Place, St. Julian Winery - Union Pier Tasting Room
17 min walk
Gordon Beach
Place, Gordon Beach
2 min drive
South Bend, IN (SBN-South Bend Intl.)
Airport, South Bend, IN (SBN-South Bend Intl.)
38 min drive
Room options
About the neighborhood
Union Pier
Close to the beach.Within a 15-minute walk of the vacation home, you'll find Lake Michigan and Burnison Galleries. Round Barn Union Pier Tasting Room and St. Julian Winery - Union Pier Tasting Room are also within 2 miles (3 km).
Round Barn Union Pier Tasting Room - 16 min walk - 0.9 miles
St. Julian Winery - Union Pier Tasting Room - 17 min walk - 1.0 mile
Gordon Beach - 2 min drive - 1.1 miles
Four Winds Casino New Buffalo - 7 min drive - 5.7 miles
Townline Beach - 10 min drive - 1.8 miles
Getting around
New Buffalo Station - 8 min drive
South Bend Intl. Airport (SBN) - 40 min drive
Restaurants
The Buffet at Four Winds Casino - 12 min drive
Four Winds Sports Bar - 12 min drive
Timbers at Four Winds Casino - 14 min drive
Redamak's Tavern - 7 min drive
White Birch Market - 14 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.
Juniper Presents The Dakota: Private Pool, Hot Tub & Firepit!
1.5-acre exquisite 4BR/2.5BA retreat near Lake Michigan beaches! Soaring cathedral ceilings, a stone fireplace, and hardwood floors create a warm, inviting space. The chef’s kitchen features a granite island and high-end appliances. Relax in the enclosed porch, on private decks, or by the pool and hot tub. The spacious yard includes a patio, grill, and outdoor shower. Stylish bedrooms, spa-like bathrooms, and just 5 minutes to dining, wineries, and more! A perfect getaway!
THE SPACE "Sumptuous," "Elegant," "Rich"—these words come to mind upon setting foot in The Dakota, an exquisitely designed 4BR-2.5BA home nestled on 1½ acres in the serene woods of Union Pier, less than one mile from Lake Michigan’s beaches. Completely renovated in 2014, this stunning property features cathedral ceilings, a Great Room with a stone fireplace, Brazilian Cherry (espresso-stained) hardwood floors throughout—with white oak in the bedrooms—and luxurious yet comfortable furnishings in every room.
The spacious kitchen is highlighted by a large granite island, high-end appliances, and a stylish bench-seat breakfast nook. A large, cozy porch with wall-to-wall windows and fashionable couches, chairs, and a "picnic table" provides you with great views of the massive backyard and surrounding trees, making it a relaxing oasis to sip coffee or your favorite wine.
Speaking of the backyard, it’s perfect for entertaining, with a fenced, seasonal pool (with an outdoor shower and bathroom), a covered wooden deck, an outside patio (with a patio set), an eight-person hot tub, a barbecue grill, a huge lawn, and a fire pit.
Back inside, all four bedrooms are large, super-comfortable, and professionally styled, and three have private decks. The Dakota can sleep up to nine.
Primary Suite: 1 King bed Bedroom 2: 1 King bed Bedroom 3: 1 Queen bed Bedroom 4: Twin-over-full bunk bed + trundle (sleeps 3 total)
Two bathrooms feature granite-topped double sinks and tiled showers.
Besides being near the majestic, crystalline sand beaches of Lake Michigan, and some great spots to eat, drink, and be merry in Union Pier—along with its stylish boutiques and quaint antique shops—you’re also super-close to many popular restaurants, coffee shops, distinguished art galleries, and unique shops in downtown New Buffalo! Plus, you can enjoy countless activities afforded by being a stone’s throw from the region’s largest recreational harbor, including boat, jet-ski, kayak, paddleboard, and other watercraft rentals, as well as fishing expeditions and day or evening cruises. There are also all sorts of woodland, lake, and riverside parks with hiking and biking trails galore.
In addition, Warren Dunes State Park is nearby, with its 2,000 acres of amazing sand dunes, gorgeous beachfront, wetland trails, and extraordinary birdwatching! Many of our guests also relish visiting New Buffalo’s Oselka Park, which has baseball fields, playground equipment, and tennis courts. And being so centrally located, there are plenty of nearby fun activities to keep you busy during your vacation, including: • Multiple public Lake Michigan beaches • Farmers markets • Seasonal festivals • Local award-winning breweries • Local award-winning wineries and wine tours • Golf courses …and more!
OTHER THINGS TO NOTE To ensure a safe and compliant stay, all guests are required to complete identity verification prior to check-in. A valid government-issued photo ID will be collected and verified, and the name on the ID must match the credit card used for payment. When applicable, a background screening may also be required as part of the booking process.
All guests are required to review and sign Juniper Holiday + Home's Guest Occupancy Agreement prior to check-in. While we understand that events can affect your trip, it is our policy to stick to the agreed-upon cancellation policy in the listing. We recommend purchasing vacation travel insurance if you suspect you may need to cancel your reservation.
The minimum age to rent this home is 25.
The pool is seasonal and will be open from Memorial Day Weekend - Labor Day. Specific Open and closure dates are scheduled by the local pool vendor.
We welcome up to 2 dogs at this home at no additional charge. Please include the number of pets you plan to bring or let our team know after booking.
A non-refundable Accidental Damage Waiver is included with your reservation. This waiver covers accidental damage or loss to the rental property caused by you or members of your party, up to a maximum of $2,000. This plan does not cover intentional acts, gross negligence, or willful misconduct.
Out of respect for our staff and their families, we do not permit check-ins or check-outs on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Thank you for your understanding.
Permit No: CSTR24-0091
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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
General
Garden
Unit size: 1,889 square feet
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
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
Pets
Pets are welcome
Only dogs are allowed
Maximum 3 (weight limit: 50 lbs per pet)
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 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
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, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit in each accommodation.
Property is also known as
7
Frequently asked questions
How close is Juniper Presents The Dakota: Private Pool, Hot Tub & Firepit! to the airport?
This vacation home is 31.4 mi (40-min drive) away from the South Bend Intl. Airport (SBN) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.
Does Juniper Presents The Dakota: Private Pool, Hot Tub & Firepit! have an airport shuttle?
Airport shuttle services are not available at this vacation home.
How close is Juniper Presents The Dakota: Private Pool, Hot Tub & Firepit! to the beach?
This vacation home is 1.1 mi (3-min drive) from Union Pier Beach and 1.3 mi (3-min drive) from Gordon Beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!
Does Juniper Presents The Dakota: Private Pool, Hot Tub & Firepit! offer free breakfast?
This vacation home does not offer free breakfast.
Is there a casino at Juniper Presents The Dakota: Private Pool, Hot Tub & Firepit!?
No, there is no casino at this vacation home, but Four Winds Casino New Buffalo (12-min drive) is nearby.
What time is check-in at Juniper Presents The Dakota: Private Pool, Hot Tub & Firepit!?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
Is there free parking at Juniper Presents The Dakota: Private Pool, Hot Tub & Firepit!?
Free parking is not available at this vacation home.
Does Juniper Presents The Dakota: Private Pool, Hot Tub & Firepit! have a pool?
Yes, there's a private pool.
Does Juniper Presents The Dakota: Private Pool, Hot Tub & Firepit! have a spa?
There are no spa services available at this vacation home.
How close is Juniper Presents The Dakota: Private Pool, Hot Tub & Firepit! to downtown Union Pier?
This vacation home is 0.8 mi away from Union Pier.
Reviews
Juniper Presents The Dakota: Private Pool, Hot Tub & Firepit! Reviews
9.4
Exceptional
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.
9.6/10
Cleanliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 10 out of 13 reviews
10 - Excellent
10
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 13 reviews
8 - Good
2
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 13 reviews
6 - Okay
0
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 13 reviews
4 - Poor
1
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 13 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Stephen W.
Aug 18, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
This home was impeccable and perfect for our stay in Michigan. The host was very helpful and communicative. We loved the pool, hot tub and patio. Everything was perfect!
Stephen W.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
8/10 Good
Barbara G.
Aug 11, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
After the delayed check in everything was great. The communication was excellent and the property was nice
Barbara G.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
8/10 Good
Brian L.
Aug 4, 2025
Brian L.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
4/10 Poor
Tom G.
Aug 17, 2024
Union Pier Dakota 8-16-24
The property is private and well supplied but we had problems with the guest registration process (IT to pre register simply did not work) and our arrival (someone was supposed to meet us there at 4pm to let us in and didn’t show up, the first entry code didn’t work and we had to wait for a second code to be assigned before we got in). I was only able to communicate by text as no one called me, even after we couldn’t get in andI asked for someone to call me. Shortly after arrival we found numerous maintenance issues- ice maker on fridge didn’t work, dishwasher filter was clogged with dirt and food debris, kitchen doors to the backyard screen porch wouldn’t lock (the house is not secure at night!), no screens on kitchen and living room windows so no privacy at night, only half of the jets on the hot tub actually work, and the grill had not been cleaned and was left uncovered in the rain by a prior guest. Given the high nightly rate, all of these things definitely made me feel like I overpaid for this property and I will not be back. In spite of all these issues the pool was great, the bedrooms, bathrooms and kitchen were well appointed, the beds were comfortable and the towels were soft. This property has the potential to be worth its nightly rate but it needs to be much better maintained than it is currently.
Tom G.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024
10/10 Excellent
Ashley L., Chicago
Apr 28, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Ladies weekend away!
First time visiting Union Pier and we will definitely be back. This house was a perfect space for lounging and entertainment. There were plenty of beds for the 6 of us. We puzzled, relaxed in the hotub and enjoyed every minute of our escape from Chicago. Highly recommend this space!
Ashley L.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024
10/10 Excellent
Derek S.
Jul 28, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Belated Father’s Day Weekend
Stayed here after visiting a couple wineries in the area with my wife, kids and their significant others for a belated Farher’s Day weekend. Beautiful house, pool, backyard fire pit, etc. in a perfect location for our plans. Great communication with management throughout. We visit the area occasionally since there are lots of things to do within a short distance from home. We’ll look for this place every time we’re traveling with our family.
Derek S.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2023
10/10 Excellent
Chip L.
Jan 8, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Thanks - it was great
This property was perfect for our family. Everything was as expected, and communication with the manager was quick and easy. We highly recommend this cottage!
Chip L.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2023
10/10 Excellent
Mia F.
Nov 1, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
It was fun
The property and home are amazing, very clean with high-end elements. We stayed in late-September and even though it was too cold to use the pool, the hot tub was great and the various patio spaces and fire pit, and fireplace in living room, were nice to enjoy as well. We loved our stay and highly recommend booking this place for a relaxing getaway!
Mia F.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022
10/10 Excellent
Ethel M., MATTESON
Jul 31, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
The property was great. Very nice decor. The TV in the room with bunk beds was not working. thanks
Thank you.
Ethel M.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2022
10/10 Excellent
Tim L.
Jul 23, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing Stay
Everything about this vacation house is exactly as listed and even better than we could have imagined. The house was beautiful, clean and has all the amenities you need. The heated pool , backyard , hot tub and fire pit all added to our amazing experience. The location was perfect and secluded, but easy access to beaches , restaurants, breweries etc.
Communication was seamless and their follow up was very professional. I highly recommend this and you won’t be disappointed.
Tim L.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022
10/10 Excellent
Elizabeth S.
Jun 27, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Such a great place!
We loved this beach house! Such a great location, clean, fully loaded, and the perfect place to host a girls weekend. We could not believe how great the set up was!
Elizabeth S.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022
10/10 Excellent
Jessica P.
Jun 13, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Fantastic property
We had a wonderful stay with 2 couples! Very comfortable and all the amenities! The outdoor amenities and 3 season room were fantastic! Thanks for a wonderful weekend!!
Jessica P.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022
10/10 Excellent
Mary L., Downers Grove, IL
Apr 19, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely home and property
We have been renting for over 30 years in this area. This is a particularly lovely home if you don't mind being a little further from the beach. The property was gorgeous with a great patio and porch. It was wintery weather so we didn't get to take advantage of the pool. The interior was beautifully decorated with lots of thoughtful features, the kitchen was well stocked and functioned well, the beds are very comfortable, the linens throughout were very nice, there was plenty of shower and bathroom space for all. My only complaint is that the third and fourth bedrooms didn't accommodate adult couples well. One had a full size bed, and the other bunks. We had three adult couples. If that full-size bed was upgraded to a queen, that would make a difference. The owners have lots of lovely touches around that make it feel homey. Also, it is relatively new and so far it is being kept up nicely which can be hard to do in rental homes that get a lot of traffic.
Communication was great with this team. We would definitely stay here again.