Inviting dog-friendly home with Lake Michigan views & charming sunroom

We stayed two nights at Johnson Cottage by Lake Michigan, a property from the 1950s or 1960s that feels dated. The cottage is filled with antique furniture, making it feel cramped. Stained carpets and a musty, old-wood smell were noticeable, and the lighting was dim and inadequate. Internet speeds were frustratingly slow, clocking in at 2-3 Mbps based on my test. The cottage itself lacks a lake view, requiring a 300-yard walk across someone else’s property for a glimpse of the water. With two young boys, we found the place far from kid-friendly. Given the price for two nights, it was a major letdown. The one positive is the private beach, reachable after a 10-15 minute walk downhill, which offered some enjoyment.

Exactly as described. Liked the location between sagatuck and south haven. Quick walk to nice quiet beach

It looked much bigger in person and smelled very musty and everything was very outdated. No view of the lake, but maybe if it was winter you could see the lake. Cobwebs everywhere and just a lot of extra stuff everywhere. Location was great and the home has great potential.

This cabin is secluded and quiet with easy access to the neighborhood beach

We got to our rental close to midnight. The path to the house is not well lite so beware to bring a lantern. The good thing is the lights inside the house were on. But as soon as we entered the house we got greeted by a cockroach and unwelcoming smell. It was probably from the black mold on the ceiling which I saw the next morning. The kitchen was not swept properly and the living room was not vacuumed properly either. There was hairs on one of the bedroom beds and aunts. There was dead flies and spider webs everywhere which means the house was not cleaned properly before we arrived. The home is not well kept due to the mold because we all know that happens over time. Since I have two small children I couldn’t risk staying another night. Nor Recommend this place with small children. They have to many decorations. I don’t know why they list the fireplace if you can’t even use it. The internet also didn’t work. Overall I had a very unpleasant experience. I don’t recommend this place at all. I recommend getting travelers insurance maybe you can fight these people but I read the agreement and they don’t hold themselves liable for anything. Vacasa (the management company) reached out to send a cleaning service but that was not going to solve the black mold and and the humidity in the house. I don’t expect my refund of the two nights or anything from them but at least I can maybe save someone else’s vacation and money.

Very lovely and quiet - not good for wifi or connection for streaming, but good if youre looking to be off the grid.

Great location, close to both Saugatuck and Sourh Haven. Nice view of lake and sunsets. Nice neighborhood, easy walk to the beach. House good older, but good sized and comfortable.

I tried to get in touch with the owner on multiple occasions but since this property is managed by a vacation rental group Vacasa, it is impossible to get through to anyone. I was told my messages would be responded to by Vacasa support but it has been several weeks now and nothing. To summarize, the property is not thoroughly maintained or cleaned. We found mouse droppings all through the home - in our beds, the floors, cabinets, shelves. If there is a cleaning crew they did not come to inspect the house before we arrived OR there is a really bad mouse problem not being managed. Food was stuck to cups, silverware, and kitchen tools. Again, obviously staff is not thoroughly inspecting the space before guests arrive. Additionally there is mold growing on the ceiling of two of the rooms. There are broken appliances all throughout - toaster, space heater, etc. You cannot use the sunroom in the winter at all - the space heater might have helped but too bad it doesn't work! On the first day we arrived there was no power in the neighborhood. When I contacted support they simply told us to wait. No one came to give us flashlights, batteries, more blankets or even firewood. We were freezing cold through the first evening because there was not enough firewood or blankets to support us through it. Because of the darkness I did not notice how much mouse poop was right under my pillow in my bed until a day later. We were not offered any assistance during this time which I do think we are owed in case of emergency situations. No refund has been given to me for, at minimum the, cleaning fee. This is all such a shame because the house has an amazing view and has potential to be an awesome, cozy space. We loved the location and spent lots of time in the area, but did not feel comfortable inside the house as we were constantly cleaning up or avoiding mouse poop.

Nice cottage, but key items were not available or missing like outdoor grill, blender, never found the outdoor firepit or key to access beach for the subdivision . A winter photo of the cabin was used in the listing, these views are not there in the summer, more like a wooded cabin than a lake house. A nice road leads you down to access lake and beach, you can walk it, but a key to the gate was never offered or made available. Had 4 requests to Vacasa for assistance with the cottage- none of my calls were returned and no requests were fulfilled. I paid almost $600 in fees for 24/7 service, booking, resort, and cleaning (not taxes) There eventually were people that answered the phone, but that's where it ended, no resolution, no call backs nothing. VRBO/Vacasa are collecting fees- but not providing services to guests. Other than that enjoyable visit.

We had a great time. We went for a girls weekend and had so much fun! I only gave it 4 starts for check in because the outside security light wasnt working when we got in and it was late! It was very comfortable. It does however need to be updated. There was a strong musty smell and i messaged them so hopefully that will be taken care of but it didn't affect our stay we had a great time!