Sanctuary by the Shore | Unique Stay by Lake MI - Reviews, Photos & Rates

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Entire home·Private host

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Dates

December 2024

January 2025

4 bedrooms, desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

Exceptional

Entire home

4 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 10

Popular amenities

Parking available

Pet-friendly

Barbecue grill

Outdoor space

Kitchen

Air conditioning

Explore the area

Benton Harbor, MI

Harbor Shores Golf Club
9 min drive
Riverside Tavern
5 min drive
St. Joseph-Benton Harbor Station
11 min drive
Benton Harbor, MI (BEH-Southwest Michigan Regional)
11 min drive

Room options

Similar properties

Dryer

Pet-friendly

Air conditioning

for 1 night

includes taxes & fees

5 Jan - 6 Jan

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Sanctuary by the Shore | Unique Stay by Lake MI

Welcome to a truly unique vacation experience in this stunning, turn-of-the-century church, renovated into a modern and stylish retreat! With its grand architecture, this property offers a one-of-a-kind stay that will leave you feeling inspired and rejuvenated. SW Michigan's most beautiful beaches are located 5-10min away and downtown St. Joseph is only a quick 7-min drive! The house offers a quiet retreat while remaining close to wineries/breweries, wedding venues, restaurants & golf courses!

Inside, the main hall has been transformed into a spacious and welcoming living area, complete with comfortable seating, a large projector TV, a pool table, and ping-pong table, and many other board games for endless entertainment. The fully equipped kitchen boasts all the amenities you'll need to whip up a delicious meal and don't forget about the grill outside for warm summer evenings. The property features four comfortable bedrooms with extra sleeping space on the fold-out couch in the main living area. The property also offers one and a half bathrooms. Outside, the property offers a large outdoor deck, perfect for enjoying the beautiful Michigan weather and hosting memorable gatherings. A large fire pit is also available for cozy nights under the stars, perfect for making smores with family and friends. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun-filled getaway, this unique church-turned-vacation rental has everything you need for an unforgettable stay. Come experience the magic of this special place and create memories that will last a lifetime!

Guests will be able to access the property anytime after check-in with a code.

We are dog-friendly, please no cats. We do require a $100 per stay fee (max 2 pets.) You are welcome to include your dog(s) in the booking or we can send a separate invoice. If you choose to bring your pet please remember to keep them in the designated areas outside and clean up after them

During your stay at this vacation home, you'll be within walking distance of Lake Michigan. An arcade/game room is available. The vacation home offers free WiFi and a kitchen.

Air-conditioned home with kitchen, 1.5 bathrooms, and fireplace
Free WiFi
Onsite recreation includes a playground
Just a 4-minute drive from Lake Michigan and 9 minutes from Harbor Shores Golf Club

This vacation home offers its guests barbecue grills, an arcade/game room, and a garden. The front desk is open around the clock.

Property manager

Sara A Barber

Languages

English

Property amenities

Beach

Near the beach

Internet

Free WiFi

Parking and transport

On-site parking

Kitchen

Fridge
Stovetop
Microwave
Oven
Blender
Kitchen island
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware/dishes/utensils
Paper towels

Dining

Dining table

Bedrooms

4 bedrooms
Bed sheets provided
Sofa bed

Bathrooms

1.5 bathrooms
Bath or shower
Towels provided
Toilet paper
Shampoo
Soap
Hairdryer

Living spaces

Fireplace
Living room

Entertainment

Smart TV
Pool or billiards table
Ping pong table
Games room
Games
Books

Outdoor areas

Patio
Barbecue
Garden
Outdoor furniture
Firepit

Work spaces

Desk
Desk chair

Comfort

Air conditioning
Heating

Pets

Pet friendly
3 total (up to 23 kg per pet)
Welcoming dogs only

Suitability/Accessibility

Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

On the lake
In the city centre

Safety features

Carbon monoxide detector installed (host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector installed (host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property)
Fire extinguisher
First aid kit
Deadbolt lock

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM

Contactless check-in available

Minimum check-in age: 25

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets are welcome
Only dogs are allowed
Maximum 3 (weight limit: 50 lbs per pet)
Restrictions apply
For more information, you can reach out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation
Service animals are exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome.

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.

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

Parties and events (including family gatherings and birthday parties) are allowed on site; maximum attendees: 15

Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property

Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property

Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock

This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions. You will also receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account which will enable you to manage your booking.

We should mention

To make arrangements for your pet, contact the property directly using the information on your booking confirmation.

Property is also known as

Bell Tower Close to Beaches

Bell Tower (Historic Church) close to beaches Benton Harbor

Sanctuary by the Shore | Unique Stay by Lake MI Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

9.8/10

Cleanliness

6/10 Okay

Rachael K.

