Castaway Villas: Family Fun in the Sun – Sleeps 14, Pool & Games
Castaway Villas
SLEEPS: 14 BEDROOMS: 6 BATHROOMS: 4.5 *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
Castaway Villas in New Buffalo, Michigan, is a spacious retreat accommodating up to 14 guests across six bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms. The property comprises a main house and a guest house, both equipped with central air conditioning for comfort. Guests can enjoy amenities such as a heated swimming pool (available from Memorial Day through Labor Day), a year-round hot tub, a pool table, and foosball. The villas are conveniently located just 0.6 miles from Lake Michigan's New Buffalo Beach, offering easy access to waterfront activities. Additional features include a natural gas grill, fire pit, and high-speed internet (1000 MBPS). Please note that pets are not allowed, and parking is available for up to four cars in the driveway.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Air Conditioning: Yes, for both main house and Guest house
Bathrooms: Guest House- Full bathroom with Shower, sink, toilet Main House- Main Floor- Full Bath- Shower, sink, toilet Full Bath- Shower, sink, toilet Half Bath- toilet and sink Upper Level- Full Bath- Shower, sink, toilet
Beach/Swimming: A short walk to New Buffalo Beach(.6 miles)
Bedroom Configurations: First Floor- Bedroom 1: King and Queen Bedroom 2: Queen Second Floor: Bedroom 3- King Size Bed Loft Area- 4 Twin Beds
Guest House- Bedroom 1- King Size Bed Bedroom 2- Queen Size Bed
Boats: None Provided
Boat Launch: Public boat launch is .8 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: No
Fire-pit: Yes. Please bring your own firewood
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
Grocery Store: Barney's 3 min(.4 miles)
Heat: Forced Air Furnace
Internet/WIFI: Yes, 1000 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: Room for 4 cars in driveway. There is no street parking in front of home, you will be ticketed.
Pets: No pets allowed at this property
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: Neighborhood
Space: Multi Level home with guest house
Special Features: Large Hot Tub Beach Entry Pool (available Memorial Day through Labor Day) Pool Table Foosball
Seniors: Welcome, there are stairs in the home but bedrooms on main floor
Televisions: Living Room- Large TV capable of streaming Bedrooms- All feature a TV capable of streaming
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: * Snowmobiling Distance: About 5-10 miles (Berrien County and Southwest Michigan snowmobile trails). * Ice Skating Distance: 10-15 miles (local rinks like Berrien Springs Ice Rink). * Cross-Country Skiing Distance: 15-20 miles (trails in Galien River County Park or Weko Beach). * Sledding Distance: 5-10 miles (local parks like Tight Park or Silver Creek Park). * Winter Hiking/Snowshoeing Distance: 10-15 miles (nearby trails in Warren Dunes State Park or Galien River County Park).
Wood: Not provided
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Pool
Hot tub
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
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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 on a lake, this holiday home is in Downtown New Buffalo, a neighbourhood in New Buffalo. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Lake Michigan and Indiana Dunes National Park. Travelling with kids? Consider Local and New Buffalo Railroad Museum. Kayaking and waterskiing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking and ecotours nearby.
New Buffalo Township Public Library - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
New Buffalo Public Library - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
New Buffalo Public Beach - 11 min walk - 1.0 km
Local - 11 min walk - 1.0 km
Getting around
New Buffalo Station - 5 min walk
South Bend, IN (SBN-South Bend Intl.) - 43 min drive
Restaurants
The Buffet at Four Winds Casino - 10 min drive
Four Winds Sports Bar - 10 min drive
McDonald's - 3 min drive
Timbers at Four Winds Casino - 11 min drive
Copper Rock Steakhouse - 4 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Castaway Villas: Family Fun in the Sun – Sleeps 14, Pool & Games pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Castaway Villas: Family Fun in the Sun – Sleeps 14, Pool & Games?
As of 18 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Castaway Villas: Family Fun in the Sun – Sleeps 14, Pool & Games on 31 May 2026 start from AU$1,233, 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 Castaway Villas: Family Fun in the Sun – Sleeps 14, Pool & Games?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Castaway Villas: Family Fun in the Sun – Sleeps 14, Pool & Games?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Castaway Villas: Family Fun in the Sun – Sleeps 14, Pool & Games?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Castaway Villas: Family Fun in the Sun – Sleeps 14, Pool & Games located?
This family-friendly New Buffalo holiday home is located on a lake, within a 15-minute walk of New Buffalo City Hall and Lake Michigan. Merganser Point and New Buffalo Marina Park are also within 10 minutes. New Buffalo Station is 5 minutes by foot.
Reviews
9.4
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
The house is a perfect place for friends and family to stay. Extremely close to the central downtown.
