This vacation home places you within a mile (2 km) of Friendship Botanic Gardens and NIPSCO and Shirley Heinze Land Trust. The vacation home includes a kitchen, a patio, and a dining area.
Friendship Botanic Gardens - 18 min walk - 1.0 mile
Karwick Nature Area - 2 min drive - 1.4 miles
NIPSCO and Shirley Heinze Land Trust - 2 min drive - 1.1 miles
Clare Lake - 3 min drive - 1.6 miles
Blue Chip Casino - 7 min drive - 3.3 miles
Getting around
Michigan City-11th Street Tram Stop - 7 min drive
Michigan City Station - 9 min drive
South Bend Intl. Airport (SBN) - 43 min drive
Restaurants
‪McDonald's - ‬5 min drive
‪Family Express Mich. City Johnson Rd - ‬7 min drive
‪Zorn Brew Works - ‬6 min drive
‪William B's Steakhouse - ‬6 min drive
‪Memo's House Of Pancakes - ‬8 min drive
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Family Friendly Cottage - Close to Indiana Dunes - Extended stay discounts
Welcome to The Marram Cottage, a sun-drenched retreat minutes from Indiana Dunes National Park and Lake Michigan beaches. This modern cottage offers a bright, open-concept living area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a huge private backyard with a fire pit and grill. High-speed Wi-Fi, a large smart TV, and free parking for multiple cars make it easy to settle in, whether you're here for a weekend or an extended stay. Explore nearby nature, local vineyards, and breweries, or take a short drive to destinations like New Buffalo.
Recently updated with modern finishes and chef-approved amenities, this home is designed for relaxation and family getaways alike. A major draw of the location is the immediate proximity to Indiana Dunes National Park and National Lakeshore, a premier destination for hiking, birdwatching, and pristine lakefront views.
Living Space
The screen-free sitting room is a sunlight-drenched space stocked with board games, a library of beach reads, and a selection of children's toys and books curated for ages up to five. In the living room, relax on the modular sofa, which converts to a single bed, while enjoying the 75-inch 4K Smart TV equipped with Roku streaming. High-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, strong enough to work remotely.
Beyond weekend getaways, The Marram Cottage also works well for longer visits. It's a great fit for traveling healthcare professionals working nearby at Northshore Health or Franciscan Health, or remote and hybrid professionals commuting into Chicago via the South Shore Line, with the Carroll Ave stop just 2 miles away. In-unit washer/dryer makes it easy to settle in for a longer stay, and private garage parking may be available for stays of 30 nights or more, subject to availability. Ask about our discount for extended stays.
We aim to make traveling with young children seamless too. For your convenience, we provide a Pack 'n Play and a reliable baby monitor, so parents can relax on the deck or in the living area while little ones rest. A high chair is available upon request.
Kitchen
Designed by a former cook, our kitchen is fully equipped for those who love to host. It features new countertops, stainless steel cookware, a blender, a toaster, and quality utensils. The professional-grade coffee station includes a Baratza coffee grinder, drip maker, pour-over, electric kettle, assorted syrups, and a tea selection. The extendable kitchen table comfortably seats six adults.
Bedrooms and Bathroom
Both the primary and guest bedrooms feature brand-new Queen-sized hybrid foam mattresses and luxury linens for a restorative night's sleep. The bathroom offers a premium Delta rainfall shower experience with an additional handheld sprayer. The large new vanity is stocked with essentials, high-end luxury linen products, and a bidet-equipped toilet.
Outdoor Space
The sun-drenched deck is furnished with rocking chairs and loungers, perfect for morning coffee. Situated on a peaceful acre near the Tryon Farm area, it's common to spot local wildlife like deer and wild turkeys wandering the property. The yard also features lawn games like bocce and cornhole. For evenings, relax by the smokeless fire pit with a provided starter wood bundle, or cook on the Weber propane grill.
Location
The Marram Cottage is located 2 miles from Lake Michigan (Stop 21) and 4 miles from Washington Park Beach, where you can enjoy lakefront cruises and live music by the water. You're just minutes from iconic spots like Swingbelly's and Burn 'Em Brewing.
