A family-friendly stay in the heart of New Buffalo awaits you at this holiday home. Within steps you'll find New Buffalo Public Library and New Buffalo Township Public Library. Highlights at this ski holiday home include a kitchen, a private pool and a washing machine. .Home features free WiFi, 3.5 bathrooms and a fireplace. In-room dining is easy with a kitchen that comes equipped with a fridge, a microwave and a stovetop. A patio, a sofa bed and a living room are also available. .Enjoy the ski-in/ski-out access, water park and outdoor swimming pool as well as access to a playground. Added amenities include laundry facilities, a games room and a garden. .Attractions within a 15-minute drive of this New Buffalo holiday home include Lake Michigan and Four Winds Casino New Buffalo.
New Buffalo Railroad Museum - 14 min walk - 1.2 km
Galien River County Park - 3 min drive - 2.7 km
Four Winds Casino New Buffalo - 11 min drive - 5.6 km
Getting around
New Buffalo Station - 7 min walk
South Bend, IN (SBN-South Bend Intl.) - 44 min drive
Restaurants
The Buffet at Four Winds Casino - 9 min drive
McDonald's - 3 min drive
Four Winds Sports Bar - 9 min drive
Timbers at Four Winds Casino - 11 min drive
The Stray Dog Bar & Grill - 9 min walk
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Relax, Enjoy, Pamper. Walk to Beach, Pool, Food, Grocery, Library. Ditch the car
Enjoy your the Gecko Cottage
Out the back door it's a hop, skip & a jump to the private pool area with comfortable lounging furniture for exclusive use by Merchant Cottage guests
Past the pool its left at the RR track, and one block to restaurants & shops. Over the Galien River Bridge this of 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.
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 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 painted for the season and there are many large and small improvements.
BBQ & 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 or canopy swing. *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.
Property manager
Phil & Julie
Languages
English
Similar properties
Designer Luxury Cottage ~ Heated Community Pool ~ Walk to Beach & Town
Designer Luxury Cottage ~ Heated Community Pool ~ Walk to Beach & Town
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
Area rugs in public areas
Hardwood flooring in public areas
In-room accessibility
Thin carpet in public areas
Smoke-free property
Note from host: No tobacco, cannibus, vaping in cottage ever.
Services and conveniences
Iron/ironing board
Phone
Location highlights
In a rural location
In a village
In the city centre
Near a health/beauty spa
Near a hospital
Near an outlet shopping centre
Near the marina
Next to a golf course
On a lake
On the waterfront
Things to do
Arcade/game room
Bicycles
Boat
Heated pool
Kayak
Ski-in/ski-out access
Table tennis
Water park
Water sports equipment
Birdwatching nearby
Casino nearby
Cycling nearby
Fishing nearby
Golfing nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Kayaking nearby
Motor boating nearby
Parasailing nearby
Sailing nearby
Scuba diving nearby
Sledding nearby
Snorkelling nearby
Swimming nearby
Water tubing nearby
Wildlife walks nearby
Windsurfing 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)
First aid kit
Fire extinguisher
Deadbolt lock
General
At least 80% lighting from LEDs
Bicycles
Electric car charging station
Energy-saving switches in guestrooms
Garden
Property located in a resort
Recycling
Unit size: 2,460 square feet
Vegan dining options
Vegetarian breakfast available
Vegetarian dining options
Water-efficient toilets
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in and check-out are available
Minimum check-in age - 30
Check-out
Check-out before 10:00 AM
Special check-in instructions
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Pets
No pets allowed
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome.
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
Note from host: No parties or extra guests. Inquire in advance.
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, a first aid kit and a deadlock
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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business.
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited. Note from host: No parties or extra guests. Inquire in advance. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit and a deadbolt lock in all accommodation.
Property Registration Number CR19-0036
Property is also known as
Relax Enjoy. Walk to Beach Restaurants
Relax Enjoy. Walk Beach s House New Buffalo
Relax Enjoy. Walk Beach s House
Relax Enjoy. Walk Beach s New Buffalo
Relax Enjoy. Walk Beach s
Relax and Enjoy. Walk to Beach & Restaurants New Buffalo
Relax Enjoy. Walk to Beach Restaurants
Relax Enjoy Walk Beach S House
Relax Enjoy. Walk to Beach Restaurants
Relax Enjoy. Walk to Beach Restaurants.
