The Whit: Summer Paradise – Hot Tub, Heated Pool & Family Fun!
The Whit
SLEEPS: 10 BEDROOMS: 5 BATHROOMS: 2.5
*Hot Tub *Heated Swimming Pool (available Memorial Day through Labor Day) *Near Beach *1 camera facing driveway *FRIDAY TO FRIDAY BOOKINGS ONLY MID-MAY THROUGH MID-SEPTEMBER
The Whit features 2.5 luxuriously equipped bathrooms with stone-top vanities, high-end fixtures, and glass-enclosed showers and tubs. The master bath includes twin vanities and a walk-in shower. There's also a top-tier washer-dryer combo for convenience. Outside, enjoy the stunning pool with its expansive deck and a massive Jacuzzi hot tub. There's outdoor dining overlooking the pool, complemented by a cozy fire-pit perfect for evening relaxation under the stars. The property includes five off-street parking spaces. Located just two blocks from New Buffalo's bustling downtown, you're close to fine dining, galleries, and boutique shopping. A short walk takes you to a pristine Lake Michigan beach. The area offers numerous recreational activities with its large harbor nearby—think boat rentals, kayaking, and fishing cruises. Explore surrounding parks with extensive hiking and biking trails. New Buffalo's Oselka Park features sports facilities, and nearby Union Pier offers additional dining and coffee spots. With such a central location, a myriad of engaging vacation activities are at your fingertips.
Beach/Swimming: A short walk to New Buffalo Beach(.7 miles)
Bedroom Configurations: Main Level- Bedroom 1: 2 Twins Bedroom 2: Queen Bed Bedroom 3: King Bed Lower Level- Bedroom 4: King Bed Bedroom 5: Queen Bed Additional sleeping: Queen sleeper sofa
Boats: None provided
Boat Launch: Public boat launch is .9 miles away!
Cable: Not traditional cable but all TV's are capable of streaming!
Cell Phone Service: Excellent service in this area
Coffee Maker: Dual 12 cup/Keurig combo. Coffee and sugar provided
Dock: Not on property, but marina is just down the street!
Drinking Water: City water
Drugs/Smoking/Fireworks: Freshwater does not permit illegal drugs of any kind on the property. Due to the location of the properties, smoking is strongly discouraged around the home and strictly prohibited in the home. Fireworks are prohibited at a Freshwater location for the safety of all persons in and around the property, even if it is legal in that city.
Fireplace: Yes, Electric fireplace in lower level
Fire-pit: Yes, wood not provided
Fishing: Nearby in local Harbor
Fishing License: A license is required to fish in Michigan.
Golf: Woodlands Course at Whittaker 5 min (2.9 miles) Grand Beach Golf Course 9 min (4.3 miles)
Grill: Yes, Natural gas grill
Grocery Store: Barney's 1 min(.2 miles)
Heat: Forced air furnace
Internet/WIFI: Yes, 700 mbps
Linens: Yes, we provide your sheets and linens. Just like a hotel, the beds will be made for you upon arrival. We have just the basic sheets, pillows, pillowcases, and bath towels.
Parking: Enough for 3 cars in driveway plus 2 in back. No street parking or parking on the grass.
Pets: Freshwater Vacation Rentals currently charges $75/per pet for your entire stay. Yes, we do accept dogs, yet we do ask that you please clean up after them both inside and outside the cabin. Plus, if you allow them on the furniture, we do ask that you please bring your own linens/blankets for them to sleep on. Just let us know which bed you will be using with them, and we'll make sure it is ready for your sheets when you arrive. Plus, if the pet hair starts to build, we do ask that you please run the vacuum. Generally, dogs love the water and places to explore. Pet food does tend to attract mice, so vigilance is needed. Please Note: Pets are not permitted in the pool or hot tub.
Pool/hot tub: The pool opens around Memorial Day and closes at end of September. This is scheduling and weather dependent. We cannot guarantee the pools past the 22nd or so of September. The hot tubs will remain open all year.
Privacy: In a neighborhood, but backyard has privacy fencing for pool area and Hot Tub
Space: Multi level(Main and lower floor)
Special Features: Hot Tub Heated Pool
Seniors: Welcome, there are steps to lower level and to pool
Televisions: Living Room- 55" Smart TV Bedrooms- 43" Smart TV's in all bedrooms Lower Level Living- 55 " Smart TV
Towels: All bath and kitchen towels will be provided during your stay. Please bring beach towels with you!