5 Aug 2024

Liked: Cleanliness

Water

Would’ve been great had there not been a mold smell the whole time. There is visible water damage on the ceiling. The lower bathroom smells of sewage. There is no central A/C and one of the units was leaking indoor. The location was great and amenities , pool table, full kitchen, etc. However we would not suggest staying if you’re sensitive to mold.

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nataliya K., Bettendorf , Iowa

8 Jul 2024

Liked: Cleanliness

Family reunion for July 4

The house is located in nice and quiet area. Close to the beach and restaurants. The house had everything that we needed. We enjoyed our stay!

Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lisa S.

29 Aug 2023

Liked: Cleanliness

Wedding weekend in St. Joseph

I booked this for my husband and 4 adult children and their significant others to be together for a family wedding. It was a fantastic place to stay and have family time. Pool table was a HUGE hit, as well as the ping pong table, projection TV and outdoor space for our 4 legged family members to take a break. Kitchen is big, and we also enjoyed the various tables and nooks for small conversations. And, to say we stayed in a “church” for the weekend was a big hit as well. Highly recommend for other larger groups!!

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Grant W.

21 Jul 2023

Liked: Cleanliness

Great Stay

We had 5 adults and 3 young children and this house was perfect for us. Plenty of space for everyone, we all thought the layout was really cool. The house is an easy 8-10 minute drive to the downtown area, very convenient to restaurants and the beach. If we ever return to this area, I wouldn’t hesitate to stay at this property again.

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jeff K.

23 Apr 2023

Liked: Cleanliness

Boys trip

Perfect place to be for a father son fishing trip on lake Michigan. Recommend this as a must stay.

Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Michele D.

28 Dec 2022

Liked: Cleanliness

Awesome vibe

We loved staying at the remodeled church. So much space, fun ping pong and pool games for the family and tons of running space for our puppy

Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Nancy M., Grandville

25 Oct 2022

Liked: Cleanliness

A great place with tons of room

We really enjoyed our stay here! It is very big, lots of fun things to do (projector screen for movies, pool table, ping pong) and we loved the outdoor firepit! We would definitely stay here again.

Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sean T.

24 Oct 2022

Liked: Cleanliness

This place was amazing!

Massive space - such a great stay.

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Barry H.

17 Sept 2022

Liked: Cleanliness

Just what we needed

A fantastic spot with lots of room for kiddos to play and the adults to cook good meals and have a few drinks by the fire.

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Megan R.

13 Aug 2022

Liked: Cleanliness

Beautiful VRBO

Loved our stay! Beautiful church made into a home. Nice area, extremely close to the beach. Would highly RECOMMEND!!

Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Thom H.

28 Feb 2022

Liked: Cleanliness

Great place for a Winter getaway.

This is a unique rental place as it is a repurposed church. The main common area is huge. The projector TV was great for watching sports and movies. The kitchen is large and adequately equipped. 6 adults stayed here with room for more . We enjoyed the pool table and ping pond table. I recommend it for a one-of -kind vacation experience.

Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sherry

Travelled with group

26 Feb 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort

Perfect!

This property was perfect for us! Everything was clean, the place was spacious, the neighborhood was really quiet and the wineries were fun! Definitely recommend this place. We met the owner and she was very friendly. I don't think I'd rent this place for a party, neighborhood is too quiet. Thank you!

Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

Beth L.

3 Jan 2022

Liked: Cleanliness

The Bell Tower

We had the best time celebrating New Years here! House was clean and spacious with so much character. Sleeps 7 comfortably. Host was very gracious and responsive. Our teens had a blast with the ping pong and pool table. Had a hard time regulating the electric baseboard heaters upstairs, but that is likely user error. It was definitely warm! The only thing I’d recommend is updating the listing to let everyone know how close the rental next door is. No issues with the neighbors at all, they were great- but we didn’t realize how close they would be. More worried about how loud we were cheering during the bowl games ;)

Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

Eric S.

8 Nov 2021

Liked: Cleanliness

Great get away

Nice place for a getaway. Close to the beaches and restaurants in St. Joe and plenty of space to sprawl out in the house.

Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

Emily G.

14 Oct 2021

Liked: Cleanliness

Perfect for our group!

This house was the perfect fit! Large community space for the kids to play and watch movies and enough room of all of us! Easy checkin and very clean! We will be back

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Robert L.

8 Oct 2021

Liked: Cleanliness

It was a beautiful house

The house was what it was in the pictures. It was beautiful and clean.

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2021

8/10 Good

Allison O., Sunbury, Ohio, United States

30 Jul 2021

Cool place!

Everything was as advertised. We really enjoyed the stay. The decor was really cute. The floor was dirty when we got there, it was swept but not washed. Our feet were black before bed. Otherwise everything else was clean and organized. The owner was responsive to questions as well.

Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2021