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Relax and Enjoy. Walk to Beach, Pool, Restaurants,Grocery,Library. Ditch the car

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Terrace/patio
Beach nearby, sun-loungers, beach towels
Smart TV, fireplace, ping pong, books
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Exterior

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

6 bedrooms4 bathroomsSleeps 12167 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Outdoor space
  • Air conditioning
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

Map
New Buffalo, MI
  • Local
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • New Buffalo Public Beach
    ‪13 min walk‬
  • Four Winds Casino New Buffalo
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • South Bend, IN (SBN-South Bend Intl.)
    ‪44 min drive‬

Room options

About this property

Entire place

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

Relax and Enjoy. Walk to Beach, Pool, Restaurants,Grocery,Library. Ditch the car

Enjoy your the Gecko Cottage

Five minutes walk to the bridge over the Galien River and you're at our lovely Lake Michigan beach. Restaurants, Shopping.

Relax at the private pool and comfortable lounging furniture for exclusive use by Merchant Street Cottage residents and guests.


You’ll love the comfort and beauty of a newer home: including high ceilings, lots of sunlight from windows and skylights, modern kitchen and bathrooms, spacious front and back porch, fireplace. Added bonus loft for children's play area.

Well stocked kitchen. Linens, towels, and cooking needs are provided.

The Gecko House - 4BR, Relax and Enjoy. Walk to Beach, Restaurants, Shopping, Groceries, Library. Ditch the car.

The Space
Cozy, clean, comfortable. Close to town, shopping & beach.

Interaction with Guests
You'll have full private access to the cottage, but your hosts are a call or text away to help with suggestions as needed.

The Neighborhood
Lots to explore, uPick Bluberries, Canoeing, Local Artists. Walk for miles on the sandy beach. Bike and walking paths/

Step out the back door to the exclusive pool.

Just a block away is the new library with both an entire floor dedicated to a kid comfy zone, and perfect spaces for remote computing.

Enjoy afternoon coffee with a book on the cottage front porch or back patio.

Getting Around
Take Amtrak from Chicago or from Ann Arbor/Detroit and walk five minutes to your cottage. Wow! Free parking in front or back. Once you arrive, put away the car keys and walk to the beach, upscale grocery, shopping and a brand new library.

There is additional hourly commuting access to Chicago on the Shoreline Train from Michigan City ( 8 miles away)

Other Things to Note
Kids and teenagers love the loft.

Great Wineries tasting and tours. We love Lemon Creek!

Casino fun on rainy days. There is a fun, well supervised, area at the casino where they will watch, feed and entertain the kids for a reasonable charge. The buffet and restaurant are great also.

*Please remove shoes before entering the cottage and leave them on the front or back porch, or inside the door.
**Notify us immediately if you have any concerns during your stay. We're here for you.
**Note that we are a pet-free property.
**You must notify us in advance if there will be more than the reserved number of guests

Other:
The pool will open in the spring as soon as weather permits in the spring and stay open in the fall as long as weather permits. The pool is private and shared only by our association of 23 homes.

Love the beach. It's 5 minute walk to the bridge. Once over the bridge you're at the beach parking. Very nice and convenient. I swim every day when we're here.

The cottage is cleaned and freshly painted for the season and there are many large and small improvements.

BBQ & firepit.

Family Fun
Lower level rec room with the professional ping pong table, and Streaming/YoutubeTV on the big screen TV. Couch rocking chair & huge comfy beanbag that can unzip into comfy queen futon. (please zip back into bean bag before leaving).

*Gather mornings and evenings in the front porch.
*Lounge on the back porch or canopy swing.
*Well equipped kitchen open to livingroom - dining room table and comfortable. A great place for gathering and games.

*Bar-B-Q on the Weber grill, or toast marshmallows on the petite grill.

*Use any of the beach toys, chairs, umbrella, sunshades that you'll find in the garage. There's even a 1-person kayak.

*Feel free to use the bikes at your own risk, but please bring your own helmets.
This vacation home's great location gets high marks from our customers. During your stay, you're just a quick walk from New Buffalo Township Public Library. Features include an outdoor pool, a water park, and an arcade/game room. The vacation home offers free WiFi and a private pool.
  • Air-conditioned home with private pool, kitchen, and washing machine
  • Free WiFi
  • Splash around at the water park or swim in the outdoor pool
  • Amenities include a car charging station
  • Onsite recreation includes ski-in/ski-out access and a playground
  • Just a 3-minute drive from Lake Michigan and 11 minutes from Four Winds Casino New Buffalo
This vacation home offers its guests a water park, ski-in/ski-out access, and an outdoor pool. Barbecue grills, an arcade/game room, and a garden are also featured at the family-friendly vacation home.

