Warm Late Summer Dates Still Open in Sept 2025:1-4, 7-11, 15-19, 21-26. Enjoy!
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All properties in New Buffalo
Warm Late Summer Dates Still Open in Sept 2025:1-4, 7-11, 15-19, 21-26. Enjoy!
New Buffalo, Michigan, 49117
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Complete address will show after booking
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Amenities
Golf course
Pool
Snorkeling
Skiing
Hiking
Table tennis room
Wi-Fi in public areas
Heated pool
All amenities
Property Description
Relax, Enjoy, Pamper. Walk to Beach, Pool, Food, Grocery, Library. Ditch the car
Enjoy your the Gecko Cottage
Out the back door it's two houses to your right to the private pool area with comfortable lounging furniture for exclusive use by Merchant Cottage guests.
All trash and recycling is taken to the room around the pool house to the right. Please be tidy and compact as needed.
Easy 4-5 minute walk to the bridge.
Past the pool turn left at the RR track, and one block to restaurants & shops. Over the Galien River Bridge you'll see the marina, river and lake. You're arrived at our lovely Lake Michigan beach and dune promenade. Ahhh, Enjoy...
Entering the Gecko Cottage you’ll love the luxury 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. Drip coffee maker, French press (no Keurig).
The Space
Walk up to the spacious porch, which may become your hangout, through the door and into your open plan main floor.
Deep cushions of the wrap around couch, living room, fireplace, open kitchen, with bar counter await you.
This is the main hub. Past the guest powder room with it's comfort bidet, there is a cozy conversation nook to the left. Ahead lies the beachway exit. To the right is the private main suite, with a private bath.
From airy main floor, accend the stair, to the landing with it's library stocked with lake, boating, Michigan travel lore, and games.
Reaching the 2nd floor, it's kids room to the left 2nd floor bath ahead and queen guest room to the right. That is almost to the right, on the immediate right is the ladder to the bonus loft for an extra guest.
Kids room features a bunk bed a twin bed, and play area including tumbling mats.
Queen room is a quiet getaway space with a lounge for quiet reading.
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, and two homes downa 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 for the season and there are many large and small improvements.
BBQ & small 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, Lunch or Dinner outside at the table, under the umbrella.
*Well equipped kitchen open to livingroom - dining room table and comfortable. A great place for gathering and games.
For more ideas to jazz up your stat...checkout https:\\newbuffaloexplored.com
*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.
*Feel free to use the bikes at your own risk, but please bring your own helmets. About pets:No pets allowed.About checkOut:Check out before 10:00 AM.About children:Children allowed: ages 0-17.About customRules:A “Homeowner” and “Guest” AGREEMENT will be sent following booking acceptance. Your affirmative acceptance in the reply will be required..You agree provide specific guest and vehicle info newly required by the city of New Buffalo prior to Short-Term-Rental Guest arrival..About checkIn:Check in after 4:00 PM.About smoking:Smoking is not permitted.No tobacco, cannibus, vaping in cottage ever..About minBookingAge:Minimum age to rent: 30.About events:No events allowed.No parties or extra guests. Inquire in advance..
Show more
9.8/10
Cleanliness9.8
Amenities9.8
Location9.8
Service9.8
All 55 reviews
Surroundings
Airport: Michigan City Municipal Airport
(14.3 km)
Airport: South Bend International Airport
(51.9 km)
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Overview
Rooms
Guest Reviews
Services & Amenities
Policies
Host
9
6 Bedrooms Private Vacation Home
1 bunk bed 1 single bed 4 sofa beds 3 queen beds and 1 double bed
Free Wi-Fi
Non-smoking
Air conditioning
Refrigerator
TV
Towels
Check Availability
Guest Reviews
9.8/10
Outstanding
55 reviews
Verified Reviews- Cleanliness9.8
- Amenities9.8
- Location9.8
- Service9.8
Average for similar properties in New Buffalo
Jenny P.