Washer and Dryer: Yes, detergent provided
Winter Activities: * Warren Dunes State Park (7 miles) – Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. * Lake Michigan Wine Trail (10-15 miles) – Winter wine tastings at local wineries. * Four Winds Casino (2 miles) – Indoor gaming and dining. * Galien River County Park (5 miles) – Winter hiking and wildlife watching. * Lions Park (0.5 miles) – Sledding hill for winter fun. * Ice Skating (20-30 miles) – Nearby rinks in Michigan City and St. Joseph.
Wood: Not provided
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Pool
Hot tub
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
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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
About the area
New Buffalo
Located in New Buffalo, this holiday home is in the city centre and on a lake. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Lake Michigan and Indiana Dunes National Park. New Buffalo Railroad Museum and New Buffalo Pere Marquette Depot are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and waterskiing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with ecotours and hiking/biking trails.
New Buffalo Township Public Library - 5 min walk - 0.4 km
New Buffalo Railroad Museum - 6 min walk - 0.6 km
New Buffalo City Hall - 6 min walk - 0.6 km
Local - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
New Buffalo Public Beach - 16 min walk - 1.4 km
Getting around
New Buffalo Station - 8 min walk
South Bend, IN (SBN-South Bend Intl.) - 42 min drive
Restaurants
The Buffet at Four Winds Casino - 9 min drive
Four Winds Sports Bar - 9 min drive
McDonald's - 2 min drive
Timbers at Four Winds Casino - 10 min drive
Copper Rock Steakhouse - 3 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Does The Whit: Summer Paradise – Hot Tub, Heated Pool & Family Fun! have a pool?
Yes, this property has a pool. Pool types include heated pools.
How much does it cost to stay at The Whit: Summer Paradise – Hot Tub, Heated Pool & Family Fun!?
As of 24 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Whit: Summer Paradise – Hot Tub, Heated Pool & Family Fun! on 15 May 2026 start from AU$1,023, 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.
Is The Whit: Summer Paradise – Hot Tub, Heated Pool & Family Fun! pet-friendly?
Yes, pets are allowed at this property.
How much is parking at The Whit: Summer Paradise – Hot Tub, Heated Pool & Family Fun!?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at The Whit: Summer Paradise – Hot Tub, Heated Pool & Family Fun!?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at The Whit: Summer Paradise – Hot Tub, Heated Pool & Family Fun!?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is The Whit: Summer Paradise – Hot Tub, Heated Pool & Family Fun! located?
Located in the heart of New Buffalo, this holiday home is within 1 mi (2 km) of New Buffalo Railroad Museum and Lake Michigan. New Buffalo Public Library and New Buffalo Township Public Library are also within 10 minutes. New Buffalo Station is 8 minutes by foot.
Reviews
9.4
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Our family stayed in your place for four days and really enjoyed the home, the location, the pool, hot tub and all of its amenties! We will definitely stay here in the future!
Cheri S.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Sept 2025
Thank you! We're so happy you enjoyed the home and amenities. You were wonderful guests, and we’d love to host you again in the future! -Van FVR
This was our second time staying here. Can't beat the location. Pool and hot tub got a lot of use. Fun visit.
Brian M.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 21 July 2025
Thank you for staying with us again, Brian! We're so glad you enjoyed the location and made the most of the pool and hot tub. You’ve been fantastic guests both times, and we’d love to welcome you back anytime! -Van FVR
Great space for 6. Easy walk to restaurants and shopping. Enjoyed the hot tub during our spring stay.
Sara B.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Mar 2025
Thank you for your kind words, Sara! We're so glad you enjoyed the space, the convenient location, and the hot tub during your spring stay. We'd love to host you again! -Van FVR
wonderful fall weekend in a place I love to visit.
Robyn m.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Oct 2024
We’re thrilled you had a wonderful fall weekend in a place you love Robyn! It’s always a pleasure to host you, and we look forward to welcoming you back again! - Van FVR
House was clean and perfect for our family with older kids. We enjoyed the pool, hot tub, and walks to restaurants and the beach.
Brian M.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 18 July 2024
Brain, thank you for writing this lovely review. We're glad that The Whit worked so very well for you. You were great guests, and we hope to see you back again. - Claire, FVR
Five adults and four children were easily able to have a wonderful stay at The Whit. It is as advertised. Highly recommended. The location is walkable to everything, and the pool is really special. The service was also fantastic upon one minor hot tub issue we found at check-in. Do not hesitate. Book at The Whit!
