Heart of New Buffalo.Within a 10-minute walk of the vacation home, you'll find New Buffalo Railroad Museum and New Buffalo Public Library. New Buffalo Township Public Library and New Buffalo City Hall are also within half a mile (1 km).
New Buffalo Township Public Library - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
New Buffalo Railroad Museum - 6 min walk - 0.4 miles
Louis J. Sima Great Lakes Marsh - 9 min walk - 0.5 miles
Local - 9 min walk - 0.5 miles
New Buffalo Public Beach - 16 min walk - 0.9 miles
Getting around
New Buffalo Station - 8 min walk
South Bend Intl. Airport (SBN) - 42 min drive
Restaurants
The Buffet at Four Winds Casino - 9 min drive
McDonald's - 2 min drive
Four Winds Sports Bar - 9 min drive
Timbers at Four Winds Casino - 10 min drive
The Stray Dog Bar & Grill - 10 min walk
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
The Whit: Family-Friendly Summer Escape – Downtown & Beach Nearby
The Whit
SLEEPS: 10 BEDROOMS: 5 BATHROOMS: 2.5
*Hot Tub *Heated Swimming Pool (available Memorial Day through Labor Day) *Near Beach *1 camera facing driveway *FRIDAY TO FRIDAY BOOKINGS ONLY MID-MAY THROUGH MID-SEPTEMBER
The Whit features 2.5 luxuriously equipped bathrooms with stone-top vanities, high-end fixtures, and glass-enclosed showers and tubs. The master bath includes twin vanities and a walk-in shower. There's also a top-tier washer-dryer combo for convenience. Outside, enjoy the stunning pool with its expansive deck and a massive Jacuzzi hot tub. There's outdoor dining overlooking the pool, complemented by a cozy fire-pit perfect for evening relaxation under the stars. The property includes five off-street parking spaces. Located just two blocks from New Buffalo's bustling downtown, you're close to fine dining, galleries, and boutique shopping. A short walk takes you to a pristine Lake Michigan beach. The area offers numerous recreational activities with its large harbor nearby—think boat rentals, kayaking, and fishing cruises. Explore surrounding parks with extensive hiking and biking trails. New Buffalo's Oselka Park features sports facilities, and nearby Union Pier offers additional dining and coffee spots. With such a central location, a myriad of engaging vacation activities are at your fingertips.
Beach/Swimming: A short walk to New Buffalo Beach(.7 miles)
Bedroom Configurations: Main Level- Bedroom 1: 2 Twins Bedroom 2: Queen Bed Bedroom 3: King Bed Lower Level- Bedroom 4: King Bed Bedroom 5: Queen Bed Additional sleeping: Queen sleeper sofa
Boats: None provided
Boat Launch: Public boat launch is .9 miles away!
Cable: Not traditional cable but all TV's are capable of streaming!
Cell Phone Service: Excellent service in this area
Coffee Maker: Dual 12 cup/Keurig combo. Coffee and sugar provided
Dock: Not on property, but marina is just down the street!
Drinking Water: City water
Drugs/Smoking/Fireworks: Freshwater does not permit illegal drugs of any kind on the property. Due to the location of the properties, smoking is strongly discouraged around the home and strictly prohibited in the home. Fireworks are prohibited at a Freshwater location for the safety of all persons in and around the property, even if it is legal in that city.
Fireplace: Yes, Electric fireplace in lower level
Fire-pit: Yes, wood not provided
Fishing: Nearby in local Harbor
Fishing License: A license is required to fish in Michigan.
Golf: Woodlands Course at Whittaker 5 min (2.9 miles) Grand Beach Golf Course 9 min (4.3 miles)
Grill: Yes, Natural gas grill
Grocery Store: Barney's 1 min(.2 miles)
Heat: Forced air furnace
Internet/WIFI: Yes, 700 mbps
Linens: Yes, we provide your sheets and linens. Just like a hotel, the beds will be made for you upon arrival. We have just the basic sheets, pillows, pillowcases, and bath towels.
Parking: Enough for 3 cars in driveway plus 2 in back. No street parking or parking on the grass.
Pets: Freshwater Vacation Rentals currently charges $75/per pet for your entire stay. Yes, we do accept dogs, yet we do ask that you please clean up after them both inside and outside the cabin. Plus, if you allow them on the furniture, we do ask that you please bring your own linens/blankets for them to sleep on. Just let us know which bed you will be using with them, and we'll make sure it is ready for your sheets when you arrive. Plus, if the pet hair starts to build, we do ask that you please run the vacuum. Generally, dogs love the water and places to explore. Pet food does tend to attract mice, so vigilance is needed. Please Note: Pets are not permitted in the pool or hot tub.
Pool/hot tub: The pool opens around Memorial Day and closes at end of September. This is scheduling and weather dependent. We cannot guarantee the pools past the 22nd or so of September. The hot tubs will remain open all year.
Privacy: In a neighborhood, but backyard has privacy fencing for pool area and Hot Tub
Space: Multi level(Main and lower floor)
Special Features: Hot Tub Heated Pool
Seniors: Welcome, there are steps to lower level and to pool
Televisions: Living Room- 55" Smart TV Bedrooms- 43" Smart TV's in all bedrooms Lower Level Living- 55 " Smart TV
Towels: All bath and kitchen towels will be provided during your stay. Please bring beach towels with you!
Washer and Dryer: Yes, detergent provided
Winter Activities: * Warren Dunes State Park (7 miles) – Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. * Lake Michigan Wine Trail (10-15 miles) – Winter wine tastings at local wineries. * Four Winds Casino (2 miles) – Indoor gaming and dining. * Galien River County Park (5 miles) – Winter hiking and wildlife watching. * Lions Park (0.5 miles) – Sledding hill for winter fun. * Ice Skating (20-30 miles) – Nearby rinks in Michigan City and St. Joseph.
Wood: Not provided
Similar properties
3 Mi to Lake Michigan Access: Sawyer Home w/ Patio
3 Mi to Lake Michigan Access: Sawyer Home w/ Patio
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)
General
Garden
Unit size: 2,100 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
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
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
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 professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector and a smoke detector in each accommodation.
Property is also known as
853736
Frequently asked questions
How close is The Whit: Family-Friendly Summer Escape – Downtown & Beach Nearby to the airport?
This vacation home is 32.2 mi (42-min drive) away from the South Bend Intl. Airport (SBN) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.
Does The Whit: Family-Friendly Summer Escape – Downtown & Beach Nearby have an airport shuttle?
Airport shuttle services are not available at this vacation home.
How close is The Whit: Family-Friendly Summer Escape – Downtown & Beach Nearby to the beach?
This vacation home is a short 14-minute walk from New Buffalo Public Beach and 3.9 mi (7-min drive) from Townline Beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!
Does The Whit: Family-Friendly Summer Escape – Downtown & Beach Nearby offer free breakfast?
This vacation home does not offer free breakfast.
Is there a casino at The Whit: Family-Friendly Summer Escape – Downtown & Beach Nearby?
No, there is no casino at this vacation home, but Four Winds Casino New Buffalo (10-min drive) and Blue Chip Casino (15-min drive) are nearby.
What time is check-in at The Whit: Family-Friendly Summer Escape – Downtown & Beach Nearby?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
Is there free parking at The Whit: Family-Friendly Summer Escape – Downtown & Beach Nearby?
Free parking is not available at this vacation home.
Does The Whit: Family-Friendly Summer Escape – Downtown & Beach Nearby have a pool?
Yes, there's a private pool.
Does The Whit: Family-Friendly Summer Escape – Downtown & Beach Nearby have a spa?
There are no spa services available at this vacation home.
How close is The Whit: Family-Friendly Summer Escape – Downtown & Beach Nearby to downtown New Buffalo?
This vacation home is 0.3 mi away from New Buffalo.
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Rating 10 - Excellent. 11 out of 13 reviews
10 - Excellent
11
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 13 reviews
8 - Good
0
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 13 reviews
6 - Okay
1
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 13 reviews
4 - Poor
1
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 13 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
9.4/10
Cleanliness
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Cheri S., Indianapolis USA
Aug 27, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Our family stayed in your place for four days and really enjoyed the home, the location, the pool, hot tub and all of its amenties! We will definitely stay here in the future!
Cheri S.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
10/10 Excellent
Brian M., Chicago
Jul 15, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Great location and pool
This was our second time staying here. Can't beat the location. Pool and hot tub got a lot of use. Fun visit.
Brian M.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025
10/10 Excellent
Dan B.
Jun 27, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect Location and Nice Place
Five adults and four children were easily able to have a wonderful stay at The Whit. It is as advertised. Highly recommended. The location is walkable to everything, and the pool is really special. The service was also fantastic upon one minor hot tub issue we found at check-in. Do not hesitate. Book at The Whit!
Dan B.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
6/10 Okay
Varsha V.
May 27, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Good House but average experience overall
We rented this house as a group of friends to enjoy our Memorial Day weekend. The house itself was good and the location was great. A few things that I want to highlight that could have made our experience better: 1. We asked the host for the code to the garage, which was shared to us. We wanted to understand if there is space to park our car in the garage and to understand if we could borrow firewood. Since the host shared the garage code, we opened the garage and went in to look for firewood. We understood that we were not supposed to use the things from the garage from a note there so we closed the garage. We then got a call from the host saying they have videos of us going through their personal property and that we were never supposed to have been in the garage. This felt extremely unprofessional. If we weren’t supposed to be there, we should have never received the code. They shared the code and then they called us and made it sound like it was our fault. The conversation felt very accusative which we did not appreciate. 2. The dishwasher was completely broken and was a major inconvenience. We hand washed all our dishes throughout the trip and had to clean the multiple leaks from the dishwasher.3. The kitchen was not very well stocked, it only had very basic condiments. The ice bag in the freezer was already open and used. 4. The swimming pool could have been heated a few degrees more for a much better experience. Overall, an average experience.
Varsha V.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
10/10 Excellent
Sara B.
Mar 23, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Great for a girls trip
Great space for 6. Easy walk to restaurants and shopping. Enjoyed the hot tub during our spring stay.
Sara B.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025
10/10 Excellent
Robyn m., United states
Oct 15, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
weekend getaway
wonderful fall weekend in a place I love to visit.
Robyn m.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024
10/10 Excellent
Samantha D.
Sep 15, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
A great family trip
We loved the cleanliness and space in the house. Plenty of areas to gather and spread out. The pool is clean and warm and we were able to be in it all day even as it cooled down toward the evenings. Would definitely stay here again!
Samantha D.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024
4/10 Poor
Suzy H., Chicago, illinois
Sep 2, 2024
Overpriced-Low Quality- Lacked Essentials
House exterior was not well maintained-weeds and untrimmed trees around pool. Hot tub was murky and exterior light bulbs not working. Even the inflatables were not usable. Poor quality beds and linens, outdoor mats had holes in them, kitchen had the bare minimum essentials to prepare a meal. Would not stay again.
Suzy H.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
10/10 Excellent
Jan W., Mooresville, IN
Aug 20, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
The Whit
Great place and location. Loved the house. Would stay there again. Loved the heated pool.
Only recommendation is the pool sides and steps need cleaned.
Thank you.
Jan W.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024
10/10 Excellent
Brian S., Chicago
Aug 4, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
The pool!!!
If you have a family with kids this is the perfect spot. The pool was what did it. When you’re done with the beach and the kids have a little energy to burn off after dinner but before bed, it’s perfect. The deep end of the pool has to be over 5 1/2 feet, perfect for teenagers. You get to set the hot tub temperature, 99 degrees with the whole family enjoying themselves, in and out of the heated pool and the hot tub. Stairs are there so you have to keep an eye on the little ones, but soooo worth it. Please everyone use the shower downstairs, it’s amazing!
Brian S.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
Sarah E.
Jul 14, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
“Vacation ” with 8 kids
My family (kids ages 1, 2, 4, and 6) stayed here with another couple who also have 4 kids the same ages. House was clean and felt newly redone on the inside.
Everything was pretty well set up for kids. Doors out to the pool are deadbolted and have added child locks. To get down to the pool off the deck you have to open gate that was too difficult for even the 6 year olds to open independently.
They had a basket of toys, and a bunch of board games. Only child proofing recommendation I would make to those looking at staying here is to bring a baby gate if you have any kids not comfortable on stairs. The stairs leading down to the basement are open to the main floor.
Location is very walkable to town and a longer walk to the beach. This walk is through town though so easy to make a pit stop on the way to/from. The negative about the location is that it is on the main road so can’t really let kids play in front yard.
Overall it’s a great house and we hope to return!
Sarah E.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
Brian M., Chicago
Jul 5, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful house in a great location!
House was clean and perfect for our family with older kids. We enjoyed the pool, hot tub, and walks to restaurants and the beach.
Brian M.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024
10/10 Excellent
Elizabeth C.
Jun 24, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
No-stress New Buffalo Vacation home
I am giving our experience at The Whit five stars - but please read further to make sure it works for your vacation.
We enjoyed our stay at The Whit for three nights - just four of us so the house was the perfect size!! The pool and deck is the largest selling point here! We decided that we are more a "pool family" versus a "beach family," (haha) so the proximity of the house to the beach was perfect and we were able to enjoy the best of both worlds. One night we built a fire in the pit and enjoyed S'mores.
The house is conveniently located and is a short walk to all the wonderful shops and restaurants that New Buffalo has to offer.
The Whit itself is in great condition. The beds are all fairly comfortable but could use some new pillows! The house can sleep ten people but if you're all going to shower before dinners out, there are only two showers. In my opinion that would be the only negative in booking this house with a larger group. For my family of four (teenaged kids) we had plenty of space. There is a sliding door that closes off the bedroom area, so if you had little kids going to bed at an early hour, you could close off the bedrooms and still enjoy the main living space. In addition, the washer and dryer work great!
Lastly, the Whit is pet friendly. We also brought our mini Australian Labradoodle who stayed in his crate while we were gone. There is a hose where we washed him off after the beach. I would recommend this house!