Relax and Enjoy. Walk to Beach & Restaurants. New Buffalo
Frequently asked questions
Are there any beaches close to Relax, Enjoy, Pamper. Walk to Beach, Pool, Food, Grocery, Library. Ditch the car?
Yep, Relax, Enjoy, Pamper. Walk to Beach, Pool, Food, Grocery, Library. Ditch the car is a short 13-minute walk from New Buffalo Public Beach.
Fun beach activities include snorkelling, scuba diving and water tubing. You can also find water sports equipment and motor boats.
Does Relax, Enjoy, Pamper. Walk to Beach, Pool, Food, Grocery, Library. Ditch the car have a pool?
Take your pick from a heated pool, a pool and a communal pool.
Does Relax, Enjoy, Pamper. Walk to Beach, Pool, Food, Grocery, Library. Ditch the car have a waterslide?
No, but it has a waterpark and lazy river.
What luxury perks are available at Relax, Enjoy, Pamper. Walk to Beach, Pool, Food, Grocery, Library. Ditch the car?
This property features a heated pool, as well as a private pool and a fireplace.
Is Relax, Enjoy, Pamper. Walk to Beach, Pool, Food, Grocery, Library. Ditch the car family-friendly?
You bet! With amenities such as a playground and an arcade, as well as highchairs and children's dinnerware, it's no surprise that Relax, Enjoy, Pamper. Walk to Beach, Pool, Food, Grocery, Library. Ditch the car is a winner with our family travellers.
Is there a private hot tub at Relax, Enjoy, Pamper. Walk to Beach, Pool, Food, Grocery, Library. Ditch the car?
No, but there is a private pool.
Is there a free airport shuttle available at Relax, Enjoy, Pamper. Walk to Beach, Pool, Food, Grocery, Library. Ditch the car?
No, Relax, Enjoy, Pamper. Walk to Beach, Pool, Food, Grocery, Library. Ditch the car does not offer an airport shuttle service.
What time are check-in & check-out at Relax, Enjoy, Pamper. Walk to Beach, Pool, Food, Grocery, Library. Ditch the car?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM. Check-out time is 10:00 AM.
Are pets allowed at Relax, Enjoy, Pamper. Walk to Beach, Pool, Food, Grocery, Library. Ditch the car?
No, pets are not allowed.
Is there a golf course on site at Relax, Enjoy, Pamper. Walk to Beach, Pool, Food, Grocery, Library. Ditch the car?
There is a golf course next to Relax, Enjoy, Pamper. Walk to Beach, Pool, Food, Grocery, Library. Ditch the car.
Relax, Enjoy, Pamper. Walk to Beach, Pool, Food, Grocery, Library. Ditch the car Reviews
Reviews
10
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers 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. 152 out of 162 reviews
10 - Excellent
152
Rating 8 - Good. 10 out of 162 reviews
8 - Good
10
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 162 reviews
6 - Okay
0
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 162 reviews
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 162 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
9.6/10
Cleanliness
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Kelly R.
28 Oct 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Chill Bachelorette
We stayed here for 4 days and 3 nights, for a chill bachelorette weekend getaway. We had so much fun, and the house was the perfect size, we each had our own space plus great gathering rooms when we played games or just sat around and chatted. The porches were wonderful, and we loved the walkability to essentials and other parts of town. Great hosts, would definitely recommend!!
Kelly R.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
10/10 Excellent
Andrew S., Barrington, IL, USA
22 Oct 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Choose Gecko and Get Going!
It was a wonderful stay at the Gecko Cottage. The home is charming and well-appointed, with lots of places for both kids and adults to hang out. It’s super close to New Buffalo center but also off the beaten path and feels quiet. Pool and beach toys in garage are a plus. Thanks Julie and Phil!
Andrew S.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024
10/10 Excellent
tami b.
18 Oct 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
tami b.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024
10/10 Excellent
Lynda L.
