Entire home

Gecko Cottage ... Walk to beach, pool, food, shopping - Clean, cozy, ahhh

Lakefront holiday home with water park and outdoor pool

Photo gallery for Gecko Cottage ... Walk to beach, pool, food, shopping - Clean, cozy, ahhh

Terrace/patio
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Smart TV, fireplace, ping pong, books
Beach nearby, sun-loungers, beach towels
Smart TV, fireplace, ping pong, books

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

6 bedrooms4 bathroomsSleeps 12229 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Fireplace
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

View map
New Buffalo, MI
  • Place, New Buffalo Township Public Library
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Local
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, New Buffalo Public Beach
    ‪13 min walk‬
  • Airport, South Bend, IN (SBN-South Bend Intl.)
    ‪37 min drive‬

Room options

About the area

New Buffalo

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 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 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 Downtown New Buffalo holiday home include Lake Michigan and Four Winds Casino New Buffalo.

What's nearby

  • New Buffalo Township Public Library - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • New Buffalo Public Library - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Local - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • New Buffalo Railroad Museum - 13 min walk - 1.1 km
  • New Buffalo Public Beach - 13 min walk - 1.1 km

Getting around

  • New Buffalo Station - 7 min walk
  • South Bend, IN (SBN-South Bend Intl.) - 44 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Four Winds Sports Bar - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Timbers at Four Winds Casino - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪The Stray Dog Bar & Grill - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪PostBoy - ‬5 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.

Gecko Cottage ... Walk to beach, pool, food, shopping - Clean, cozy, ahhh

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.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach nearby
  • Beach loungers
  • Beach towels

Ski

  • Cross-country skiing nearby

Pool/Spa

  • Communal pool
  • Heated pool
  • Outdoor pool
  • Private pool

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Electric car charging station on site
  • Car not required
  • Onsite parking options include a garage

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee grinder
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Hob
  • Kitchen island
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 6 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Sofa bed

Bathroom

  • 3.5 bathrooms
  • Bathtub
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Bidet
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Books
  • Games
  • Smart TV with cable/satellite channels

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Computer monitor
  • Desk
  • Desk chair

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • 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 a river
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Arcade/game room
  • Bicycles
  • Boat
  • Heated pool
  • Kayak
  • Table tennis
  • Water park
  • Water sports equipment
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Casino nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Jet skiing 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
Contactless check-out

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Rules

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.

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Events

No events allowed
No parties or extra guests. Inquire in advance.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
No tobacco, cannibus, vaping in cottage ever.

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 Gecko Cottage ... Walk to beach, pool, food, shopping - Clean, cozy, ahhh?

Yep, Gecko Cottage ... Walk to beach, pool, food, shopping - Clean, cozy, ahhh is a short 13-minute walk from New Buffalo Public Beach. Fun beach activities include jet skiing, snorkelling and scuba diving. You can also find water sports equipment and motor boats.

Does Gecko Cottage ... Walk to beach, pool, food, shopping - Clean, cozy, ahhh have a pool?

Take your pick from a heated pool, a pool and a communal pool.

Does Gecko Cottage ... Walk to beach, pool, food, shopping - Clean, cozy, ahhh have a waterslide?

No, but it has a waterpark and lazy river.

What luxury perks are available at Gecko Cottage ... Walk to beach, pool, food, shopping - Clean, cozy, ahhh?

This property features a heated pool, as well as a private pool and a fireplace.

Is Gecko Cottage ... Walk to beach, pool, food, shopping - Clean, cozy, ahhh 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 Gecko Cottage ... Walk to beach, pool, food, shopping - Clean, cozy, ahhh is a winner with our family travellers.

Is there a private hot tub at Gecko Cottage ... Walk to beach, pool, food, shopping - Clean, cozy, ahhh?

No, but there is a private pool.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Gecko Cottage ... Walk to beach, pool, food, shopping - Clean, cozy, ahhh?

No, Gecko Cottage ... Walk to beach, pool, food, shopping - Clean, cozy, ahhh does not offer an airport shuttle service.

What time are check-in & check-out at Gecko Cottage ... Walk to beach, pool, food, shopping - Clean, cozy, ahhh?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM. Check-out time is 10:00 AM.

Are pets allowed at Gecko Cottage ... Walk to beach, pool, food, shopping - Clean, cozy, ahhh?

No, pets are not allowed.

Is there a golf course on site at Gecko Cottage ... Walk to beach, pool, food, shopping - Clean, cozy, ahhh?

There is a golf course next to Gecko Cottage ... Walk to beach, pool, food, shopping - Clean, cozy, ahhh.

Reviews

Gecko Cottage ... Walk to beach, pool, food, shopping - Clean, cozy, ahhh Reviews

10

Exceptional

9.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 174 out of 184 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 10 out of 184 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 184 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 184 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 184 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Jarod H., Naperville, IL

Liked: Cleanliness
A fantastic experience all around. The hosts, Phil and Julie, were extremely easy to interact with and were accommodating. The property is in great shape (and clean), and has everything you need. Our kids had a blast with the ping pong table. The location is great - walkable to 'downtown' New Buffalo and the beach. Would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Larry W.

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful spot close to the lake and downtown. Very clean and comfortable! Would stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jenny P.

Liked: Cleanliness
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!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kate C.

Liked: Cleanliness
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!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Janice W.

Liked: Cleanliness
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ruth V.

Liked: Cleanliness
Very comfortable and homey; spacious; great neighborhood and close to beach and parks; great hosts and easy to work with;
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Matcus B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Nice house with responsive hosts
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Zack W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great location and great hosts!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Chris N.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fantastic location and accommodating hosts!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Hallie N.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Adam H.

Liked: Cleanliness
House was exactly as advertised. Good location and house was great! Would love to come back!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kaley V.

Liked: Cleanliness
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!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

MyLien F.

Liked: Cleanliness
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!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Anooja C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Laura C.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great for an easy vacation!

We had a wonderful trip. Location is perfect, close to town and beach. community pool was so fun and easy for the kids. Great communication with the owners. We hope to come back!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nancy O., Arlington Heights

Liked: Cleanliness
We had a wonderful stay with comfy accommodations in a quiet neighborhood, close to shopping, restaurants, pool and beach. The owners are very supportive.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Janet K.

Liked: Cleanliness

Wonderful New Buffalo Home

We were all impressed with the home's space, cleanliness, and location to the beach, pool, restaurants, and shops!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kristine W.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great Family Vacation Home

This home was great for our mini-vacation! Three floors of accommodations provided room to spread out for the three generations on our trip. House was very clean, had everything we needed, and was in a great location! Owners were super easy to work with and responded quickly and even accommodated our special request. Thank you! Would definitely stay here again!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amelia F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great house for our family! It was clean and spacious and very convenient to everything fun in New Buffalo!
Stayed 9 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Elayna M.

Liked: Cleanliness
We had the best time at this property! Absolutely perfect for our family vacation with young kids. Made great use of the neighborhood pool. Walking distance to pretty much everything you could want to do. Would love to stay here again!
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kelly R.

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!!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Andrew S., Barrington, IL, USA

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!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

tami b.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lynda L.

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!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024