The area is rich with family activities, including several local U-pick farms, the historic Heston Steam Museum, and the Lighthouse Place Premium Outlets for shopping. Regionally, we're 2 miles from the South Shore Line (Carroll Ave stop) and 4 miles from downtown New Buffalo and the Amtrak station, both making Michigan City an easy base for Chicago day trips or commutes.
Guest Access
Guests enjoy full, private access to the entire cottage and the surrounding one-acre lot, with 24/7 self-check-in through a secure smart lock at the rear entrance. Upon booking, you'll receive a unique access code valid for the duration of your stay.
Please note that we maintain one locked owners' closet for cleaning supplies. While the cottage and yard are entirely private, the driveway is shared with a quiet tenant who uses the separate barn for boat storage. To ensure everyone has plenty of space, we ask that you park in front of the garage; covered garage space may be available for stays of 30 nights or more, subject to availability. A side entrance is also available for convenient luggage drop-off and pick-up.
Other Things to Note
Your safety and the security of The Marram Cottage are our top priorities. Please note there are exterior security cameras on the property for your protection.
The vacation home is air-conditioned and features a kitchen, 1.5 bathrooms, and a patio. There's space to spread out with 2 bedrooms and a dining area. Guests can enjoy a Smart TV and stay connected with free WiFi. The bathroom offers hair dryers and bidets. Other standard amenities include a washing machine, a coffee maker, and an ironing board.
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
4 steps to reach entrance
Area rugs in public areas
Gravel flooring in public areas
Handrails in stairways (36 inches high)
Hardwood flooring in public areas
Tile flooring in public areas
Upper floors accessible by stairs only
Well-lit path to entrance
Smoking not allowed
Services and conveniences
Iron/ironing board
Location highlights
In a rural location
Near a hospital
Near a lake
Near a zoo
Near an outlet shopping mall
Near the marina
Things to do
Bicycle parking
Birdwatching nearby
Casino nearby
Fishing nearby
Golfing nearby
Hiking nearby
Kayaking nearby
Motor boating nearby
Mountain biking nearby
Sailing nearby
Swimming nearby
Wildlife walks nearby
Winery tours nearby
Safety features
Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
Deadbolt lock
Fire extinguisher
First aid kit
General
Bicycle parking
Garden
Local artist showcase
Recycling
Some LED lighting used
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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Check-out instructions
The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Gather used towels
Remove personal items and remove leftover food and drinks
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Checkout is simple: Exit by 10am (code expires then). Leave used towels in the shower. Put dishes in the dishwasher and start it. That's it!
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Rules
Please park in front of the garage on the left. We kindly ask that you keep the side driveway clear for boat access to the barn. Thank you!
To keep our home comfortable for everyone, we kindly ask that you remove your shoes upon entry.
Please note that unregistered guests and parties are not allowed.
Pets
This property doesn't allow pets
Children and extra beds
Children allowed: ages 0-17
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
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
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 has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
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
Check-in: 4:00 PM
Check-out: 10:00 AM
Minimum check-in age: 25
We should mention
Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:
This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business.
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock.
Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:
There are no elevators.
Frequently asked questions
What's there to do within easy reach of this vacation home?
This vacation home is located in Michigan City, a short 18-minute walk from Friendship Botanic Gardens and also 19 minutes on foot from NIPSCO and Shirley Heinze Land Trust. You'll also find Lake Michigan and Blue Chip Casino within a short drive.
Is this vacation home next to a casino?
No, this vacation home is not connected to a casino.
Is there an indoor pool at this vacation home?
No, there is no indoor pool at this vacation home.
Does this vacation home offer breakfast?
No, this vacation home doesn't offer breakfast.
Does this vacation home allow pets to stay for free?
No, pets aren't allowed at this vacation home.
What is the closest airport to this vacation home?
The closest major airport to this vacation home is South Bend Intl. Airport (SBN), which is about 27.8 mi away.
Family Friendly Cottage - Close to Indiana Dunes - Extended stay discounts Reviews
Reviews
10
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
We had a wonderful time! The place was spacious, cozy, well stocked with everything we needed. The host was able to accomodate us, and kept up very good communication to get us in early! Which was amazing due to us traveling with a toddler. We definitely plan on coming back!