14 Oct 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Another great stay!
Such a great layout for a larger group. So many "extras" in the kitchen that come in handy. Definelty took note of some upgrades including flooring, bidet and sectional. Perfect location - can't get much better!!! See you next time!!!
Lynda L.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024
10/10 Excellent
Ellen G.
27 Sept 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Great location with tons of space
Our family group of 7 adults stayed at this property. We were in New Buffalo for the first time for a family wedding. We loved how walkable this location was. Coffee, lunch, drinks, the beach, etc. were all just minutes away.
Because the house is three levels with three full and one half baths, everyone had plenty of space. The house is so clean, charming and very well stocked with plenty of kitchen items, towels, and other amenities. There are also tons of books, games and toys.
The hosts were wonderfully responsive to all of my questions. The check-in process couldn't have been easier.
Ellen G.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024
10/10 Excellent
Rosemarie M.
4 Sept 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Labor Day Weekend Stay
We were at Gecko Cottage 8/30-9/3with our 4 children, 4 grandchildren 5yrs and under, and daughter in-law. Really enjoyed the house. Beach was in walking distance, and also bars. We had "private" time in the pool Sunday AM. Playroom was great for the kids. Thanks again. Phil answered our questions quickly.
Rosemarie M.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024
10/10 Excellent
Nancy B.
16 Aug 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Gecko Cottage was great!
The cottage was roomy and comfortable enough for all 10 of us. The lovely community pool was around the corner, the grocery store, ice cream, pizza and fun downtown shops were 2 blocks away and the beach was just aother 10 minute walk from there. We really enjoy New Buffalo - we've been coming to New Buffalo for our summer vacation for a number of years now and Gecko Cottage has been our best location so far!
Nancy B.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
Bobby H.
6 Aug 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Excellent House and Property
Group of 10 across three generations loved the Gecko House. The proximity to downtown is perfect. We walked to to the grocery store, numerous restaurants and the beach. The multiple levels with full bathrooms on each level, worked great for our three separate families. The neighborhood was full of families and our kids enjoyed playing with other children. New Buffalo was a very nice town with everything we needed. We typically drove the to beach, but it is a very reasonable walk. Phil and Julie were great ahead of and during the stay.
Bobby H.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
Colleen C.
21 Jul 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Fabulous
Your house is absolutely beautiful and perfect for a family. The playroom was perfect for our two little ones. The kitchen was so well stocked. The foodies in the group were thrilled with that. We loved your front porch. Spent every morning enjoying our coffee there. The pool was an added bonus. Everything was within walking distance, the beach, grocery store, shops and restaurants. The booking process and the checking in and out was so easy. Phil, the host was terrific. He was readily available anytime I had a question and responded promptly. We definitely will be coming back. Thanks Phil and Juli for a wonderful vacation. Best experience we have ever had with VRBO.
Colleen C.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
Monica G.
19 Jul 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect Week in New Buffalo (Again!)
This is our sixth year vacationing in New Buffalo and our second time staying at the Gecko House. This home on Merchant Street is a wonderful place to spend the week! More than enough space for our family, wonderfully stocked, and I can’t say enough about the location. We walked everywhere!!
The owners, Phil and Julie were responsive to all of my inquiries and even went above and beyond, checking on us when a terrible storm blew through.
I highly recommend this home if you are traveling to New Buffalo Michigan!
Monica G.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
Andrea M.
14 Jul 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful!
We had such a lovely time at Gecko cottage! The house was perfect for our family - great spaces for the kids and adults. The cottage was clean, comfortable, and well equipped. We also really enjoyed the community pool and proximity to downtown New Buffalo. The hosts were fantastic and very communicative when we had questions. We’re already planning to come back. Wonderful stay!
Andrea M.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024
10/10 Excellent
Joan W.
3 Jul 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Gecko Cottage
We had a wonderful stay at Gecko Cottage. The house is beautiful and very clean. We loved the fact that we could walk to the shops , beach, and restaurants. It rained one morning and since the house has 3 levels everyone had a space to go to enjoy. The kids had a blast using the ping pong table. My favorite place was the front porch because the house sits in a very peaceful neighborhood. The hosts were very quick to answer any questions we had. We would definitely stay here again.
Joan W.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
10/10 Excellent
Paul V., Indianapolis, USA
2 Jul 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Baseball weekend
This cottage was perfect for our baseball weekend. The house is very well kept up, the communication is great, and the neighborhood is awesome. This cottage is in a great location and there are so many things within walking distance. All of us who stayed thought the cottage was very clean and everything was as advertised. We were also impressed with the attention to detail. Nothing was missed. All of us would definitely stay here again if we were in the area. The house is much larger than what you think, so you have plenty of space to spread out.
Thank you for the wonderful stay and the great cottage.
Paul V.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
10/10 Excellent
Kristen H.
24 Jun 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Weekend stay in New Buffalo
I took my daughter for her birthday to New Buffalo and stayed in this lovely home for the weekend. The home was very clean upon arrival and stocked with all the necessities. Neighborhood was quiet and within walking distance to the downtown area. We all had a great time and prefect weather. I would highly recommend staying here if you are looking for a home in the New Buffalo area.
Kristen H.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
10/10 Excellent
William H.
17 Jun 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
H/Z Family Trip
The house is lovely, nicely decorated. We loved sitting out on the porch. The beach is a short walk or drive. Walking to stores and restaurants is also very convenient. The neighborhood is quiet. We enjoyed our family time together.
William H.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
10/10 Excellent
Lydia S.
15 Jun 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Good time
Property was perfect for me and my adult children. Everyone had their own space and it was also great to be together, play games, and enjoy the area. It would be nice with younger kids too.
Lydia S.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2024
10/10 Excellent
Gabrielle B.
15 Jun 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect place to stay in New Buffalo
This property is beautiful with a lot of space, bedrooms, and bathrooms. The location was perfect for walking to the beach, restaurants, and shopping. Can't wait to visit again!
Gabrielle B.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
10/10 Excellent
Rebecca K.
26 May 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Close to everything!
Great location in New Buffalo. Property was just as described. Terrific communication with the owners.
Rebecca K.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024
10/10 Excellent
Verified traveller
3 Jan 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Great house in a great location
We were very pleased with our stay at the Gecko Cottage. The house is fantastic and in a great location.
Verified traveller
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023
10/10 Excellent
Stacie D.
29 Dec 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
A lovely cottage right near everything
Beautiful home with plenty of room to spread out or stick together with everything you'd want to make yourself at home. Comfortable beds, charming spaces, and well- stocked kitchen. A short walk to shops, restaurants and the train. We are already thinking about going back.
Stacie D.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023
10/10 Excellent
Kristina S.
17 Oct 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful home
My girlfriends and I stayed at this beautiful house in new Buffalo. We were greeted with snacks and a bottle of wine. The house had plenty of room and bathroom space for all of us. Had a nice cozy fireplace to sit and enjoy a cup of coffee by. Walking distance to down town area and driving distance to many Wineries. We definitely enjoyed are stay and highly recommend this cute coat house!!
Kristina S.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023
10/10 Excellent
Lynda L.
9 Oct 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect for my weekend girls getaway
Perfect layout. Very well kept and organized. Can’t wait to book our next stay!!!
Lynda L.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023
10/10 Excellent
Kate C.
3 Oct 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Great weekend getaway
This little grouping of homes is just a couple of blocks from the heart of downtown New Buffalo, easily walkable to everything, which we love. Everything was just as described, with enough room for 3 adult couples (each on their own floor, which we really like!). Phil & Juli were extremely communicative and accommodating. Looking forward to staying here again!
Kate C.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
10/10 Excellent
Laura F.
24 Sept 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Fantastic place, fantastic location
We loved everything about the Gecko Cottage! The accommodations were perfect for our group of 7 who were in the are for a bike tour. Phil and Julie are great hosts. They
Laura F.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
10/10 Excellent
Lynda F.
18 Sept 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Great house and location
We had a great time. The house is beautiful and well maintained. We could have used more spare blankets because the evenings were cool. Also, we ran out of paper towels and plastic garbage bags.