SAWYER COTTAGE--on Lake Michigan

SLEEPS: 6
BEDROOMS: 3
BATHROOMS: 2
PARKING SPOTS AVAILABLE: 2 MAX
SORRY, NO PETS ALLOWED
*LAKEFRONT (on Lake Michigan)
*3 cottages surround Sawyer that are also available for rent (None of our Union Pier Cottages accept pets.)

Come stay at a beautiful home on Lake Michigan. Enjoy the open floor plan, 2 bathrooms, washer/dryer, comfortable furniture, fireplace, large windows and a master bedroom with views of the lake, The Master bedroom has cable tv. The main bathroom has a fabulous jetted tub to take away the stress of the city. The screened in porch is attached to the master bedroom and is easily accessible from the living room. It's an ideal place to enjoy an evening glass of wine and watch the sunset over Lake Michigan. 

Enjoy the spectacular sunset views from inside and out. It is great for family vacations, romantic getaways for the weekend or family reunions. Whether you are coming to enjoy the fresh air, star-shooting sky or bonfire on the beach, the Sawyer Cottage has a lot to offer. Come and create water-filled memories that will last a lifetime.

The Sawyer Cottage is next door to the Brandon Cottage, with separate sitting areas and decks for each family to enjoy. Yes, you are within earshot of each other, so it is fun to rent both places together. Since the walkway leading to the private beach area is in front of the Sawyer Cottage living room window, it is easy to see the walkway entryway.   While it isn't commonplace, you may see guests from the other 3 cottages as they use the walkway to the beach.  There is a public access point on the opposite side of the Brandon Cottage, so often the other cottage's take that shortcut of just 26 steps to the beach.  The Sawyer Cottage is situated with a private deck sitting space, with  72 steps down to the water. 

The "private" beach is actually shared by 4 cottages (Brandon, Grace and Alex) with a shared walkway to the beach area. This one-story home has the closest access to the walk-out 2-level deck (shared by the Brandon, Grace and Alex Cottages) that will guide you down to your Lake Michigan beach area. ("Private beach" in Michigan means that anyone outside these 4 cottages are not supposed to stop, sit, set up their beach gear and/or  have a campfire, etc.  on this private beach space.  Still, with Michigan Beach Walker laws, anyone can walk through the private beach area, even though it is deemed "private.") .  This private" beach area is situated on the shoreline between the Sawyer and Brandon Cottages, directly on the shores of Lake Michigan. 

Sawyer Cottage at Union Pier is open all-year round. From the beautiful fall colors in late September to the sounds of the various birds mid-spring, the cottage is perfect for tranquility, rest and rejuvenation. 

There are also 3 other cottages that surround the Sawyer Cottage, which makes vacationing with guests or extended family perfect. Come reunite at Union Pier. 

** Parking is at a premium at our Union Pier location.  While we do not have an on-site parking attendant, please keep the neighbors in mind and park as close together, and as close to the cottages as possible.  2 spaces have been allocated to the Sawyer Cottage.

Rent all 4 cottages grouped closely together for a 10% discount.  (1 night stays do not apply.

Bedroom organization: All bedrooms are on the main floor
                                       Bedroom 1: 1 Queen Beds
                                       Bedroom 2: 2 Twin Beds
                                       Bedroom 3: 2 Twin Beds

Bathrooms:
                     Bathroom #1--Full bathroom with shower only
                     Bathroom #2--Full bathroom with tub/shower

Bed option: We have a king-sized bed bridge converter for one (1)  set of the 2 twin beds, so if you would prefer that we make a king-sized bed out of the 2 twins, just let us now upon booking and we'll have that set for you upon arrival. (The other set of twin beds are not matched perfectly in order to make the king conversion work.)
 

Location:   90 minutes east of downtown Chicago, Illinois

                  1/2 hour north Notre Dame, Indiana

                  3 hours west of Detroit, Michigan

                  4 hours south of Traverse City, Michigan

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

Beach/Swimming:  Walk toward the right  and down the stairs (shared with the next door Brandon Lake House)  in order to get to the private stretch of Lake Michigan beach used by our 4 Union Pier Cottages. Swimming is divine on Lake Michigan. The 2019 Lake Michigan water level is very high. Therefore, the beach is not as wide has it has been in the recent past.  Each year is slightly different when it comes to nature. Normally, there are beach chairs at the bottom of the stairs for use for our 4 Union Pier Cottages.

Coffee Pot: Keurig

Firewood: Yes! We have firewood provided for you under the blue tarp across from the kids play area.

Privacy: While our guests have traditionally been very respectful of each other, the cottages are very close together with shared walkways to the cottages and to the beach.

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

Winter fun:  
Outdoor ice-skating rink & sledding hill: Bring your skates and sleds!  Less than 5 miles away! Oselka Park: 601 E. Indiana St. New Buffalo, MI 49117
Casinos:
Four Winds Casino: Just 5 miles from the cottage!
Blue Chip Casino: A larger casino. Located in Indiana, just 22 minutes away from Union Pier, try your luck at this exciting casino!
Big 10 University-Notre Dame! Just a half-hour from this prestigious school in Indiana.

Wineries: Take a tour or visit a local winery:
Winery Tours: http://www.harborcountry.org/winerytour/  The closest starting point to the cottage is in New Buffalo, approximately 5-10 minutes south. For more winery tours check these out: http://miwinetrail.com  http://www.fruitfulvinetours.com
Round Barn Winery: A brewery/distillery and a winery all combined in one trip. http://www.roundbarnwinery.com/ Just 14 miles from the Union Pier Cottages, about a 20 minute drive.
Saint Julian Winery: Enjoy a great glass of wine at this local vineyard.


Snowmobiling:
Snowmobile trails are open from New Buffalo to Galien. The trail from Galien also extends into Indiana. The trails are well marked with a trailhead in Three Oaks and one in Galien. Visit  www.fishweb.com/recreation/snowmobile/trails/swl.html for updates on trail conditions. Snowmobiles must be registered and display a 3 year registration decal as well as a current trail user permit decal. In the State of Michigan there is a $25 charge for a trail users fee. This permit is good from October 1- September 30. Permits may be purchased at Knoll Bros Gas Station or Captain Cook’s Sports in New Buffalo. The Featherbone Restaurant & Lounge in Three Oaks or the Bungalow Inn in Galien provide snowmobile trail information.  You may also purchase a permit by calling the Michigan Snowmobile Association at 269-361-2285.

Amenities