You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Charming Lakefront Cottage
Here at The Cottage, life was made to be lived outside. Across our vast property are several seating areas for coffee or cocktails - including a stone patio with built-in bonfire pit, outdoor dining and enclosed deck overlooking the yard and lake, and finally, an incredible patio/pergola with couches literally next to the water and beach. Hammocks, a hot tub, a gas grill, and yard games galore round out a perfect vacation spent in the Michigan fresh air.
Winter fun included: perfect hill for sledding, ice fishing on Donnell Lake, snowshoeing trails, bonfires, hot tubbing, and Swiss Valley Ski & Snowboard Area only 15 minutes away.
BONUSES: *A million stars, and even more birds (including the nest directly below the porch!) *The opportunity to walk out your door to the lake (we recommend a cup of coffee or glass of wine on the pier) *Fishing and campfires. Hiking trails 5 minutes away. Swimming. Floating. Grilling. Lounging lakeside. Hot tubbing. Friendly neighbors. *A lake full of fish, turtles, frogs, swans, geese, and deer nearby
-- THE PROPERTY --
1,400 Sq Ft | Large Deck & Patio | Multiple Desk Workspaces | Perfect for Families
Bedroom 1: King Bed, Twin Bed, Crib | Bedroom 2: Queen Bed | 3 Seasons Porch / Office: Futon
OUTDOOR LIVING: Private dock with gorgeous Donnell Lake views, stone patio with fire pit, lakeside patio with pergola, outdoor dining area, gas grill, .5 acre yard, kids toys, kayaks
FAQ: Outdoor stairs required for access, firewood not provided, bathroom on 1st floor, washer/dryer/microwave in basement
PARKING: Driveway (3 vehicles)
-- THE LOCATION --
OPT OUTSIDE: Donnell Lake (on-site), Stevens Memorial Park (7.4 miles), Swiss Valley Ski Area (8.2 miles), Rolling Hills Shooting Preserve (8.6 miles), Fred Russ State Forest (11.7 miles), Spirit Springs Sanctuary (13.6 miles)
THINGS TO SEE & DO: Pioneer Log Cabin Museum (7.0 miles), Southwestern Michigan College (13.7 miles), Spruce Ridge Golf Club (14.3 miles), Elks Golf Course (15.0 miles), Dowagiac Area History Museum (15.0 miles), Heddon Museum (15.6 miles), Four Winds Casino (17.8 miles), University of Notre Dame (27.0 miles)
NEARBY TOWNS: Vandalia (1.4 miles), Cassopolis (6.5 miles), Dowagiac (15.1 miles), Three Rivers (16.2 miles), South Bend (28.1 miles), Shipshewana (33.4 miles), Benton Harbor (39.0 miles), Kalamazoo (42.1 miles)
AIRPORT: South Bend International Airport (31.8 miles)
-- POLICIES -- - No smoking - Small dogs allowed at owner's discretion - No events, parties, or large gatherings - Must be at least 25 years old to book - Additional fees and taxes may apply - Photo ID may be required upon check-in - NOTE: The property requires stairs and may be difficult for guests with limited mobility
The cottage is air-conditioned and features a kitchen and a balcony or patio, and 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. Other standard amenities include a washing machine, a fireplace, and a private yard.
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)
First aid kit
Fire extinguisher
Deadbolt lock
General
Garden
Unit size: 1,600 square feet
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 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available
Special check-in instructions
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Check-out instructions
The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks, and take out the trash
Turn off the lights, lock the doors, and return the keys
Close and lock all windows.
Leave all used sheets and towels (including kitchen and beach towels) in front of the washing machine in the basement.
Completely empty fridge / cupboards of food brought by you, leave trash in green trashcan.
Pets
This property welcomes pets
Dogs only
1 total (20 lbs is the maximum weight per pet)
Service animals exempt from fees
Note from host: Pets will be approved on a case-by-case basis.
Children and extra beds
Note from host: 1 crib included in 2nd floor bedroom
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
Long-term renters welcome
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
Check-in: 4:00 PM
Check-out: 11:00 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.
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:
Long-term renters welcome.
Frequently asked questions
What's there to do around this cottage?
This cottage is located in Vandalia, just steps from Donnell Lake. Paradise Lake is also within a driving distance of 2.2 mi.
Is there parking available at this cottage?
No, this cottage doesn't offer parking.
Is this cottage next to a casino?
No, this cottage is not connected to a casino.
Is there an indoor pool at this cottage?
No, this cottage doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there is a hot tub.
Is Charming Lakefront Cottage good for couples?
Amenities that appeal to couples at this beachfront cottage include a fireplace and a kitchen in each accommodation with some featuring beach views.