Jordan C.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Oct 2025
Thank you so much! We’re glad you and your group enjoyed the home and its convenient location near downtown. You were wonderful guests, and we’d love to host you again! -Van, FVR
Spacious, modern, great details (game tables & bar) for extended family with kids age range 3-14. Great yard & walkable to downtown.
Dana P.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Mar 2025
Thank you for your kind words, Dana! We're so glad your family enjoyed their stay. You were truly great guests, and we’d love to host you again in the future! -Van FVR
It was a perfect stay for a long weekend birthday celebration. Plenty of room for our large groupof couples, walking distance to amazing shops and restaurants. Would definitely return and recommend to anyone!
Kristin H.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 8 May 2025
Thank you for the wonderful review, Kristin! We're thrilled to hear that the property was perfect for your birthday celebration and that you enjoyed the convenient location. You were fantastic guests, and we'd be happy to welcome you back anytime. Thanks again for the recommendation! -Van FVR
This home is beautiful and very roomy for a large group. Great location and only a couple blocks from the main drag near many restaurants and shops and not far from the beach. It was a little chilly during our stay so we didn't get to use the outdoor area, but it was also a wonderful space.
Mary D.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 15 May 2025
Thank you for your kind words, Mary! We're so glad to hear you enjoyed the spaciousness of the home and its convenient location. It's a shame the weather didn’t cooperate for you to enjoy the outdoor area, but hopefully, you'll have a chance to experience it on your next visit.
You’ve been such great guests, and we truly appreciate having you. Looking forward to welcoming you back! -Van FVR
Place was really nice, and location great. We could walk to everything. Check in so easy. We could not find the remote to the TV and therefore could not use it but manager was quick to try to correct the situation and dropped off a new one within an hour. When we were looking for the remote, noticed underneath the couch was filthy but everything else very clean. Highly recommend this place.
Mary M.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Oct 2025
Thank you so much for your kind words and thoughtful feedback! We’re glad you enjoyed the home, location, and easy check-in process. We also appreciate you letting us know about the issue and thank you for your understanding while we got the new remote over to you. You were wonderful guests, and we’d be happy to host you again anytime! -Van FVR
One of the best beach houses we stayed at. Everyone enjoyed it and already said they want to go back. Beautiful and fun home located near downtown and the beach.
Highly recommend.
vince b.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Aug 2024
Vince, wow, do we ever love hearing that this is one of the best beach houses you've stayed at. That, plus your high recommendation, says it all! You were great guests, and we hope to host you again. -Claire, FVR
Great place for multiple families!!! Pool and hot tub were awesome and a whole guest house?!? We loved it and loved the proximity to the beach and town. Thank you!!
Marleen C.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Aug 2024
Marleen, we love your exuberant review! It's great that the property worked well for your multi family getaway. You were excellent guests, and we hope that you come back again. -Claire, FVR
House was perfect for 9 adults. Plenty of space and bedrooms. Location was fantastic. Very quiet neighborhood. Close to the places we wanted to go to. Easy walking distance to excellent restaurants and bars.
Thoroughly enjoyed our stay.
Douglas F.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Oct 2024
Douglas, we’re so glad the house was perfect for your group and that you found plenty of space and bedrooms. It’s great to hear you enjoyed the quiet neighborhood and the convenient walking distance to excellent restaurants and bars. You were great guests and we'd love working with you again! - Van FVR
This was a large home, adequate for 12 ~14. House was very clean, well furnished and tastefully decorated. Great back yard with large pool and hot tub. Excellent location with proximity to beach and restaurants. Very peaceful area. Host was highly responsive. Our family very much enjoyed the stay.
Jaipal S.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Aug 2024
Jaipal, thank you for the kind words for FVR. As a family owned company, comments like yours mean a lot to us. We're glad that the property worked well for your large group, and that you very much enjoyed your stay. You were great guests, and we hope to host you again.
-Claire, FVR
Thank you for the 5-star review Jeremy! We’re so glad everything met your expectations. We appreciate your feedback and hope to host you again! - Van FVR
Overall the stay was good with a well laid out house and excellent pool. There are two problems. The door from the living room to the backyard does not lock. There is evidence of black mold in the primary bedroom, the one above the dining are. Revommend testing the entire house for mold.
Robert S.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Sept 2025
Thank you for your feedback and for letting us know about these issues. We’re glad you enjoyed the house layout and pool. We take your concerns seriously and will make sure this are all addressed. You were great guests, and we appreciate your understanding. -Van FVR
Large house with coach house and in ground pool. Ideal fit our large family and young grandchildren. Short walk to everything. Host very responsive when we experienced a few minor issues after check in.
Margaret O.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Sept 2024
Margaret, thank you for this lovely review. We're happy to hear that the cottage worked well for your large family. We appreciate your kind words for FVR. It really does mean a lot to us. You were a delight to work with, and we hope to see you back again. -Claire, FVR
we enjoyed a week here with extended family - three generations. The space was very functional and even exceeded my expectations based on the listing. The location could not be better in New Buffalo - close to the beach and close to the main street and restaurants - we walked everywhere easily. The pool and grounds are great for a big family and for celebrations. Management was very responsive and nice, quickly resolved any minor issues we encountered.