October 14, 2025
Great cozy place, perfect location! Three gals on a long weekend. We each had our own room and bathroom. Kitchen nicely stocked. Easy walk to beach, shops, restaurants and grocery store. Do yourself a favor and have a meal at Brewster’s and sit on the patio. It was our favorite!
Susan M Sandberg
October 10, 2025
Beautiful home and place to visit. Our hosts, Julie and Phil communicated well, were accessible and available. The home was perfect for our group of 8, providing a great common area, and private rooms and floor levels to retreat to. The location is within a short walking distance to all amenities. The welcome bottle of wine and snacks were a hit also! The hosts also provided local suggestions for shops, restaurants and things to do in the area, which was appreciated. We would most definitely stay here again.
Jennifer G.
October 21, 2025
Beautiful spot close to the lake and downtown. Very clean and comfortable! Would stay again.
Kate C.
October 7, 2025
Everything was clean and just as described. Lovely home, very close and walkable to downtown New Buffalo. Excellent communication with hosts. We have stayed here before and will definitely stay again! Thank you!
Ruth V.
September 18, 2025
Very comfortable and homey; spacious; great neighborhood and close to beach and parks; great hosts and easy to work with;
Janice W.
September 22, 2025
Fabulous home in the heart of New Buffalo - close to town, favorite restaurants and attractions. Fantastic, engaged hosts who go above and beyond to create a welcoming experience.
Kaley V.
August 20, 2025
We enjoyed everything about our week-long vacation at the Gecko Cottage. Phil and Julie's home was comfortable, well-stocked and had more than enough room for our crew of 4 adults and 2 young kids. The location is superb. We easily walked or biked to the beach as well as the shops, restaurants, grocery store and library in the adorable downtown area of New Buffalo. It's also a great home base for exploring other towns and activities in SW Michigan. We were able to find a pick-your-own blueberry farm just a 10-minute drive away. The kids and adults alike loved taking advantage of the nearby pool as well. Phil and Julie were wonderful hosts and communicators. We would highly recommend a stay at the Gecko Cottage!
MyLien F.
August 17, 2025
This cozy, yet spacious, house has EVERYTHING you could possibly need for a family vacation. We loved our stay. My favorite is the large couch and dining room table near the kitchen. Everyone was able to lounge, play games, and snack. Mornings were perfect on the front porch! Thank you for a fabulous stay- the hosts have really thought of everything!
Adam H.
August 23, 2025
House was exactly as advertised. Good location and house was great! Would love to come back!
Services & Amenities
Most popular business facilities
Golf course
Off-site
Pool
Snorkeling
Off-site
Skiing
Off-site
Hiking
Off-site
Table tennis room
Wi-Fi in public areas
Table tennis room
More Amenities
Internet
Wi-Fi in public areas
Pool
Heated pool
Public areas
BBQ
No smoking in public areas
Garden
Health & wellness
Table tennis room
Golf course
Off-site
Kayaking
Parasailing
Off-site
Hiking
Off-site
Skiing
Off-site
Snorkeling
Off-site
Sailing
Off-site
Water sports equipment
Activities
Beach towels
Gaming area
Fishing
Off-site
Cleaning services
Clothes dryer
Facilities for children
Children's toys
Kids' board games/puzzles
Accessibility
Stair-free main entrance
Property Policies
Check-in and Check-out Times
Check-in: after 16:00
Check-out: Before 10:00
Child policies
Children of all ages are welcome at this property.
Additional fees may be charged for children using existing beds. Add the number of children to get a more accurate price.
Cribs and Extra Beds
Please contact the hotel for details about crib and extra bed policies.
Age Requirements
The main guest checking in must be at least 30 years old
Property host
Phil & Julie
Speaks: English
About this property
Relax, Enjoy, Pamper. Walk to Beach, Pool, Food, Grocery, Library. Ditch the car
Enjoy your the Gecko Cottage
Out the back door it's two houses to your right to the private pool area with comfortable lounging furniture for exclusive use by Merchant Cottage guests.
