From:$300 per night

Property Details

ESCAPE TO A SUN-DRENCHED CEDAR SANCTUARY IN UNION PIER.
Discover the perfect Harbor Country hideaway at the Hidden Gem. This elegant 3-bedroom, 2-bath cedar-sided cottage is nestled on a quiet street just three blocks from the pristine shores of Lake Michigan. With vaulted ceilings and transom windows that flood the open floor plan with natural light, this home is designed for effortless coastal living.

THE OUTDOOR LIFESTYLE
- The "Gem" experience extends far beyond the front door.

- The Screened-in Porch: Spend your mornings with coffee or your evenings with a book on the expansive screened-in back porch—accessible directly from the primary suite.

- The Post-Beach Refresh: We’ve provided a beach wagon, chairs, and towels. When you return, rinse off the sand in the convenient outdoor shower.

- Fire Pit Evenings: Gather the family around the fire pit to end your day under the Michigan stars.

GOURMET LIVING & HIGH-SPEED CONNECTIVITY
- Chef’s Kitchen: Featuring cherry cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, and a large breakfast island with seating for eight—ideal for long brunch mornings.

- Work & Stream: Equipped with Starlink High-Speed Internet, this cottage is perfect for multiple users, whether you're taking a seaside Zoom call or streaming your favorite movies on the smart TVs.

- Primary Retreat: Relax in the king-sized primary suite, featuring a walk-in closet and an ensuite bath with a deep soaking tub and double sinks.

THE LOCATION: WALK TO THE BEST OF UNION PIER
Park your car and explore on foot. You are minutes away from:

- The Beach: A scenic 3-block stroll to Lake Michigan.

- Local Flavor: Walk to the famous Whistle Stop Deli and nearby Union Pier restaurants.

- Regional Exploration: A short drive to Warren Dunes State Park, local wineries, and the nature trails of Harbor Country.

PLANNING YOUR STAY
- Summer Residencies: To ensure a peaceful, week-long retreat for our guests, we feature Sunday-to-Sunday rentals only during the peak summer season (June 19th – Aug 23rd).

- Entertainment: This home is optimized for digital life with Starlink internet and streaming-only TV (no basic cable).

- Check-in: The primary guest must be 30+ years of age (ID required).

- The Essentials: We provide a high-quality "Starter Kit" (2 rolls of TP per bath, 2 rolls of paper towels, 4 trash bags, and hand soap). For week-long stays, we recommend bringing extra laundry/dishwasher soap and personal convenience items.

- Community Harmony: We value the serenity of Union Pier. This is a strictly smoke-free and pet-free sanctuary. Large parties or family gatherings are not permitted.

Sleeping Arrangements

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

Amenities

Attractions

  • Coin Laundry
  • Health Beauty Spa
  • Marina
  • Museums
  • Parks
  • Winery Tours
  • Zoo

Cleaning Protocols

  • All towels and bedding washed in hot water that’s at least 60ºC/140ºF
  • Contactless check-in and checkout is available
  • Disinfectant is used when cleaning the property
  • Enhanced cleaning practices are used
  • High-touch surfaces cleaned with disinfectant (like countertops, light switches, handles, and faucets)

Entertainment

  • DVD
  • Television

Features

  • Air Conditioning
  • Central Heat
  • Clothes Dryer
  • Fireplace
  • Hair Dryer
  • Heating
  • Internet - Hi Speed
  • Internet - Wifi
  • Iron and Board
  • Linens Provided
  • Living Room
  • Parking
  • Towels Provided
  • Washing Machine

Flexcation

  • Free wifi
  • Smart TV
  • Wifi Speed (250+ Mbps)

Kitchen

  • Coffee Maker
  • Cookware
  • Dining Area
  • Dining Room
  • Dining Spices
  • Dining Table
  • Dishes & Utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Kitchen
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Stove
  • Toaster

Leisure

  • Antiquing
  • Bird Watching
  • Boating
  • Gambling
  • Horseback Riding
  • Outlet Shopping
  • Shopping
  • Water Sports
  • Wildlife Viewing

Local

  • Fitness Center
  • Hospital
  • Laundromat

Location

  • Beach
  • Downtown
  • Lake

Outdoor

  • Gas Grill

Safety

  • Carbon Monoxide Detector
  • Deadbolt Lock
  • Fire Emergency Contact
  • Fire Extinguisher
  • Medical Emergency Contact
  • Outdoor Lighting
  • Police Emergency Contact
  • Smoke Detector

Sports

  • Basketball Court
  • Biking
  • Fishing
  • Fishing Freshwater
  • Golf Optional
  • Golfing
  • Jet Skiing
  • Kayaking
  • Pier Fishing
  • Surfing
  • Swimming
  • Water Skiing
  • Water Tubing
  • Wind Surfing

Themes

  • Family
  • Romantic

Availability

Policies

Cancellation Policy

The deposit will be fully refunded if the reservation is canceled 30 days before check-in; 50% refund 14-30 days before check-in. No refund will be provided for cancellations made less than 14 days prior to the agreed-upon arrival date. Additionally, there will be no refund in the event of an early departure.

Deposit Policy

At time of booking a 25% deposit is required to secure reservations, calculated as 25% of the nightly rate, taxes, and cleaning fee, minus the damage insurance. Damage insurance is charged in full at time of booking, making the total deposit equal to 25% plus the damage insurance. These fees are automatically charged on our end to your card on file at time of booking. The final payment is due 35 days before your arrival date. Guests can pay the final payment using the credit card on file, Venmo, or Zelle. If paying with the credit card on file, an additional 3% Convenience Fee applies. Please be advised the card on file will be charged to include the 3% Convenience Fee if payment is not received 35 days prior to your arrival/due date. To avoid the convenience fee, guests may use Venmo or Zelle, as long as payment is received before the automatic billing date.

For Zelle payments,send to quickpay@wayarentals.com.
For Venmo, use @wayarentals.

**Late payments will incur a $25 charge added to the balance.**

Guest Reviews

5 out of 5 stars

Based on 12 reviews

Review data

5 star reviews

92%

4 star reviews

8%

3 star reviews

0%

2 star reviews

0%

1 star reviews

0%

Recent reviews

Perfect Lake Home

by Rick L.

09/05/2025

5 out of 5 stars

This house is in a great location a short walk from Berrien Street Beach and Red Arrow Roadhouse, two of our favorites. The house is very clean, comfortable and well equipped.

All you need to do is show up ready for beach fun!

Beautiful gem near the lake

by Katie S.

08/16/2024

5 out of 5 stars

We had a wonderful stay at Hidden Gem. The house was beautifully appointed and offered all the amenities we needed for a relaxing home base for our Lake Michigan vacation. The location is ideal for exploring local beaches, restaurants, and shops. Morning coffee on the front porch, smores by the fire, and napping on the back porch were regular parts of our trip. The house is situated right next to Red Arrow Highway, but we didn’t find the noise to be a problem. Also, the WiFi was a little spotty, but otherwise every other consideration was covered. Highly recommend.

Great spot

by Robert S.

09/28/2023

5 out of 5 stars

We stayed here for the OSU vs. Notre Dame game and the place delivered. It is a close walk to the beach, restaurant, and small store. The place itself had everything needed for the beach and so much space for 6 adults.

Perfect Get Away

by Seth K

08/22/2023

5 out of 5 stars

This is our second summer in a row and the house is really wonderful. Even though it is right off red arrow, it is set back a good 50 yards with a curved driveway and a very large hedge, so you do not feel like you're "on the road." Very updated, well maintained space. Great screened in back porch and huge back yard. Easy walk to beach, restaurants, and downtown union pier (I recommend renting bikes from red arrow ride - you can rent them for the who stay and not need to worry about it).

The Only "issue" is the wifi/internet - at night, it is nearly impossible to watch anything on ROKU because the streaming is really slow. It's OK, it forced all of us to be off screens. But definitely bring some DVDs.

Great vacation spot

by Peg S.

08/10/2023

5 out of 5 stars

Home was lovely and comfortable for our family and young grandchildren. The porch was ideal! Thank you so much

Wonderful!

by Gail G.

08/04/2023

5 out of 5 stars

Yes, this house is off of Red Arrow Highway and close to the train, but the house was so wonderful that it almost made me forget this! (you do hear traffic and trains but it's not a constant) Charming house with EVERYTHING you need, even beach chairs and an abundance of beach towels, umbrellas, a wagon, floats, and toys. The kitchen is well stocked with utensils, pots, pans, grilling items, and almost anything you need. The main bedroom is comfortable with access to the screened-in porch and a private bathroom. The backyard is well kept and beautiful with a fire pit that unfortunately we didn't use but is very inviting. The location was close to the beach, but not for the faint-hearted, it is a bumpy walk with a wagon, and access to the beach is somewhat steep, but so great to be close enough to walk. The power went out one night due to a storm and the hallway bathroom and kitchen had nightlights/flashlights that go on without power very thoughtful and helpful! Everything is thought of for guests staying in this house, even a map showing how to get to the beach! Ron from WAYA was great and responded to our needs promptly! A new refrigerator was delivered the day we arrived and it had not been plugged in or the water line hooked up. Ron immediately sent someone over and brought bags of ice to help the cooling process go quicker! By the time we were done at dinner and returned everything was in working order!! House is clean, even the screened in porch area is well maintained with a table that we ate dinner at one night and couches where we enjoyed our morning coffee. We will return! This house is truly a hidden gem!

Perfect getaway for a family of 4

by Stephanie L.

08/23/2022

5 out of 5 stars

Hidden Gem was such a great find. The property is very clean, in great condition, and has all the amenities needed and expected for a beach getaway. It was very easy to feel at home. The porch and backyard are wonderful. Short walk to the beach and having the wagon and beach gear provided for us was amazing. Despite being right off the main road, you can't hear too much noise. In fact, walking to dining and stores is so convenient. Will definitely come back. Great for families who want an escape and get off the grid - wifi and streaming does not work well. Plan for other activities instead and enjoy!

The house was wonderful!

by Karen

08/13/2021

4 out of 5 stars

Everything was beautifully decorated with high-end furnishings , art, and linens. The kitchen was stocked better than my kitchen at home. My only disappointment was the location. It was right next to a highway but I didn’t realize the amount of traffic noise there would be. They said it was a 3 block walk to the beach but did not say it was pretty inaccessible for older folks with bad knees. But all in all, it was a beautiful, comfortable home. (The beds were fabulous!) I would highly recommend it with the caveat that the noise was disappointing.

Perfect Family Getaway

by Lorri G.

01/02/2021

5 out of 5 stars

The house set-up was perfect for our family getaway (3 couples). Beautiful decor and very comfortable beds. Well-stocked kitchen made meal prep easy. Nice size dining table for meals and playing games. Comfy living room for just hanging out. Very weak internet so don't plan on streaming any TV...bring DVDs. Was a little difficult to find so Hidden Gem is the perfect name.

Loved the house and property

by Greg K.

10/15/2020

5 out of 5 stars

Loved the house and property, although noise from the highway and trains was less than ideal. (That is location specific and nothing against the house or amenities provided.). The layout and size of the house was ideal for 6 adults and one infant. Would rent that house again if it wasn't located so close to the highway and trains.

Great House

by Ashley S.

08/06/2020

5 out of 5 stars

We loved the location! It was walkable to the beach with our 3 young kiddos. The kitchen was beautiful and well stocked. We loved the screened-in porch and beautiful yard. We would definitely recommend.

Great location!

by Nina U.

06/18/2020

5 out of 5 stars

Great location! Walking distance to town and the beach. The house and backyard were lovely!

from $300 / night

4.9