Entire home

1 bed/1 bath, 1.5 blocks to beach/town, dog friendly, screened prch, fenced yard

Photo gallery for 1 bed/1 bath, 1.5 blocks to beach/town, dog friendly, screened prch, fenced yard

front of Cottage 5 and screened porch
side view of Cottage 5 screened porch
close up of front of Cottage 5 and the screened porch
Cottage 5 screened porch
main living space w sectional couch pull out twin bed

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 3

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Pet-friendly
  • Dryer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Washer
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

Map
Union Pier, MI
  • Gordon Beach
    ‪9 min walk‬
  • St. Julian Winery - Union Pier Tasting Room
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Four Winds Casino New Buffalo
    ‪13 min drive‬
  • Michigan City, IN (MGC-Michigan City Municipal)
    ‪17 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 3)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

pull out couch

1 Double Futon

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

1 bed/1 bath, 1.5 blocks to beach/town, dog friendly, screened prch, fenced yard

Come explore Elephant Walk, a dog-friendly compound, walkable to beach and town, designed to make memories for your group. It provides multiple gathering spots both outside and in while ensuring ample privacy at the same time. Our Main House offers giant living spaces to accommodate the whole group and provides 4 very large bedrooms and 3 baths. On the same grounds, there are 5 smaller cottages that offer full kitchens/bathrooms/living spaces and house 1-2 bedrooms each. If you would like to rent the Main House as well as 1+ cottages, please see our VRBO links to the other cottages or message me to check on availability. Host your retreat, wedding party, or reunion here for an unforgettable experience!

We allow large group bookings only (Main House + at least 2 cottages) until late Fall of each year at which point we'll open up the calendar for anyone to reserve the house and cottages separately and allow for instant booking. Please message us for details, and we will respond within 24 hours.

Much work has been done to this compound since we bought it in Jan 2019. Stay tuned to this as we will update pictures as changes are made as well as provide more updates we'll make over the coming years.

*2024 updates from a home maintenance standpoint:
-Entire property: new exterior paint, parking signs for all of the cottages, new ceiling fans
-Main House: gas grill added to charcoal grill option, new screened porch furniture and ceiling (no leaks!), kitchen backsplash, new balcony off primary bedroom
-Cottage 2: electrical overhaul to fix sporadic outages
-Cottage 3: expanded private enclosed yard
-Cottage 4: new basketball hoop
-Cottage 5: kitchen refresh with new countertops and kitchen sink

**Everyone must review the rental agreement which is comprehensive: lists the terms of the rental agreement, the dog waiver (if you are bringing a dog), provides suggested packing items, lists the hot tub rules (for Main House only).

**Please designate upon checking out if you are bringing a dog so you can have the pet fee added onto your final total.

**Note that Cottage 1 shares a wall with the far hallway corner of the Main House but as of 2022, we've added insulation and other measures to ensure noise transfer is drastically minimized. Cottage 1 and 2 used to have an interior door that locked but it was the source of noise transfer so in Spring of 2022, we closed up that door and added insulation in the units to minimize noise transfer. Cottages 4 and 5 share no walls as they stand alone on the property. All cottages have a pull out couch, and the Main House has 2 pull out couches, one in each king bedroom.

**From Memorial Day to Labor Day we require 3 night minimum stay, but a 7 night stay (Fri-Fri) is required in the heart of the summer, from June through beginning of August unless the week is already broken up.

**Well behaved dogs are welcome. Pets are required to be on leash outside of fenced yard, and you are required to pick up after them or fee will be assessed.

**Note our suggested packing items we provide right before your arrival. Starter paper towels, toilet paper, and garbage bags are provided but you'll have to bring your own after the starters. We don't do this because we're cheap or insensitive. We do this because we are not often in the area to run these kinds of things over, and we also like for guests to be respectful of the environment which we've noticed happens more often when guests bring their own disposable supplies. Thank you for your understanding!

Thank you for visiting, we hope you choose Elephant Walk for your next group get-away! Email us with any questions, and we'll answer any questions within 24 hours.

The links to the other units on the property are as follows:

Elephant Walk- Main House: www.vrbo.com/1519363
Elephant Walk- Cottage 1: www.vrbo.com/1519692
Elephant Walk- Cottage 2: www.vrbo.com/1519733
Elephant Walk- Cottage 3: www.vrbo.com/1519782
Elephant Walk- Cottage 4: www.vrbo.com/1519804
Elephant Walk- Cottage 5: www.vrbo.com/1519825

Cottage 5 is a stand alone cottage with screened porch and lofted ceilings. Already has a private, fenced in yard. Still a great arrangement for an extended family visit as you can connect through the backyard. Cottages 5 parks in the street.

• 1 Bedroom Queen
• 1 Twin Sofa Bed in Living Room
• 1 Bath
• Cable TV
• Free wi-fi internet
• washer, dryer
• Air Conditioning, Central Heating
• Private screened porch
• Private fenced in yard with bbq grill
• Access to Main House big backyard and other amenities (hot tub, outdoor shower, fire pits, etc.) if sharing compound with large group
• Weber Kettle Grill for Charcoal
• Fully Equipped Kitchen

Property manager

Erica Carli
Premier Host

Languages

English, Spanish

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 1 total)
Dogs only, waiver adhered to, $100 fee @ check out
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
-Pls bring own paper towels, toilet ppr, garbage bags. We provide starters only. No Saturday check outs ever! Cleaners don't work on Saturdays.
- Well behaved dogs are welcome, must adhere to pet waiver and must pay $100 pet fee at check out
- 7 night rentals, Fri-Fri,last week of June-mid Aug, unless week is already broken up.Email for exceptions for large gps. 2 or 3 nt min other times

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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock

About the area

Union Pier

Located in Union Pier, this cottage is near theme parks and near the beach. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Lake Michigan and Warren Dunes State Park. Travelling with kids? Consider Round Barn Union Pier Tasting Room and Local. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Union Pier, MI

What's nearby

  • Gordon Beach - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Round Barn Union Pier Tasting Room - 3 min drive - 2.5 km
  • St. Julian Winery - Union Pier Tasting Room - 3 min drive - 2.6 km
  • Townline Beach - 3 min drive - 2.1 km
  • Four Winds Casino New Buffalo - 13 min drive - 11.3 km

Getting around

  • New Buffalo Station - 8 min drive
  • South Bend, IN (SBN-South Bend Intl.) - 46 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Buffet at Four Winds Casino - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Four Winds Sports Bar - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Timbers at Four Winds Casino - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪The Stray Dog Bar & Grill - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Redamak's Tavern - ‬6 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is 1 bed/1 bath, 1.5 blocks to beach/town, dog friendly, screened prch, fenced yard pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total).

What time is check-in at 1 bed/1 bath, 1.5 blocks to beach/town, dog friendly, screened prch, fenced yard?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at 1 bed/1 bath, 1.5 blocks to beach/town, dog friendly, screened prch, fenced yard?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is 1 bed/1 bath, 1.5 blocks to beach/town, dog friendly, screened prch, fenced yard located?

This family-friendly Union Pier cottage is located near the beach, within a 15-minute walk of Union Pier Beach and Lake Michigan. Gordon Beach and Burnison Galleries are also within 15 minutes.

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 25 out of 27 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 27 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 27 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 27 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 27 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Julie K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location and responsive host

The cottage at Elephant Walk was a great location and stay. It is perfect for a couple looking for a getaway to Western Michigan. Bed and Linens were comfortable. We didn't get to use the sunroom due to weather, but it would be perfect on nice days. The host was super responsive. We had a family emergency that delayed our stay and she was accommodating to our needs. The location was a great jumping off point to other locations but there were restaurants within walking distance too.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

robin h.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Devon B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Dog friendly beach cottage

We loved our time here! A cozy cottage with the essentials, a five minute walk to a peaceful beach and cute grocery store/coffee shop, and fenced backyard for our dog. Very easy and peaceful! One thing to be aware of is the cottage is very close to the other properties so you’ll hear/see other families.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cuiting Z.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cozy

Beautiful cozy house, just like the pictures
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sarah T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beach Dog friendly Cottage

Cozy cottage, very close to the beach & dining.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Perry Y.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Labor Day Week

Great stay. Clean, comfortable unit with great location to Whistle Stop, Road House, and Beach. Freddie and Erica were super hosts and were very attentive during our stay. Screened porch, rear deck, and fenced yard were our Frenchie's favorite hang out spots. We'll definitely be back.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

jennifer d.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Elephant Cottage

cute , close to beach 🏝️ and activities
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Nancy W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Pictures Do Not Do It Justice!

We stayed in Cottage 5, my sons in Cottage 1 and other family in Cottage 4. All were very clean, stylish and comfortable. The pictures do not accurately reflect how nice these cottages are!! Perfect location - steps from the beach, right around the corner from Whistle Stop cafe and in the heart of the most adorable beach town ever!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Don N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A nice Fall retreat

We found Elephant Walk to be a nice break from the daily grind.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Shelley H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cute cottage close to beaches and wineries

Enjoyed our stay at the cottage. It was comfortable after a busy day of checking out the local area. It had everything we needed. The deck was quiet and private. The bed was very comfortable. Close to good places to eat.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Debbie D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Short Walk to the Beach!

