The Gatehouse on Orchard Beach



Locally Owned & Operated

Southwest Michigan
Casago Franchise Owner
What our guests are saying...
The Gatehouse on Orchard Beach is described as a beautiful, peaceful, and cozy retreat that offers a relaxing and comfortable stay with thoughtful details and quality updates throughout. The home is praised for its comfortable beds and furniture, inviting living spaces, easy-to-use kitchen, spacious deck and yard, and overall suitability for families and small groups. Guests consistently highlight how spotless, very clean, well maintained, and well appointed the property feels, with everything needed for a restful beach getaway. The Gatehouse on Orchard Beach stands out for its exceptional setting with easy beach access, a quiet private feel, and convenient proximity to nearby markets and restaurants. Reviewers especially loved the serene Lake Michigan views, gorgeous sunsets, stargazing, and the soothing sound of the waves from the house and deck. Favorite amenities include the beach cabana, outdoor shower, fire pit, grilling area, bunk room, stocked kitchen, and reliable wifi.
Overview
With a gorgeous top-to-bottom renovation that was completed in 2020 and sporting new updates for 2023, this lakefront cottage in the heart of historic Lakeside is truly one of a kind. This modern home is situated on a mid-size bluff above Orchard Beach, a wide, 80-foot stretch of sand that's shared by association members only at the north end of a long, walkable beach on a natural cove of Lake Michigan. Enjoy access to a private beach cabana, with easy access to chairs, umbrellas, and beach toys to make your excursions on the shores truly memorable.
This contemporary home is full of style and natural light, offering new appliances and fixtures throughout, an open and airy great room, and a fully equipped kitchen with an extra-large island and stainless steel appliances - all of which contribute to the authentic, beach-house ambience. Come home from the lakeshore each afternoon to rinse off the sand in the refreshing outdoor shower, get the gas grill going on the raised deck, or simply play with your kids in the spacious yard. Leave your swimsuits to spin in the private washer/dryer, and spend the evening hours telling stories in the warmth of the firepit outside.
THINGS TO KNOW
- There are 60 stairs leading down to the beach.
- An outdoor shower is available.
- Four beach chairs are provided.
- Board games and a yard bag game are provided.
- This property is managed by Vacasa Michigan, LLC.
Amenities
Sleeping Arrangements
Bedroom 1
sleeps 4
Bedroom 2
sleeps 2
Bedroom 3
sleeps 2
Rating
This house is so peaceful and delightful. In a time where we needed to get away and unplug, we traveled to MI and enjoyed the sand between our toes. Close by are many markets and restaurants. The kitchen was easy to cook in, over looking the back patio and space. The beach is quiet and with a little hideaway cabana to listen and watch the waves. We enjoyed long walks and every sunset. We were able to spread out in the house and enjoy the living space while listening to the waves. In a time when we need to relax, recover, and ground ourselves The Gatehouse provided a wonderful setting.
The home was unclean, from sand/dirt/crumbs on the floors to stained comforters on the beds. Communication was poor. Night 2 after a shower in the master bath, the laundry room emitted a terrible sulfur odor. There is an access door in the laundry, I assume it was water heater/water/softener or p trap related. Reached out to Vacasa that evening who said the issue would be resolved in the morning as it had been forwarded to the local team and I asked for notice before anyone entered the home. No one contacted me the following morning. I informed Vacasa again, who said they'd contact the local team. The maintenance person texted and said they likely couldn't do anything about the odor but they let the homeowner know who was "being proactive about it". I texted back asking if that meant I should expect the homeowner to come by. No response. I called, no answer. I never received any communication about the issue after this. I don't know if anyone ever came by when we gone or not because we were never contacted again. We did not bathe the remaining 2 nights, assuming the issue wasn't resolved, to avoid the unbearable smell. Overall, great location. Lovely neighborhood, kids loved the private beach. Cleanliness and communication left something to be desired.
The beach was lovely.
Clean, had everything we needed.
One word….magic. Can’t say enough great things about The Gatehouse. We keep coming back for the peace and tranquility. Clean, simple, comfortable. Beach and cabana are the best!
Very nice cottage right near the lake. Everything appears to be newly renovated and good quality. Stayed in March so not much foot traffic on the association path next to the house.
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