Property manager

Phil & Julie

Languages

English

Property amenities

Beach

  • Near the beach
  • Beach sunloungers
  • Beach towels

Ski

  • Ski-in/ski-out access

Pool/Spa

  • Private pool
  • Outdoor pool
  • Heated pool
  • Shared/communal pool

Internet

  • Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Electric car charging station on site
  • On-site parking options include a garage
  • On-site parking
  • Car not required

Kitchen

  • Fridge
  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Dishwasher
  • Coffee grinder
  • Paper towels
  • Blender
  • Kitchen island

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 6 bedrooms
  • Bed sheets provided
  • Sofa bed

Bathrooms

  • 3.5 bathrooms
  • Bath or shower
  • Soap
  • Bidet
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided
  • Shampoo
  • Hairdryer

Living spaces

  • Fireplace
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Smart TV with cable/satellite service
  • Ping pong table
  • Games room
  • Books
  • Games

Outdoor areas

  • Patio
  • Barbecue
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Firepit

Laundry

  • Washing machine and dryer
  • Near a laundromat

Work spaces

  • Computer monitor
  • Desk
  • Desk chair

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have any requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Area rugs in public areas
  • Hardwood flooring in public areas
  • Thin carpet in public areas
  • Wheelchair-accessible
  • Smoke-free property
  • Note from host: No tobacco, cannibus, vaping in cottage ever.

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone

Location highlights

  • On the lake
  • On the waterfront
  • Next to a golf course
  • In the city centre
  • In a rural location
  • Near a health or beauty spa
  • Near a hospital
  • Near outlet shopping

Things to do

  • Water park
  • Fitness facilities nearby
  • Water sports equipment
  • Kayaking on site
  • Cycling on site
  • Boating on site
  • Marina nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Power boating nearby
  • Parasailing nearby
  • Casino nearby
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Snorkelling nearby
  • Windsurfing nearby

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

General

  • At least 80% of lighting from LEDs
  • Recycling
  • Energy-saving switches
  • Vegan dining options
  • Vegetarian dining options
  • Unit size: 1800 sq ft (167 sq m)

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 30

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

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

Pets

  • No pets allowed

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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Note from host: No parties or extra guests. Inquire in advance.
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.
Property Registration Number CR19-0036

Property is also known as

Relax Enjoy. Walk to Beach Restaurants
Relax Enjoy. Walk Beach s House New Buffalo
Relax Enjoy. Walk Beach s House
Relax Enjoy. Walk Beach s New Buffalo
Relax Enjoy. Walk Beach s
Relax and Enjoy. Walk to Beach & Restaurants New Buffalo
Relax Enjoy. Walk to Beach Restaurants
Relax Enjoy Walk Beach S House
Relax Enjoy. Walk to Beach Restaurants
Relax Enjoy. Walk to Beach Restaurants.
Relax and Enjoy. Walk to Beach & Restaurants. New Buffalo

Relax and Enjoy. Walk to Beach, Pool, Restaurants,Grocery,Library. Ditch the car Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 152 out of 162 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 10 out of 162 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 162 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 162 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 162 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Kelly R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Chill Bachelorette
We stayed here for 4 days and 3 nights, for a chill bachelorette weekend getaway. We had so much fun, and the house was the perfect size, we each had our own space plus great gathering rooms when we played games or just sat around and chatted. The porches were wonderful, and we loved the walkability to essentials and other parts of town. Great hosts, would definitely recommend!!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Andrew S., Barrington, IL, USA

Liked: Cleanliness
Choose Gecko and Get Going!
It was a wonderful stay at the Gecko Cottage. The home is charming and well-appointed, with lots of places for both kids and adults to hang out. It’s super close to New Buffalo center but also off the beaten path and feels quiet. Pool and beach toys in garage are a plus. Thanks Julie and Phil!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

