's the rawness of the rain when it flies across the lake, drenching everything, but vanishing almost as quickly. There is real magic in this place.
What makes this property unique
There is no single thing about South Haven that makes it unique - it's the combination. It's cooking on the patio and stopping to watch the sunset during summer evenings. It's Sherman's ice cream and the obsession with blueberries. It's the festivals and art shows and fireworks for the Fourth of July. It's even the nosy neighbors who keep a watchful eye on everyone and everything. Sometimes, it's the "youngsters" driving around with their radios blasting far too late at night. Other times, its the people walking down the sidewalk, asking where to stop for food. It's a community of people who all know how special South Haven and its beaches truly are ... and how lucky we are to be able to enjoy them!
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests