Lounging at Lakewood in Southwest Michigan

The home sits on a half-acre of lush grass surrounded by towering trees, chirping birds, and grazing deer. You may feel like you're living in an updated treehouse-lodge with wood vaulted ceilings, sun pouring in through 4 skylights, and 3 sets of sliding glass doors that serve as picturesque frames bringing the outdoors into the home, and a stone-surround woodburning gas fireplace for cozy evenings. Our 4 bedroom home provides guests with an excuse to get away and reconnect whether over a bonfire with s’mores, hot chocolate by the stone-surround wood-burning gas fireplace for those cozy evenings, or game night over dinner from a favorite take-out pizzeria. When you’re recharged and ready for the day, Lake Michigan’s stunning Silver Beach and Warren Dunes beach, bike trails, hiking, and breweries are a short drive away! We’re also a dog-friendly home with a pet fee. Please note this is NOT a party house.

The wooden two-story home with central heating and cooling has 4 bedrooms that sleep a total of 8 people, plus a pack and play. Upon entry into the home, the cathedral wood ceilings with skylights and picture windows pour light into the home offering a spacious and warm feel. The powder room is to your right, with stairs on the left. You’ll walk into the open living and dining area, with a bonus “play” area complete with a bin of toys for the kiddos. The living room has a modern sectional sofa with two additional lounge chairs to relax in and kick your feet up with a book or a movie in front of the wood-burning, gas fireplace. The television has streaming capabilities using our included apps or add your own favorite; the console is full of board games to play during your stay. The dining room has a modern casual table with seating for 6, plus a peninsula with 2 additional stools. The kitchen has stainless steel appliances and the cupboards are complete with all your cooking and entertainment essentials – enough should you care to celebrate holidays away from home at Lakewood! Off the kitchen is the sunroom (AKA Lounge Room) where we love to have coffee and chat while looking out over the side deck and yard. We also have bins with dog toys, bowls, and a dog stake and line for them to run around outside while leashed. The laundry closet with a front load washer and dryer and hanging space is off the sunroom. There are extra beach towels at the house as well, but feel free to bring your own. The three sets of sliding glass doors lead to the rear deck with a grill and outdoor table for 8. Off the living room, Bedroom 4 has a queen bed with a desk/chair, and closet.

As you make your way to the second floor, the wooded treehouse feel resonates – the tall wooden ceilings, ceiling fan, and spacious landing wraps around the three bedrooms with a bird’s eye view to the lower level from atop your nest. A spacious bench with storage creates an additional lounge area. The Primary Bedroom 1 has a King bed that sits below a unique stunning stained-glass window from the hall into the bedroom. BR1 has a private ensuite bathroom with a double vanity and standup shower. A small hall leading into the primary bathroom has a set of built in drawers for guests. There’s an extra shelf and hanging space in the room, and a dedicated workspace for those who cannot fully vacation during the stay. Enjoy a cup of coffee on the small deck off this bedroom that overlooks the backyard. As you leave the primary bedroom, you’ll pass by the second full bathroom, which has a private door for the bathtub/shower and toilet with a sink and vanity preceding the bathroom. Bedroom 2 is also spacious with a queen bed, desk/chair, and double closet, while Bedroom 3 has a twin daybed with an additional twin trundle bed that slides out. A closet, kids’ desk, and chairs complete this room. We have a pack and play with sheets for guests to set up and take down on their own. Please note that although this is a spacious house, we cannot sleep more than 8 people plus one extra in a pack and play.

Outside, the yard invites the kids and dogs to run and play. There’s seating for 8 at the bonfire and an outdoor umbrella is available for those hot, sunny days. The driveway has plenty of parking for several cars. We have a garage, but please note that guests do not have access to it. Did we mention that your dog is welcome?!! We require the dog be fully housetrained and leashed (or on a line) at all times. A flat $100 non-refundable pet fee is required for up to two dogs maximum.

When you’re not lounging, it is a short drive to the beautiful Lake Michigan beaches, biking trails, hiking, and breweries. A family favorite, Silver Beach, is nestled in the quaint beach town of St. Joseph Michigan and is within walking distance to restaurants, fountains, train station, and downtown. Our family loves this beach with a pier, rentable kayaks, volleyball nets, and a playground! Warren Dunes State Park is also nearby for those who want the beach and dunes with a more traditional, picturesque Lake Michigan beachscape. Additionally, just up the street and around the corner, guests may walk to the top of our dune that overlooks Lake Michigan – sure you can go down the dune, but the rope that helps people back up from the beach is a sign that only those with stamina and strong calves should hike down and back up again! Fall hikes in Southwest Michigan are spectacular – need we say more? End your Fall hike at the orchards or one of the many local breweries, wineries, or at Peat's Cider Social for bowling, games, food, and drinks! Berrien County is known for its bike trails and enthusiastic bikers especially in the Fall, so feel free to bring your own bike.

After your day of fun, return home to a bonfire with s’mores star gazing in the yard, re-hashing your day, and finding those constellations shining bright under our vast Stevensville, Michigan sky. Always feel free to reach out in advance and we’d be happy to share our list of fun daytime activities. Closer to your stay, we’ll also send you a welcome packet with suggested activities as well!