Does Charming Lakefront Cottage have a hot tub?
Yes, this cottage has a spa tub.
Does this cottage include breakfast service?
No, this cottage doesn't offer breakfast.
Will this cottage allow pets to stay for free?
Although dogs can't stay for free, they are welcome at this cottage.
Does this cottage have connecting rooms?
No, there aren't connecting rooms at this cottage.
How close is the airport from this cottage?
The closest major airport to this cottage is South Bend Intl. Airport (SBN), which is about 25.5 mi away. Another top airport is Goshen, IN (GSH-Goshen Municipal), which is around 27 mi away.
Are there rooms with balconies at Charming Lakefront Cottage?
Yes, every accommodation at Charming Lakefront Cottage comes with a balcony with some featuring beach views.
Charming Lakefront Cottage 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.
Rating 10 - Excellent. 9 out of 9 reviews
10 - Excellent
9
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 9 reviews
8 - Good
0
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 9 reviews
6 - Okay
0
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 9 reviews
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 9 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
10/10
Cleanliness
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Lindsey G.
Aug 11, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Loved our stay!
The cottage was perfect for our family. Clean, cozy and the views of the sunset are incredible!
Would highly recommend, we will be back!
Lindsey G.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024
10/10 Excellent
Beth L.
Aug 6, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
The perfect staycation away from home!
We absolutely loved our stay here! The house was so cute and charming, super comfortable, clean, and had everything we needed for a nice long weekend away. We felt like we were staying in a friend's cottage vs a rental. We treated the house as such too, with respect! Communication from the owner was excellent as well and they made the process very easy.
The covered porch at the waterfront was lovely, and we were so grateful to be able to use the kayaks so we didn't have to bring own. The house is nestled in a cove which made it the perfect spot for the kids to swim, kayak, and use our own paddleboards without worrying about boats going by. The mini beach was awesome and our pup was able to swim for the first time ever! The pier was perfect to fish from, with nice chairs to sit and enjoy morning coffee from. The firepit was amazing! Neighbors are really nice and welcoming too!
We had an amazing weekend and will definitely be back!
Beth L.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
10/10 Excellent
Jim W.
Aug 2, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful Donnell Lake
Wonderful property on Donnell Lake. Very nice cottage on a big lot with lots of sun & shade. Everything was as advertised. Nice deck at the house and lakeside as well.
Jim W.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
Alicia H.
Jul 23, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Just as it was described
The house was clean and had all the essentials. It was small and had to watch my head going upstairs but otherwise a nice place to stay on the water
Alicia H.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
Carrie S., Fairfield
Jul 20, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect Cabin!
We had an awesome stay at your cabin. We definitely would/will stay there again. Everything we needed...
Carrie S.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
Courtney F.
Jul 14, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Absolutely perfect weekend
The cottage was so peaceful and in such a perfect location. I’ve never stayed at a rental home that was as perfectly stocked with literally everything you might need before. Right down to the bug spray, meat thermometer, and all the in betweens. Definitely recommend renting this home if you want to have stress free and fun vacation. Host is the sweetest too!
Courtney F.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
Susanna E.
Sep 5, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
A charming, comfortable cottage
The cottage is charmingly vintage but still quite comfortable. The hosts include thoughtful touches like spices, toiletries, fishing rods, laundry soap, etc., that aren't necessary certainly but that make for a welcoming stay. Donnell Lake is a quite busy little lake and wasn't our favorite for our quiet little paddleboards and sailboat, but we were also there over Labor Day, so it's probably not always quiet so busy. I certainly wouldn't hesitate to recommend staying at the cottage, though. The seating and beds were comfy and the views were lovely.
Susanna E.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
10/10 Excellent
Jeanne S.
Aug 13, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Awesome cottage experience!
Plenty of outdoor fun for adults and kids, spaces for privacy and quiet also. Donnell Lake is clean and not too busy. We swam and paddled kayaks. Good wifi also!
Jeanne S.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023
10/10 Excellent
Barbara G.
Aug 6, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
(Nearly) Everything We Needed
Beds were comfortable. Washer and dryer worked well. Gas grill is not fancy, but it works. We brought a Brita filter and found one to use at the cottage, but the tap water was surprisingly tasty. None of the pans have lids, oddly enough. Basement stairs are tricky - needs a railing - so we avoided using the microwave in the basement. We appreciated the hook to keep little ones out. We could have used a clothesline (maybe it was hiding) for the beach towels we brought. Good selection of vacation reading; I enjoyed The Rose Code! Our littles found toys to play with (I hope the cleaner found the little ambulance; we looked everywhere!) A restful week - and the 6 year old taught himself to kayak! (We brought our own life jackets.)