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Sanctuary by the Shore, Unique Stay W/ Hot Tub by Lake MI

Family-friendly stay near Lake Michigan

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Photo gallery for Sanctuary by the Shore, Unique Stay W/ Hot Tub by Lake MI

Interior
Lobby
Interior
Dining
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

4 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 103000 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub
  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

View in a map
Benton Harbor, MI
  • Place, Harbor Shores Golf Club
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Place, White Pine Winery
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Place, Silver Beach
    ‪10 min drive‬

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About the neighborhood

Benton Harbor

Heart of Benton Harbor.Stay at this Benton Harbor vacation home and you'll be within 2 miles (3 km) of Lake Michigan and 6 miles (10 km) of Harbor Shores Golf Club. Margaret B. Upton Arboretum and John EN Howard Bandshell are also within 6 miles (10 km).
View more Vacation Homes in Benton HarborOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Harbor Shores Golf Club - 8 min drive - 5.0 miles
  • White Pine Winery - 9 min drive - 6.6 miles
  • Silver Beach - 10 min drive - 6.8 miles
  • 12 Corners Vineyards - 10 min drive - 7.2 miles
  • Lakeland Regional Medical Center - 12 min drive - 8.3 miles

Getting around

  • St. Joseph-Benton Harbor Station - 11 min drive
  • South Bend Intl. Airport (SBN) - 47 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Riverside Tavern - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Anemel - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Vineyard 2121 - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪North Pier Brewing Company - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪The Brick House - ‬9 min drive

About this property

Entire place

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

Sanctuary by the Shore, Unique Stay W/ Hot Tub by Lake MI

Welcome to a truly unique vacation experience in this stunning, turn-of-the-century church, renovated into a modern and stylish retreat! With its grand architecture, this property offers a one-of-a-kind stay that will leave you feeling inspired and rejuvenated. SW Michigan's most beautiful beaches are located 5-10min away and downtown St. Joseph is only a quick 7-min drive! The house offers a quiet retreat while remaining close to wineries/breweries, wedding venues, restaurants & golf courses! Inside, the main hall has been transformed into a spacious and welcoming living area, complete with comfortable seating, a large projector TV, a bar, a pool table, a ping-pong table, and many other board games for endless entertainment. The fully equipped kitchen boasts all the amenities you’ll need to whip up a delicious meal — and don’t forget about the grill outside for warm summer evenings.

The property features four comfortable bedrooms, with extra sleeping space available on the fold-out couch in the main living area, and offers one and a half bathrooms for your convenience.

Step outside to enjoy a large outdoor deck, perfect for soaking in the beautiful Michigan weather and hosting memorable gatherings. Relax and unwind in the private hot tub, or gather around the large fire pit for cozy nights under the stars — perfect for making s’mores with family and friends.

Please note, on the property is a smaller guest house situated nearby the main home. While close in proximity, it remains fully private, with no shared access between the two buildings. All windows on that side are frosted to ensure comfort and privacy for both spaces.

Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun-filled getaway, this unique church-turned-vacation rental has everything you need for an unforgettable stay. Come experience the magic of this special place and create memories that will last a lifetime!


Guests will be able to access the property anytime after check-in with a code.

We are dog-friendly, please no cats. We do require a $100 per stay fee (max 2 pets.) You are welcome to include your dog(s) in the booking or we can send a separate invoice. If you choose to bring your pet please remember to keep them in the designated areas outside and clean up after them

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Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach nearby

Pool/Spa

  • Hot tub

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Kitchen island
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 4 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Sofa bed

Bathroom

  • 1.5 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Books
  • Games
  • Smart TV

Outdoor areas

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

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Desk chair

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • Welcoming dogs only
  • 3 pets total (up to 50 lbs per pet)

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Smoking not allowed

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • In the city center
  • On a lake

Things to do

  • Arcade/game room
  • Billiards/pool table
  • Table tennis

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

  • Garden
  • Unit size: 3,000 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 25

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

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

Pets

  • Pets are welcome
  • Only dogs are allowed
  • Maximum 3 (weight limit: 50 lbs per pet)
  • Restrictions apply
  • For more information, you can reach out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
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. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited. 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 each accommodation.

We should mention

  • To make arrangements for your pet, contact the property directly using the information on your booking confirmation.

Property is also known as

Bell Tower Close to Beaches
Bell Tower (Historic Church) close to beaches Benton Harbor

Frequently asked questions

How close is Sanctuary by the Shore, Unique Stay W/ Hot Tub by Lake MI to the airport?

This vacation home is 40.4 mi (47-min drive) away from the South Bend Intl. Airport (SBN) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

Does Sanctuary by the Shore, Unique Stay W/ Hot Tub by Lake MI have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at this vacation home.

How close is Sanctuary by the Shore, Unique Stay W/ Hot Tub by Lake MI to the beach?

This vacation home is 5.8 mi (11-min drive) from Silver Beach and 6.2 mi (11-min drive) from Lions Park Beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does Sanctuary by the Shore, Unique Stay W/ Hot Tub by Lake MI offer free breakfast?

This vacation home does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at Sanctuary by the Shore, Unique Stay W/ Hot Tub by Lake MI?

No, there is no casino at this vacation home, but Four Winds Casino Hartford (23-min drive) is nearby.

What time is check-in at Sanctuary by the Shore, Unique Stay W/ Hot Tub by Lake MI?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

Is there free parking at Sanctuary by the Shore, Unique Stay W/ Hot Tub by Lake MI?

Free parking is not available at this vacation home.

Does Sanctuary by the Shore, Unique Stay W/ Hot Tub by Lake MI have a pool?

This vacation home does not have a pool.

