MI Shore Thing cottage exterior with front deck and fire pit
Union Pier · Lake Michigan, 2 min walk

A modern vintage cottage, steps from the water.

3 bedrooms, hot tub, private sauna, and a huge fenced backyard — book direct with the people who actually own it.

Make yourself at home!

6
Guests
3 / 1.5
Bed / Bath
5.0★
73 Reviews
Top 1%
Airbnb Ranked
2 min
Walk to Beach
The Cottage

Welcome to MI Shore Thing.

Just a short walk down the street from the McKinley beach entrance, this modern vintage cottage sleeps six across two queen beds and a king. New bathrooms, a new washer/dryer, and a rebuilt rear deck sit alongside the parts of the cottage that made us fall for it in the first place — the eat-in kitchen, the fire pit, the outdoor barrel sauna and hot tub tucked into a huge fenced-in backyard.

Up to five cars can park right out front. Most guests end up walking or biking everywhere — coffee, ice cream, the farmers market, and one of the best beaches in Southwest Michigan, which keeps a private feel despite being open to the public. Dogs are welcome; cats are not.

Backyard patio with string lights and grill in the evening Cozy living room with wood beam ceiling Eat-in kitchen with dining table
What's Here

Everything you need, nothing you don't.

A working list of what's in and around the cottage — the same details we'd want to know before booking somewhere ourselves.

Sleep & Bath

  • Bedroom 1 King bed
  • Bedroom 2 Queen bed
  • Bedroom 3 Queen bed
  • Bathrooms 1.5, newly renovated
  • Outdoor shower Hot & cold

Outside

  • Hot tub Fits 6, all year
  • Barrel sauna Fits 6
  • Backyard Fully fenced, 2 lots
  • Fire pit & grill Included
  • Parking 5 spaces, free

Everyday

  • Kitchen Full, eat-in
  • Laundry New washer / dryer
  • Climate Nest heat & A/C
  • Entry Digital lock, custom code
  • Wifi Included
Rates & Availability

Book direct, skip the platform fees.

Send a request with your dates below. We confirm within 24 hours and send you a payment link — pay by card or Zelle, whichever you prefer.

We split the difference. Airbnb takes a 15.5% fee out of what we're paid on every booking. Going direct, we don't pay that at all — so we pass half of it back to you as a 7.75% discount off our Airbnb nightly rate, and keep the other half, since running this site, processing payments, and managing bookings by hand still comes with real costs on our end. It's not the full amount back, but it's an honest split.
Nightly Rate by Season
Jan – Mar$460
April$529
May$581
June$737
July – Aug$829
September$691
Oct – Dec$460

+$100/night on holiday weekends · 2-night minimum most weekends.

  • Cleaning fee$299
  • Pet fee$99
  • Damage protection fee$49 (non-refundable)
  • MI state use tax6%, added at checkout
  • Card payment (Stripe)+2.9% processing fee
  • Zelle paymentNo added fee
  • Beach equipmentAvailable on request
How Booking Works
  • 1. Check the calendarLive, below
  • 2. Submit requestPick your dates
  • 3. Pay your wayCard or Zelle
  • 4. Booking lockedConfirmation email
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Available Booked
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Before You Book

Things to know.

House Rules

  • Check-in After 4:00 PM
  • Checkout Before 11:00 AM
  • Guests 6 maximum
  • Dogs Up to 2, well-behaved
  • Cats Not permitted

Cancellations

  • Policy Firm
  • Full refund 30+ days before check-in
  • Inside 30 days Non-refundable

Safety & Property

  • Hot tub No gate or lock
  • Carbon monoxide alarm Installed
  • Smoke alarm Installed
Request to Book

Tell us your dates.

This isn't instant booking — Ashley or Bobby will personally confirm availability and follow up with a secure payment link.

Included with your stay

Beach chairs, umbrellas, and a wagon are yours to use, along with several yard and beach games — all in the bins alongside the house and shed.

Available to rent separately

We also keep a Maui Mat, two stand-up paddle boards, boogie boards, beach bikes, a cabana, and other inflatables in the shed. These aren't included with your stay for liability reasons, but they can be rented separately — just mention it in your message below and we'll follow up with details and pricing.

We'll reply by email within 24 hours with availability and next steps.
Guest Favorite · 5.0 · 73 Reviews

What past guests have said.

★★★★★

"We had a great time at Ashley and Bobby's cottage! The back yard was amazing — our dogs LOVED the space to run and explore. Lots of seating in the back yard and fantastic amenities (sauna, hot tub, fire pit). This is our second year coming to Union Pier and we plan to keep coming back each summer."

Jessica, stayed with a pet
★★★★★

"The property was exceptional. Just steps from the beach and close to great shops and restaurants. The backyard was a highlight: fire pit, sauna, grill, hot tub, and plenty of space for the kids to run around. We would return in a heartbeat."

Hendrik, stayed with kids
★★★★★

"Hosts were very responsive and friendly. Backyard was beautiful, very spacious. We had perfect weather which allowed us to use the backyard fire pit both nights. Outdoor shower to wash feet off after the beach was a definite plus."

Michelle, group trip
★★★★★

"Great for our family of 6. Road was bikeable for our kiddos and us. Big yard for playing. Games were great and plenty in the kitchen. Additional beach chairs and boogie boards for the beach were great."

Hannah, stayed with kids
★★★★★

"Booked this site specific for the back yard amenities and fully fenced yard. It did not disappoint. Literally either side of the road access to beach plus a 10 minute drive to a public park with a dog friendly beach. Would highly recommend this site."

Terri, stayed with a pet
★★★★★

"Great spot. Already booked for next year! Easy walk to the lake and a few good food options. Close drive to lots more!"

Elinor, stayed with kids