Abigail A.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Oct 2024
Abigail, we love that you vacationed with 3 generations of your extended family, and that you chose to spend your getaway with us. Thank you for your kind words for FVR - it means alot to us, as excellent communication is our #1 priority. You were great guests, and we hope to see you back again. -Claire, FVR
Overall great stay at Castaway Villas. Some features exceeded my expectations. The pool is amazing; the one picture they have in the listing does not do the outside area justice. The location is wonderful, 5 minute walk to the main strip and just a block away from Oinks. The living room and dining room were very spacious and comfortable to gather with large groups. The guest house has a full kitchen and sitting area which was a very nice surprise. Freshwater staff were very responsive and helped us with the issues we had during our stay.I can't give 5 stars due to the bedroom situation. This is an old home with a bad rehab job. The loft area that has 4 twin beds is unlivable, and this should not be advertised as a room where anyone can sleep in the summer or winter. The room is clearly not insulated, and even with an air conditioner unit and fan running the entire week, it was well over 90 degrees up there the whole time. The king bed in the guest house is also very broken. I reached out to the rental staff concerned the bed was going to literally crash onto the floor, and they said they had never had anyone complain about it before...the maintenance man who came to fix it said otherwise and that it would keep breaking if they don't replace it. So with 10 beds advertised in the house, we had 5 that were usable during our stay. We ended up leaving a day early due to lack of sleep. Still had a great time, they just need to spend some money to fix the major issues.
Erin D.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Sept 2025
Thank you for taking the time to share such detailed feedback. We’re so glad to hear you enjoyed the pool, location, and spacious gathering areas, as well as the guest house amenities. We also appreciate your kind words about our team’s responsiveness. We’re very sorry to hear about the challenges you faced with the sleeping arrangements and the maintenance concerns. Your comments are extremely valuable, and we’ll be sure to share them with the appropriate team to address. You were wonderful guests, and we’d be happy to welcome you back once these improvements are made. -Van FVR
Verified
4/10 Poor
Brittany F.
2 Apr 2025
Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Construction surprises
This house is going through construction and we were completely unaware. There was nails and screws all throughout the pea gravel in the backyard. We found a few the first night we were there and brushed it off. Third day we spent a ton of time in the backyard and noticed sooo many nails and screws. I’m talking at least 30! Me and a few members of my family spent 2 hours of our time searching over the pea gravel to pick up all the nails and screws from the new addition that was being built. We had 6 small kids and thank god none of them managed to step on a nail. We also looked through some of the turf and found a few of the hooks that keep the turf down and they were sticking right out. Those hooks are at least 9inches long. Property management company was easy to get ahold of and said they weren’t aware of any construction. Other things to be aware of is the king bed in the guest house does not have a box spring and you can feel every bar in your back while laying on it. We found a dirty bowl and pan in the kitchen. The bowl still had Chex mix in it. I would say I definitely won’t be returning to this house.
Brittany F.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Apr 2025
Brittany, I'm so sorry your stay at this beautiful property ended in disappointment, especially following a storm.
Thank you for noting how easy it was to reach us. One of us always sleeps with the office cell phone so we can be available to assist our guests 24/7. Ensuring prompt support during your stay is something we take seriously.
Regarding the upstairs room—this space, which once included a balcony, is currently being used for storage and is not listed as part of the rental. Joan was correct in stating we were unaware of any "construction" as there were no active renovations during your visit. However, you were absolutely right that a photo of the former balcony was still online. That image has since been removed, and once the renovation is complete, the room will be added to the listing.
It appears the nails or screws found outside may have been blown from the balcony area due to the storm. While we offered to send someone to collect them, you mentioned they had already been picked up and that you were leaving the next morning. Nevertheless, we have since sent someone with a magnet wheel to ensure the area is completely safe, and we've also addressed the turf hooks with a hammer to prevent future issues. Your description of the condition was deeply concerning, and frankly, there’s no excuse. We are sincerely sorry.
I also want to acknowledge your note about the king bed in the guest house. It is indeed a platform bed without a box spring. Based on your feedback, we're now evaluating the mattress and will consider a replacement to ensure future guests are more comfortable.
We've also reminded our cleaner—who is typically quite thorough—to double-check any dishes that may have been put away by guests, just to be safe.
While we’re truly sorry this home did not meet your expectations, Joan mentioned that she hoped you might consider one of our other properties in the future. We would love the opportunity to make things right and provide a better experience.
Ultimately, you deserved a more seamless and welcoming stay, and we should have done a better job with the post-storm clean-up before your arrival. Please accept our heartfelt apologies.
Warm regards
Cara
Owner, 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 almost 20 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
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