Does Sanctuary by the Shore, Unique Stay W/ Hot Tub by Lake MI have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this vacation home.

How close is Sanctuary by the Shore, Unique Stay W/ Hot Tub by Lake MI to downtown Benton Harbor?

This vacation home is 3.9 mi away from Benton Harbor.

Sanctuary by the Shore, Unique Stay W/ Hot Tub by Lake MI Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 24 out of 27 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 27 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 27 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 27 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 27 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Steven M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Very unique place to stay! Incredibly roomy and the kids enjoyed the ping pong table and pool table, especially since it was cold and windy outside!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kelly S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Such a fun and unique stay for our Girls Wine Trail Getaway! We enjoyed the deck and hot tub in the evenings. It was nice to be able to prepare a quick meal and sit around the large dining table.3 beaches within 10 minutes. The beach towels were great and the washer and dryer were helpful. Parking was easy.The 4 bedrooms worked for us, just would have liked more hooks since there were no closets. The only shower worked but seemed to have low water pressure (a wand showerhead would be ideal) and only one temp (warm but not hot).We didn't even have time to use the pool or ping pong tables.Would definitely stay there, great value! Peaceful location.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amber S.

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Courtney R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Such a beautiful home with lots of space! We really enjoyed the hot tub and fire pit and loved that there were some nice beaches nearby. We look forward to staying again in the future!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jessica C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Eric L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Everything was very smooth, house was excellent, very close to Benton harbor/st Joe/Lake Michigan.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Sonya R.

Liked: Cleanliness
We really enjoyed our stay! I would rent this place again!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kristine W.

Liked: Cleanliness

In town for a funeral

Great location and venue!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jeffrey R.

Liked: Cleanliness

Family lakeshore stay

Our family had a great time staying in this spacious and unique location. The kids loved using the ping pong and pool tables and the fire pit was enjoyed by all
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

marty k.

Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

6/10 Okay

Rachael K.

Liked: Cleanliness

Water

Would’ve been great had there not been a mold smell the whole time. There is visible water damage on the ceiling. The lower bathroom smells of sewage. There is no central A/C and one of the units was leaking indoor. The location was great and amenities , pool table, full kitchen, etc. However we would not suggest staying if you’re sensitive to mold.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nataliya K., Bettendorf , Iowa

Liked: Cleanliness

Family reunion for July 4

The house is located in nice and quiet area. Close to the beach and restaurants. The house had everything that we needed. We enjoyed our stay!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lisa S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Wedding weekend in St. Joseph

I booked this for my husband and 4 adult children and their significant others to be together for a family wedding. It was a fantastic place to stay and have family time. Pool table was a HUGE hit, as well as the ping pong table, projection TV and outdoor space for our 4 legged family members to take a break. Kitchen is big, and we also enjoyed the various tables and nooks for small conversations. And, to say we stayed in a “church” for the weekend was a big hit as well. Highly recommend for other larger groups!!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Grant W.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great Stay

We had 5 adults and 3 young children and this house was perfect for us. Plenty of space for everyone, we all thought the layout was really cool. The house is an easy 8-10 minute drive to the downtown area, very convenient to restaurants and the beach. If we ever return to this area, I wouldn’t hesitate to stay at this property again.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jeff K.

Liked: Cleanliness

Boys trip

Perfect place to be for a father son fishing trip on lake Michigan. Recommend this as a must stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Michele D.

Liked: Cleanliness

Awesome vibe

We loved staying at the remodeled church. So much space, fun ping pong and pool games for the family and tons of running space for our puppy
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Nancy M., Grandville

Liked: Cleanliness

A great place with tons of room

We really enjoyed our stay here! It is very big, lots of fun things to do (projector screen for movies, pool table, ping pong) and we loved the outdoor firepit! We would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sean T.

Liked: Cleanliness

This place was amazing!

Massive space - such a great stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Barry H.

Liked: Cleanliness

Just what we needed

A fantastic spot with lots of room for kiddos to play and the adults to cook good meals and have a few drinks by the fire.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Megan R.

Liked: Cleanliness

Beautiful VRBO

Loved our stay! Beautiful church made into a home. Nice area, extremely close to the beach. Would highly RECOMMEND!!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Thom H.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great place for a Winter getaway.

This is a unique rental place as it is a repurposed church. The main common area is huge. The projector TV was great for watching sports and movies. The kitchen is large and adequately equipped. 6 adults stayed here with room for more . We enjoyed the pool table and ping pond table. I recommend it for a one-of -kind vacation experience.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sherry

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort

Perfect!

This property was perfect for us! Everything was clean, the place was spacious, the neighborhood was really quiet and the wineries were fun! Definitely recommend this place. We met the owner and she was very friendly. I don't think I'd rent this place for a party, neighborhood is too quiet. Thank you!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

Beth L.

Liked: Cleanliness

The Bell Tower

We had the best time celebrating New Years here! House was clean and spacious with so much character. Sleeps 7 comfortably. Host was very gracious and responsive. Our teens had a blast with the ping pong and pool table. Had a hard time regulating the electric baseboard heaters upstairs, but that is likely user error. It was definitely warm! The only thing I’d recommend is updating the listing to let everyone know how close the rental next door is. No issues with the neighbors at all, they were great- but we didn’t realize how close they would be. More worried about how loud we were cheering during the bowl games ;)
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

Eric S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great get away

Nice place for a getaway. Close to the beaches and restaurants in St. Joe and plenty of space to sprawl out in the house.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

Emily G.

Liked: Cleanliness

Perfect for our group!

This house was the perfect fit! Large community space for the kids to play and watch movies and enough room of all of us! Easy checkin and very clean! We will be back
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2021