This cottage and its proximity to the beach was just what I was looking for! Clean and cute! We will likely return!
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2022

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Enjoyed our stay here

Cottage is quiet. It is well equipped with everything you would need. Close to beach and walking distance to the Red Arrow restaurant serving great food.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Amy B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

An Elephant Walk Ecperience

My teen daughter 10 year old son, and I arrived and were greeted by a quaint cottage surrounded by a couple of other cottages, in a cozy area with voluptuous ivy and green grass, called The Elephant Walk. The inside of the place was squeaky clean and fresh. The decor was inviting, as well. We also loved, it was a short walk to beautiful Lake, Michigan.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kelly C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

MI Get-away

I was looking for a weekend get away to celebrate my husband's retirement within 2 hours of Chicago. This location (cottage #5) was the perfect quaint, clean home with a small fenced in yard with fencing covered in ivy with a bench and 2 airondeck chairs for morning coffee. The area is surrounded by tall trees on quiet streets. It is a great location for relaxation and fun. Recommend and would also love to potentially rent additional houses on the property for friends and family another time.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Karen F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cozy cottage

My husband and I stayed for three nights at this cute cozy cottage. The kitchen was well equipped which we appreciated as we’re not yet comfortable dining indoors. Small fenced outdoor area for dog to explore unleashed. Location was great - just a short walk to the beach. Highly recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Pasquale M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Time Had

We will definitely be back. We brought our pup and cottage 5 was perfect! He really enjoyed the neighborhood strolls. SW Michigan is very scenic with lots to offer nearby. My wife and I feel refreshed after 4 days of peaceful vibes away from Chicago. Cottage 5 was comfortable with a private back deck area that’s fenced in for the dog! The place was clean and stocked with most items you’d need. There is a wardrobe in the bedroom but next time we’ll bring hangers. Great experience all around and Erica was wonderful.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Pete D., Schaumburg, IL

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cottage retreat

Elephant Walk is a quiet, cozy complex with easy beach access. We stayed in pet-friendly cottage #5 and loved having a screened-in front porch as well as a private back yard with deck for our pooch. Cute and comfy the cottage was the perfect setting for a relaxing get-away.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Julie H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Union Pier cottage

Loved the Elephant Rocks cottage. First visit to Union Pier. We will definitely be back!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Justin W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice location. Easy, convenient beach access.

Easy check-in and owner was responsive to any questions. Important to know that dogs are not allowed at Barrien Public Beach but Warren Dunes State Park had a nice dog beach nearby. Surrounding area is great with plenty of dog friendly spots.

10/10 Excellent

Vince A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent long weekend getaway

Perfect relaxing getaway for a long weekend. The dog got to come along too! The well kept cottage has everything you need and is a close walk to the beach and a short drive to downtown New Buffalo. Highly recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Ariana M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing city getaway

Had a wonderful stay at Elephant Walk with my boyfriend and our dog! Def recommend booking cottage 5 if you have a pup so that you can take advantage of the screened porch and fenced backyard. Spacious living area, comfortable bed, plenty of towels and linens, very clean. Beach is so close and SO beautiful. Will def be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

Courtney M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Elephant Walk Cottage 5 🧡🐶

For my birthday this year I decided I wanted to have my butt in the sand with my best pal (Zane my pup). Elephant Walk allowed us to stay in the cutest cottage that’s a one bedroom apartment size cottage with a cute fenced in back yard. The cottage is only a block and a half away from the public access area to the beach!! There’s a very cute grocery store around the corner, literally a 5 minute walk! My pup and I were able to try dinner at The Stray Dog and Grill they even had a walk up window so Zane could help me pick up dinner and he got a dessert pup cup for visiting! Everyone was so helpful and friendly! Definitely planning a return visit!! Thanks Erika for a great stay!!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

Nicholas Z.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Enjoyed the stay very much

Spot was was great, loved my stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

Shelley S., Evanston

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Dog-friendly!

Charming little cottage with small fenced in yard perfect for us and our 2 dogs. Beach is a 2- minute walk. Brought our own couch covers from home since owners didn’t want pets on the couches, understandably. Loved our snowy, wintry weekend.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2021

10/10 Excellent

Kathy N., Sycamore, IL

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic cottage! Beautiful upgrades. Walking distance to the beach and restaurant.

We will definitely come back!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2020

About the host

Hosted by Erica Carli

Host profile image
We live in Chicago and discovered Harbor Country through a family member, who has a home in New Buffalo. We fell in love with the area as it is a very short drive from Chicago, but makes you feel like you are a world away from the hustle bustle of the city. We know you will love this area of the country as much as we do. We are very detail-oriented when it comes to furnishing a home and have tried to think of everything to make your stay fun, relaxing and enjoyable. We are fair, level-headed and love to hear feedback about how to make your stay even better.

Languages:

English, Spanish

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests