Entire home

Birder's Home on the Galien River Preserve w/ Huge Deck, Fireplaces & Great View

Photo gallery for Birder's Home on the Galien River Preserve w/ Huge Deck, Fireplaces & Great View

Outdoor dining
TV, fireplace, DVD player, foosball
4 bedrooms, iron/ironing board, internet, bed sheets
Beach
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop

Reviews

9.4 out of 10

Exceptional

Entire home

4 bedrooms5 bathroomsSleeps 8273 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Barbecue grill
    Barbecue grill
  • Washer
    Washer
  • Parking available
    Parking available
  • Outdoor Space
    Outdoor Space
  • Kitchen
    Kitchen
  • Air conditioning
    Air conditioning

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Birder's Home on the Galien River Preserve w/ Huge Deck, Fireplaces & Great View

Harbor House

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Sweeping views of the tranquil Galien River Preserve await at Harbor House, a four-bedroom, four-and-a-half-bathroom home that offers privacy, seclusion, and a gorgeous wetland setting without sacrificing the convenience of proximity to downtown New Buffalo. Whether you’re catching the sunrise over the river from the vast decks or gathering with family in one of several common areas, Harbor House is certain to be an exercise in relaxation.

The focal point of this home is the expansive wrap-around deck overlooking an enormous swath of preserved wetlands that's alive with nature and bird life. It's a birdwatcher's paradise, where you can sit with a pair of binoculars, soak up the sun in a lounge chair, or even light the gas grill for lunch or dinner outside at the patio dining set. There's also a well-furnished and shaded screened porch that opens to the patio deck, so you can still enjoy the sights and sounds of nature while keeping cool and out of the sun.

The house itself is modern, up-to-date, and impeccably cared for, offering such at-home comforts as cable TV, high-speed WiFi, and high-quality furniture and appliances. On the main level, the primary living and sitting room overlooks the preserve, with tremendous windows that bathe the home in natural light and seem to bridge the separation between the indoors and outdoors. The wood-burning fireplace offers cozy ambience for those rare cool summer nights; it's even better during the spring, winter, and fall. The open kitchen and dining room is just off the living room, featuring a large dining table for entertaining as well as a breakfast nook and island bar. The lower-level family room is a great place to break off and spend some time, with a big-screen TV, a DVD player, and a foosball table. This space provides wonderful entertainment on rainy days; it's also a good spot to let the gamers in your group hook up to the TV.

At night, you'll find the first bedroom on the main floor, decorated in French country style. It features a queen bed, an en suite bathroom with a jetted tub, and access to the patio if you wish to sneak out at night for a look at the stars. The upper level of Harbor House has a loft office with view over the living room and out towards nature, as well as the second and third bedrooms. The second bedroom has a queen bed, a private shower bathroom, and south-facing windows that make use of natural light without serving as a wake-up call at sunrise. The third guest bedroom has a king bed, its own private shower bathroom, and direct access to the smaller second-floor deck - the perfect spot for enjoying a cup of coffee while watching the sunrise color the sky above the river. The fourth bedroom is on the lower level, with a queen bed and access to a full bathroom. There is also a large air mattress in the downstairs closet.

As for location, the house sits at the end of a quiet road with little traffic. New Buffalo Beach is just steps away (800 yards from the front door), so you can easily walk or drive and park, whatever suits you and your group best! The rest of downtown New Buffalo is equally close as well.

Things to know
The two wood fireplaces are for seasonal use only
This property is managed by Vacasa Michigan, LLC.

Parking notes: There is free parking available for 3 vehicles.

Please note: this home resides in a noise-sensitive area and the owners participate in our Good Neighbor protection program. Our smart home technology will alert our team if excessive decibel or occupancy levels are detected, allowing us to reach out directly with a reminder of maximum occupancy and quiet hours. This technology is privacy compliant, and only monitors the presence of decibels and devices-not any personal conversation or information. Thank you for supporting our efforts to be good neighbors!

Damage waiver: The total cost of your reservation for this Property includes a nightly damage waiver fee, plus tax if applicable (the “Damage Waiver”). (A discount may be applied for stays of 28 nights or longer, if permitted.) The Damage Waiver covers you for up to $3,000 of accidental damage to the Property or its contents (such as furniture, fixtures, and appliances) as long as you report the incident to the host prior to checking out. The Damage Waiver fee eliminates the need for a traditional security deposit.
More information can be downloaded from the "Rental Agreement" on the checkout page.

Due to local laws or HOA requirements, guests must be at least 28 years of age to book. Guests under 28 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian for the duration of the reservation.

Property manager

Vacasa of Michigan

Languages

English, French, German, Italian, Spanish

Property amenities

Internet

  • Internet access

Parking and transportation

  • Onsite parking options include a garage
  • Onsite parking

Kitchen

  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Dishwasher
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware/dishes/utensils

Bedrooms

  • 4 bedrooms
  • Bed sheets provided

Bathrooms

  • 4.5 bathrooms
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Fireplace
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • TV with cable/satellite service
  • Foosball table
  • DVD player
  • Stereo

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill

Laundry

  • Washing machine and dryer

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property
  • Note from host: Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the premises.

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • In the city center
  • Near a hospital
  • Near outlet shopping

Things to do

  • Parasailing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Windsurfing nearby
  • Wildlife and game walks nearby
  • Casino nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Hiking nearby
  • Winery tours nearby
  • Swimming nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector installed (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector installed (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • First aid kit

General

  • Unit size: 2940 sq ft (273 sq m)

Similar properties

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 28

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

Pets not 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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
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

Property is also known as

48481

About the neighborhood

Map
New Buffalo, MI

What's nearby

  • New Buffalo Public Beach - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Local - 14 min walk - 1.2 km
  • New Buffalo Railroad Museum - 18 min walk - 1.5 km
  • Galien River County Park - 4 min drive - 3.4 km
  • Four Winds Casino New Buffalo - 12 min drive - 5.8 km

Getting around

  • New Buffalo Station - 4 min walk
  • South Bend Intl. Airport (SBN) - 45 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Buffet at Four Winds Casino - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪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 - ‬3 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Birder's Home on the Galien River Preserve w/ Huge Deck, Fireplaces & Great View pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Birder's Home on the Galien River Preserve w/ Huge Deck, Fireplaces & Great View?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Birder's Home on the Galien River Preserve w/ Huge Deck, Fireplaces & Great View?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Birder's Home on the Galien River Preserve w/ Huge Deck, Fireplaces & Great View located?

Located in the heart of New Buffalo, this vacation home is within a 15-minute walk of New Buffalo Public Beach and Lake Michigan. Local and New Buffalo Railroad Museum are also within 1 mi (2 km). New Buffalo Station is only a 4-minute walk.

Birder's Home on the Galien River Preserve w/ Huge Deck, Fireplaces & Great View Reviews

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 31 out of 40 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 6 out of 40 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 40 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 40 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 40 reviews" "

9.4/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

frank R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Quiet getaway
House was great, layout awesome and couldn’t have been better stocked! Only negative..need better mattress in main level bedroom
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Paul G., USA

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Barbara B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

James W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Galien Bird House
Beautiful home and location. Parking can be an issue - limited parallel parking only
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tara O.

Liked: Cleanliness
10/10 highly recommend!
This place has an incredibly unique location and is very tastefully decorated. We loved watching the birds in the marsh! We saw swans, herons, cedar waxwings, a zillion redwing blackbirds, woodpeckers, grackles, robins, cardinals, swallows, two kinds of ducks, snow geese, and even a bald eagle. Bring your binoculars and birdwatch on the balcony with your coffee! Hilariously, we could see the house from the window at our table at the stray dog. Incredible.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

8/10 Good

Jennifer B.

Christmas Time
Great place to stay and my only complaint is there is not enough parking
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Stephenie L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful house.. Beautiful views!
House was perfect for a girls weekend. Cozy living spaces with amazing views and nice bedrooms with private bathrooms for each of us. Very clean. Kitchen was nice too. Walking distance to town was a bonus.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023

6/10 Okay

Sharie P.

Great location
The location is great. House needs a deep clean. There was a huge fly issue inside. 😬. There is only one hair dryer so pack one. The deck furniture needs cleaning and repair. Also a hodgepodge of glass wear so if picky bring your own. Great set up for four couples but the mattress on main floor needs replacement.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Janet K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Cousins Weekend
Very good experience and we loved the house. Plenty of room, well stocked kitchen, walkable to the downtown and beach. Fabulous view from the deck! Few minor housekeeping issues (mattresses needed to be flipped and a broken towel bar) aside, we definitely recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kristen S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great Weekend at Harbor House
The house was just as pictured and in an amazing location to enjoy New Buffalo. The deck was absolutely picturesque and very peaceful being on the marsh. As a group of 8, we had plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the weekend. The house is well equipped with everything you need, especially the kitchen. The extra fridge in the garage was very useful as well. Would definitely recommend staying here!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Michael O.

Liked: Cleanliness
Cold but great weekend
The weather did not cooperate but the house worked great for 6 high school friends and location was perfect. Looking forward to next year for another NCAA and St. Patrick’s weekend. Thanks
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Claudette S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful location/Fantastic stay
The house provided a wonderful stay for our family of three couples plus. The bedrooms were quite spacious with plenty of privacy for all. The extra rooms and nooks around the house allowed everyone room to spread out. The kitchen was well appointed and terrific for communal meals. The decks were spectacular with beautiful views . The location was walking distance to the beach and the main part of town. The condition of the house was excellent. Because we visited in December, we didn't get the full summer/outdoor effect, but the house was so wonderful that we want to come back in the summer. Beautiful house! A definite repeat rental!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022

6/10 Okay

Pat G., Yorkville, Illiniois, United States

The Birder Home
The house is big enough for large groups. Esthetically the house needs a general refurbish. Carpets are worn and stained in places. The furniture is old, dark woods, and heavy. The house is generally dark, unlike the pictures indicate on the website. The kitchen is also dark wood, dark floors, and the basement game level is musty and dark. This was not what we were expecting, particularly with the price of the rental. On a positive note, the back deck is lovely, with a great view, and the deck furniture is nice. We had trouble with the local management company, regarding cleaning and some repairs, and we have already registered our concerns with them in writing. If you want to be close to the beaches, restaurants and marina, and don't expect to spend much time in the house, you will probably be able to overlook most of our concerns.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Patricia T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Problem with form needed to finalize rental. Kept sending but getting messages to send.
The stay there was great. Wonderful property, setting and location!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Dan M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great facility!
Beautiful, large and clean house. No issues at all.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Angella G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing place & location!
This house was great. Went there for girls weekend & the location is perfect. It’s a block away from the downtown strip so we could walk everywhere beach, shops, bars, restaurants. There is so many bathrooms, and the deck I screened in porch were great!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jodi O.

Liked: Cleanliness
Spacious home in a great location
Beautiful home…tons of space. Clean and nicely stocked.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Martin U.

Liked: Cleanliness
An excellent property and location
A great location
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Debra S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Friends getaway
The house was perfect for the 4 couples trip!
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kim A.

Liked: Cleanliness
One of our favorites!
We had the most wonderful Thanksgiving week at The Harbor House. The location is perfectly located close to town (walking distance for all), very spacious for large families, beautiful views and lots of bird sightings, and very well equipped for cooking Thanksgiving dinner. We all loved it and felt very much at home. Hope to be back soon!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

Jared G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great
House was great!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2021

8/10 Good

Gina O., Urbandale, United States

Liked: Cleanliness
Location is great
Walkable to beach & few other spots. House gave us enough room to spread out. Carpet was wet in bedrooms that had been cleaned before we checked in.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Matt G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Loved it
Fantastic property and absolutely stunning custom home.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2021