Dan B.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 2 July 2025
Thank you so much for the glowing review Dan! We’re thrilled to hear your group had a wonderful stay at The Whit and that everything met your expectations. You were absolutely fantastic guests and a joy to host. We’d love to welcome you back anytime! -Van FVR
We loved the cleanliness and space in the house. Plenty of areas to gather and spread out. The pool is clean and warm and we were able to be in it all day even as it cooled down toward the evenings. Would definitely stay here again!
Samantha D.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Oct 2024
Samantha, we are so glad that you enjoyed the cleanliness and spaciousness of the house. I't great to know that the warm pool was a hit, even having cooler eveinings. You were great guests and we'd love to host you again soon.- Van FVR
Great place and location. Loved the house. Would stay there again. Loved the heated pool.
Only recommendation is the pool sides and steps need cleaned.
Thank you.
Jan W.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Nov 2024
Thank you for your feedback Jan! We’re so glad you enjoyed the house, location, and especially the heated pool. We appreciate your note about the pool sides and steps and will make sure they’re given extra attention. It was a pleasure hosting you, and we’d love to welcome you back anytime! -Van FVR
If you have a family with kids this is the perfect spot. The pool was what did it. When you’re done with the beach and the kids have a little energy to burn off after dinner but before bed, it’s perfect. The deep end of the pool has to be over 5 1/2 feet, perfect for teenagers. You get to set the hot tub temperature, 99 degrees with the whole family enjoying themselves, in and out of the heated pool and the hot tub. Stairs are there so you have to keep an eye on the little ones, but soooo worth it. Please everyone use the shower downstairs, it’s amazing!
Brian S.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Aug 2024
Brian, what a fabulous review! We agree, that pool is pretty fabulous. It sounds like your family had a blast during your stay. You were great guests, and we hope to work with you again. -Claire, FVR
Verified
4/10 Poor
Suzy H.
2 Sept 2024
Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Listing accuracy
Overpriced-Low Quality- Lacked Essentials
House exterior was not well maintained-weeds and untrimmed trees around pool. Hot tub was murky and exterior light bulbs not working. Even the inflatables were not usable. Poor quality beds and linens, outdoor mats had holes in them, kitchen had the bare minimum essentials to prepare a meal. Would not stay again.
Suzy H.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Nov 2024
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback with us.
I’m truly sorry that The Whit did not meet your expectations. You are absolutely correct; the landscaping should have been better maintained by the professional company we’ve entrusted with this work, and we’ll ensure they uphold our standards going forward. The lighting has been checked, and I can confirm that it’s all in working order. Additionally, we have a professional hot tub company handling regular maintenance to keep it in top condition for our guests.
I apologize for the oversight with the inflatables left by a previous guest. Our cleaner should have addressed this, and we’ll review our processes to prevent similar oversights in the future.
While The Whit offers a fantastic location with the added amenities of a hot tub and pool, I hear your suggestions regarding possible upgrades, and we will bring them to the property owner.
Thank you once again for your feedback—it helps us improve our guests’ experiences, and we hope to have the opportunity to host you again in the future.
Warm regards,
Cara
Owner, Freshwater Vacation Rentals
My family (kids ages 1, 2, 4, and 6) stayed here with another couple who also have 4 kids the same ages. House was clean and felt newly redone on the inside.
Everything was pretty well set up for kids. Doors out to the pool are deadbolted and have added child locks. To get down to the pool off the deck you have to open gate that was too difficult for even the 6 year olds to open independently.
They had a basket of toys, and a bunch of board games. Only child proofing recommendation I would make to those looking at staying here is to bring a baby gate if you have any kids not comfortable on stairs. The stairs leading down to the basement are open to the main floor.
Location is very walkable to town and a longer walk to the beach. This walk is through town though so easy to make a pit stop on the way to/from. The negative about the location is that it is on the main road so can’t really let kids play in front yard.
Overall it’s a great house and we hope to return!
Sarah E.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Aug 2024
Sarah, thank you for this great review, especially in regards to how the cottage works with small children. We're glad that you had a good stay, and we hope that you come back again. - Claire, FVR
I am giving our experience at The Whit five stars - but please read further to make sure it works for your vacation.