tami b.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lynda L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Another great stay!
Such a great layout for a larger group. So many "extras" in the kitchen that come in handy. Definelty took note of some upgrades including flooring, bidet and sectional. Perfect location - can't get much better!!! See you next time!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ellen G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great location with tons of space
Our family group of 7 adults stayed at this property. We were in New Buffalo for the first time for a family wedding. We loved how walkable this location was. Coffee, lunch, drinks, the beach, etc. were all just minutes away. Because the house is three levels with three full and one half baths, everyone had plenty of space. The house is so clean, charming and very well stocked with plenty of kitchen items, towels, and other amenities. There are also tons of books, games and toys. The hosts were wonderfully responsive to all of my questions. The check-in process couldn't have been easier.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rosemarie M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Labor Day Weekend Stay
We were at Gecko Cottage 8/30-9/3with our 4 children, 4 grandchildren 5yrs and under, and daughter in-law. Really enjoyed the house. Beach was in walking distance, and also bars. We had "private" time in the pool Sunday AM. Playroom was great for the kids. Thanks again. Phil answered our questions quickly.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nancy B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Gecko Cottage was great!
The cottage was roomy and comfortable enough for all 10 of us. The lovely community pool was around the corner, the grocery store, ice cream, pizza and fun downtown shops were 2 blocks away and the beach was just aother 10 minute walk from there. We really enjoy New Buffalo - we've been coming to New Buffalo for our summer vacation for a number of years now and Gecko Cottage has been our best location so far!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Bobby H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Excellent House and Property
Group of 10 across three generations loved the Gecko House. The proximity to downtown is perfect. We walked to to the grocery store, numerous restaurants and the beach. The multiple levels with full bathrooms on each level, worked great for our three separate families. The neighborhood was full of families and our kids enjoyed playing with other children. New Buffalo was a very nice town with everything we needed. We typically drove the to beach, but it is a very reasonable walk. Phil and Julie were great ahead of and during the stay.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Colleen C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fabulous
Your house is absolutely beautiful and perfect for a family. The playroom was perfect for our two little ones. The kitchen was so well stocked. The foodies in the group were thrilled with that. We loved your front porch. Spent every morning enjoying our coffee there. The pool was an added bonus. Everything was within walking distance, the beach, grocery store, shops and restaurants. The booking process and the checking in and out was so easy. Phil, the host was terrific. He was readily available anytime I had a question and responded promptly. We definitely will be coming back. Thanks Phil and Juli for a wonderful vacation. Best experience we have ever had with VRBO.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Monica G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect Week in New Buffalo (Again!)
This is our sixth year vacationing in New Buffalo and our second time staying at the Gecko House. This home on Merchant Street is a wonderful place to spend the week! More than enough space for our family, wonderfully stocked, and I can’t say enough about the location. We walked everywhere!! The owners, Phil and Julie were responsive to all of my inquiries and even went above and beyond, checking on us when a terrible storm blew through. I highly recommend this home if you are traveling to New Buffalo Michigan!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Andrea M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful!
We had such a lovely time at Gecko cottage! The house was perfect for our family - great spaces for the kids and adults. The cottage was clean, comfortable, and well equipped. We also really enjoyed the community pool and proximity to downtown New Buffalo. The hosts were fantastic and very communicative when we had questions. We’re already planning to come back. Wonderful stay!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Joan W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Gecko Cottage
We had a wonderful stay at Gecko Cottage. The house is beautiful and very clean. We loved the fact that we could walk to the shops , beach, and restaurants. It rained one morning and since the house has 3 levels everyone had a space to go to enjoy. The kids had a blast using the ping pong table. My favorite place was the front porch because the house sits in a very peaceful neighborhood. The hosts were very quick to answer any questions we had. We would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Paul V., Indianapolis, USA

Liked: Cleanliness
Baseball weekend
This cottage was perfect for our baseball weekend. The house is very well kept up, the communication is great, and the neighborhood is awesome. This cottage is in a great location and there are so many things within walking distance. All of us who stayed thought the cottage was very clean and everything was as advertised. We were also impressed with the attention to detail. Nothing was missed. All of us would definitely stay here again if we were in the area. The house is much larger than what you think, so you have plenty of space to spread out. Thank you for the wonderful stay and the great cottage.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kristen H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Weekend stay in New Buffalo
I took my daughter for her birthday to New Buffalo and stayed in this lovely home for the weekend. The home was very clean upon arrival and stocked with all the necessities. Neighborhood was quiet and within walking distance to the downtown area. We all had a great time and prefect weather. I would highly recommend staying here if you are looking for a home in the New Buffalo area.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

William H.

Liked: Cleanliness
H/Z Family Trip
The house is lovely, nicely decorated. We loved sitting out on the porch. The beach is a short walk or drive. Walking to stores and restaurants is also very convenient. The neighborhood is quiet. We enjoyed our family time together.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lydia S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Good time
Property was perfect for me and my adult children. Everyone had their own space and it was also great to be together, play games, and enjoy the area. It would be nice with younger kids too.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gabrielle B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect place to stay in New Buffalo
This property is beautiful with a lot of space, bedrooms, and bathrooms. The location was perfect for walking to the beach, restaurants, and shopping. Can't wait to visit again!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Close to everything!
Great location in New Buffalo. Property was just as described. Terrific communication with the owners.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness
Great house in a great location
We were very pleased with our stay at the Gecko Cottage. The house is fantastic and in a great location.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Stacie D.

Liked: Cleanliness
A lovely cottage right near everything
Beautiful home with plenty of room to spread out or stick together with everything you'd want to make yourself at home. Comfortable beds, charming spaces, and well- stocked kitchen. A short walk to shops, restaurants and the train. We are already thinking about going back.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kristina S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful home
My girlfriends and I stayed at this beautiful house in new Buffalo. We were greeted with snacks and a bottle of wine. The house had plenty of room and bathroom space for all of us. Had a nice cozy fireplace to sit and enjoy a cup of coffee by. Walking distance to down town area and driving distance to many Wineries. We definitely enjoyed are stay and highly recommend this cute coat house!!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lynda L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect for my weekend girls getaway
Perfect layout. Very well kept and organized. Can’t wait to book our next stay!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kate C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great weekend getaway
This little grouping of homes is just a couple of blocks from the heart of downtown New Buffalo, easily walkable to everything, which we love. Everything was just as described, with enough room for 3 adult couples (each on their own floor, which we really like!). Phil & Juli were extremely communicative and accommodating. Looking forward to staying here again!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Laura F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fantastic place, fantastic location
We loved everything about the Gecko Cottage! The accommodations were perfect for our group of 7 who were in the are for a bike tour. Phil and Julie are great hosts. They
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lynda F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great house and location
We had a great time. The house is beautiful and well maintained. We could have used more spare blankets because the evenings were cool. Also, we ran out of paper towels and plastic garbage bags.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023