All trash and recycling is taken to the room around the pool house to the right. Please be tidy and compact as needed.
Easy 4-5 minute walk to the bridge.
Past the pool turn left at the RR track, and one block to restaurants & shops. Over the Galien River Bridge you'll see the marina, river and lake. You're arrived at our lovely Lake Michigan beach and dune promenade. Ahhh, Enjoy...
Entering the Gecko Cottage you’ll love the luxury 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. Drip coffee maker, French press (no Keurig).
The Space
Walk up to the spacious porch, which may become your hangout, through the door and into your open plan main floor.
Deep cushions of the wrap around couch, living room, fireplace, open kitchen, with bar counter await you.
This is the main hub. Past the guest powder room with it's comfort bidet, there is a cozy conversation nook to the left. Ahead lies the beachway exit. To the right is the private main suite, with a private bath.
From airy main floor, accend the stair, to the landing with it's library stocked with lake, boating, Michigan travel lore, and games.
Reaching the 2nd floor, it's kids room to the left 2nd floor bath ahead and queen guest room to the right. That is almost to the right, on the immediate right is the ladder to the bonus loft for an extra guest.
Kids room features a bunk bed a twin bed, and play area including tumbling mats.
Queen room is a quiet getaway space with a lounge for quiet reading.
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, and two homes downa 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 for the season and there are many large and small improvements.
BBQ & small 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, Lunch or Dinner outside at the table, under the umbrella.
*Well equipped kitchen open to livingroom - dining room table and comfortable. A great place for gathering and games.
For more ideas to jazz up your stat...checkout https:\\newbuffaloexplored.com
*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.
*Feel free to use the bikes at your own risk, but please bring your own helmets. About pets:No pets allowed.About checkOut:Check out before 10:00 AM.About children:Children allowed: ages 0-17.About customRules:A “Homeowner” and “Guest” AGREEMENT will be sent following booking acceptance. Your affirmative acceptance in the reply will be required..You agree provide specific guest and vehicle info newly required by the city of New Buffalo prior to Short-Term-Rental Guest arrival..About checkIn:Check in after 4:00 PM.About smoking:Smoking is not permitted.No tobacco, cannibus, vaping in cottage ever..About minBookingAge:Minimum age to rent: 30.About events:No events allowed.No parties or extra guests. Inquire in advance..
Show Full Description
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the cancellation policy at Warm Late Summer Dates Still Open in Sept 2025:1-4, 7-11, 15-19, 21-26. Enjoy!?
The cancellation policy at Warm Late Summer Dates Still Open in Sept 2025:1-4, 7-11, 15-19, 21-26. Enjoy! depends on your room type and booking terms.What’s the cancellation policy at Warm Late Summer Dates Still Open in Sept 2025:1-4, 7-11, 15-19, 21-26. Enjoy!?
What are the check-in and check-out times at Warm Late Summer Dates Still Open in Sept 2025:1-4, 7-11, 15-19, 21-26. Enjoy!?
Check-in at Warm Late Summer Dates Still Open in Sept 2025:1-4, 7-11, 15-19, 21-26. Enjoy! starts from 16:00, and the standard check-out time is by 10:00.What are the check-in and check-out times at Warm Late Summer Dates Still Open in Sept 2025:1-4, 7-11, 15-19, 21-26. Enjoy!?
How do I get to Warm Late Summer Dates Still Open in Sept 2025:1-4, 7-11, 15-19, 21-26. Enjoy! from the nearest airport?
The nearest airport is Michigan City Municipal Airport, located about about 15 mins from hotel by car (14.3 km) away.How do I get to Warm Late Summer Dates Still Open in Sept 2025:1-4, 7-11, 15-19, 21-26. Enjoy! from the nearest airport?
About This Property
| Nearest Airport | Michigan City |
|---|---|
| Distance to Airport | 14.33KM |
| Nearest Train Station | New Buffalo |
| Distance to Train Station | 0.52KM |
| Hotel Star Rating | 3 |