We enjoyed our stay at The Whit for three nights - just four of us so the house was the perfect size!! The pool and deck is the largest selling point here! We decided that we are more a "pool family" versus a "beach family," (haha) so the proximity of the house to the beach was perfect and we were able to enjoy the best of both worlds. One night we built a fire in the pit and enjoyed S'mores.
The house is conveniently located and is a short walk to all the wonderful shops and restaurants that New Buffalo has to offer.
The Whit itself is in great condition. The beds are all fairly comfortable but could use some new pillows! The house can sleep ten people but if you're all going to shower before dinners out, there are only two showers. In my opinion that would be the only negative in booking this house with a larger group. For my family of four (teenaged kids) we had plenty of space. There is a sliding door that closes off the bedroom area, so if you had little kids going to bed at an early hour, you could close off the bedrooms and still enjoy the main living space. In addition, the washer and dryer work great!
Lastly, the Whit is pet friendly. We also brought our mini Australian Labradoodle who stayed in his crate while we were gone. There is a hose where we washed him off after the beach. I would recommend this house!
Elizabeth C.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 28 June 2024
Elizabeth, thank you so very much for taking the time to write this extensive review and for your recommendation. We agree that having a pool, being just a short walk to the beach plus being dog friendly makes this property the perfect vacation home. You were great guests, and we hope to see you back again. - Claire, FVR
We rented this house as a group of friends to enjoy our Memorial Day weekend. The house itself was good and the location was great. A few things that I want to highlight that could have made our experience better: 1. We asked the host for the code to the garage, which was shared to us. We wanted to understand if there is space to park our car in the garage and to understand if we could borrow firewood. Since the host shared the garage code, we opened the garage and went in to look for firewood. We understood that we were not supposed to use the things from the garage from a note there so we closed the garage. We then got a call from the host saying they have videos of us going through their personal property and that we were never supposed to have been in the garage. This felt extremely unprofessional. If we weren’t supposed to be there, we should have never received the code. They shared the code and then they called us and made it sound like it was our fault. The conversation felt very accusative which we did not appreciate. 2. The dishwasher was completely broken and was a major inconvenience. We hand washed all our dishes throughout the trip and had to clean the multiple leaks from the dishwasher.3. The kitchen was not very well stocked, it only had very basic condiments. The ice bag in the freezer was already open and used. 4. The swimming pool could have been heated a few degrees more for a much better experience. Overall, an average experience.
Varsha V.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 8 Nov 2025
I’m glad you and your friends were able to spend Memorial Day together — that time with loved ones is always special. I’m sorry your experience wasn’t as ideal as either of us had hoped.
The garage is for storage only and not for guest use, as there isn’t enough space to park a vehicle. A new employee mistakenly provided you with the code — my sincere apologies for that confusion. Please know that there was no intent for my staff to sound accusatory in our communication.
As for firewood, it’s not included or advertised as a provided amenity. However, there are several nearby options in New Buffalo where you can easily purchase or even have wood delivered for convenience.
The dishwasher was not completely broken — it had a small seal leak. When you called, our team offered to send someone to inspect it right away, but you preferred not to be disturbed, which we completely understand. We suggested using a towel temporarily to protect the floor from any small leak.
I appreciate your feedback about the kitchen supplies and your preference for a more generously stocked setup beyond the basics. We’ll take that into consideration for future improvements.
Regarding the pool, I wish you would have reached out about the temperature — it can be adjusted to your liking during your stay.
I’m sorry we didn’t “wow” you this time. I completely understand that this stay felt more “average,” but I hope the quality time you shared with friends helped make the trip memorable, nonetheless.
Warm regards,
Cara
About the host
Hosted by Freshwater Vacation Rentals
Freshwater Vacation Rentals • Established in 2005 If you are looking for a vacation rental, you have come to the right spot! We specialize in vacation rentals throughout Michigan. From your own private island to a lodge big enough to host your family reunion or a relaxing getaway on one of the Great Lakes. If you feel like a social vacation where you have neighbors to enjoy the evening fires together, to remote places where you won't see another soul, give us a call and we'll find the right place for you. Our philosophy We work hard so you don't have to. Our goal is for guests have a wonderful vacation experience and assist our owners in maximizing their investment. We started this business 13 years ago, with the purchase of Republic Island, and added the Rapid River Lodge. We have a unique perspective, as we are both owners and property managers. We love the business and are enjoying it as it grows.
Languages:
English, Spanish, Danish, Croatian
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests