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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

A room with a round wooden table surrounded by leather chairs, a white door, and a large window with white shutters.
A spacious living area with hardwood flooring, a grey sofa, wooden chairs, a dining table, and a kitchen in the background.
A spacious kitchen with wooden beams, a dining area, and a view of trees outside.
A pool table in a room with dark walls, wooden flooring, and framed artwork.
A house with a patio area featuring a fire pit, outdoor seating, and a grill.

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

4 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 10279 sq m

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

View in a map
Benton Harbor, MI
  • Place, Silver Beach
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Place, Warren Dunes State Park
    ‪25 min drive‬
  • Place, Four Winds Casino New Buffalo
    ‪40 min drive‬

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About the area

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

  • Silver Beach - 8 min drive - 11.3 km
  • Andrews University - 18 min drive - 33.7 km
  • Warren Dunes State Park - 25 min drive - 48.7 km
  • Four Winds Casino New Buffalo - 40 min drive - 76.9 km
  • New Buffalo Public Beach - 41 min drive - 76.6 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Grand Crossing Bar & Grill - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Dimaggios Pizza & Burgers - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Azul Tequila - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Chatterbox - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪North Pier Brewing Company - ‬8 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 poker 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 BellTower accommodates comfortable sleeping for up to 12 guest. Which includes four separate bedroom and sleeper sofa in the main living room. With 7 beds total, which include, 1 king bed, 3 queen beds, 1 full size and 2 twin XL.

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

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)
  • Deadbolt lock
  • Fire extinguisher
  • First aid kit

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 has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
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. This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room. 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

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 41 out of 48 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 48 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 48 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 48 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 48 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We really enjoyed our stay! I would rent this place again!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Charming! Loved the home. Very large spaces. Living area is comfy and cozy. Loved all the little extras that made us feel at home. Plenty of fun board games, pool table and even a roulette table.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
Very fun house! Bonfire, hot tub, pool table are all great. One of the most unique stays we have given that it was previously a church. Would be super cool to have a book or some photos / info in the house that informed guests about the previous church and the buildings history. Would stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

In town for a funeral

Great location and venue!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything was very smooth, house was excellent, very close to Benton harbor/st Joe/Lake Michigan.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This was one of the most well stocked houses we’ve ever stayed in. I feel like I didn’t even need to use the items I brought with me (shampoo, body wash, body spray, lotions, blow dryer and even feminine products (which was a LIFESAVER). We had 2 teenage girls with us and they were delighted by the vanity with the makeup tools. They also had a blast with the pool table and hot tub. It was super clean, the beds were comfy, and the house itself was beautiful. We would definitely stay here again!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy
The place is really nice and well equipped. Unfortunately the hot tub wasn’t working properly and although I communicated that to the host, she never responded. Also we purchased steaks and planned on grilling them but the both propane tanks were empty. We improvised and enjoyed our dinner.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
What an experience! Who else can say that they can ring a bell in their very own bell tower at a vrbo?!! It calls for you to be present in this sanctuary. The living space is massive and impeccably designed. Pool table, casino games, bingo, and board games make family bonding so much fun! The couch is huge and comfy for a large group to watch a movie with a projector and overhanging screen. The bedrooms are lovely. The neighborhood is quiet and we all slept well. It was perfect having 2 bathrooms with a tub and a stand-up shower for our family of 5. The kitchen space is large and ideal for cooking meals and gathering. Our host, Sara, is attentive and a clear communicator. We love the attention to details! 10/10! We plan to return! We didn’t even get a chance to use the fire pit or hot tub!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
I took my children and grandchildren for a 4 day getaway. This was our 1st trip staying together and it was the perfect house for it!! It has a great layout and absolutely beautiful!! We will be booking again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
If I could give The Bell Tower more than 5 stars, I would! Sara was an exceptional host—friendly, responsive, and incredibly helpful from the moment we booked until the end of our stay. She went above and beyond by sharing recommendations for restaurants, breakfast spots, pizza, beaches, and even a local butcher. Every single suggestion was spot on and made our trip even more memorable.The Bell Tower is such a unique and charming place to stay. The split-level layout gives everyone plenty of space, and the home is thoughtfully stocked with just about anything you might need. The bathrooms were especially well-equipped with extra amenities, which came in handy and definitely saved us from a few “Oops, I forgot that!” moments.We were lucky enough to use the brand-new grill, and it cooked our steaks perfectly. The beds were incredibly comfortable, making it easy to relax after long days of exploring. And the hot tub? Absolute perfection. The different jet settings made it feel like a private spa, and it quickly became one of our favorite parts of the trip.We had an amazing stay from start to finish and are already planning another trip to Michigan just so we can stay at The Bell Tower again. If you’re considering booking, don’t hesitate—you won’t be disappointed!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We loved our stay! The house is so spacious and has everything you need. My family loved the pool table and shuffle board table. It's just 15 minutes from Silver lake Beach. We enjoyed watching movies on the projector style T.V. Too.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

2/10 Terrible

Liked: Check-in, location
Disliked: Cleanliness, communication, listing accuracy
Please do not stay here in the summer - there was an excessive heat warning and the AC units in each room were not securely vented outside. We were supposed to stay 2 nights but that did not happen. Upon arrival I messaged the property manager with a picture of the rouge vent(these were in all 3 bedrooms). She responded 4 hrs later stating she d get there tomorrow- at 3 am I woke to the return hose - that is suppose to blow the hot air out of the house blasting hot air In my face. On top of this major issue the place was poorly insulated. A lot of bugs because they can basically get in via any window that isn’t caulked - there were dead bugs and dirt in the corners. I’m so disappointed and disgusted at the entire experience- my 2 night trip was completely disrupted- my family had to throw away all of our food because we were forced to move to a hotel.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Traveling with extended family and a dog, so property was perfect for family entertainment and the dog. Would consider staying here again. Beds are comfortable and bathrooms are nice. Lots of seating areas!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We absolutely loved this place! By the end of the trip, our group had collectively decided that moving in permanently seemed like a reasonable life choice.My mom's favorite part? Ringing the church bell on our way out. I've never seen someone so excited to announce their departure to the neighborhood.The lighted mirror in the upstairs hallway deserves its own 5-star review. It became the unofficial glam station and saved us from the chaos of everyone trying to get ready at the same time.Between the unique charm, the thoughtful details, and the fun amenities, this wasn't just a vacation rental—it was an experience. We came for a getaway and left wondering how much it would cost to live there forever.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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