Home PageAbout UsContact UsPhotosSite Map
LINKSLocal ActivitesArea RestaurantsPhone numbersAmenitiesBeachesKids/Young at HeartLoft/stairsOpen/Airy RetreatSecret PathBeautifully FurnisheRatesAvailabilityLegal NoticeFishingNatural BeautyMap/DirectionsWinery & Bike ToursExceptional DogsDISCOUNT SPECIALSBeautiful Hot Tub/SpMore photosLAKEFRONT
Rant and Raves from Former guests:

 

 
 

Hello Mona! Hard to believe I kept my entire family of 10 at Sanctuaire the entire week! We all loved everything and will be back again!

Warmest, Dawn- 7/07

Hi Mona, Wanted once again thank you for the wonderful vacation our family spent in your beautiful house. All of us enjoyed it a lot! I’ll definitely share the information about this place with my friends and colleagues.

Thanks again!

 Anna Y., (Chicago)  6/07

 
Dear Mona:  I wanted to let you know that the Sanctuaire has to be the nicest rental home we have ever occupied on vacation! We alway use the internet to find a house because they are much more comfortable than a hotel room with kids.I know you asked if the house was adequately portrayed in your advertisements. Its even better than you advertise. Especially the kitchen. Since we do this alot, I am familiar with encountering an empty kitchen and having to buy things like napkins, dish soap, spices etc. and wasting a lot of them on a short trip.....I  bought a weeks supply of these things with me to Sanctuaire and didn't need a single item. I also was amazed at the other finer touches: shampoos, soaps, wood, and the number of towels (and chuckled that no one could use that many)...

Also, I would like to thank your staff who were very professional and accomodating from the point of reservation till our departure. I was especially surprised to get a call from your staff welcoming us to Sanctuaire.   I hope we have to opportunity to return to Sanctuaire again soon . I will definitely look up your company again for accomodations.
  Sue S. 07/2006
 
 
Hey Mona! I'm sure we will be contacting you regarding Sanctuaire again. The nice touches your company provided such as the welcome gift and checking in with us after arrival were very much appreciated. Thanks again for everything. The T. Family 07/2006
 
 

Dear Mona,

Thank you for such a timely return of my deposit! I have attached some photographs of our trip.

My comments:

Sanctuaire truly is a sanctuary. The moment I walked into the house, I felt at home. The moment you drive down the entrance driveway, you know your somewhere special. This place really does innately relax your mind. You have no choice but to relax…and there is nothing wrong with that.

I loved watching the ducks soar across the Lake each day at dusk. The music you have there too is also pleasant. I really enjoyed the “Drum Spirits” CD as well as your collection of classical and jazz music. I will recommend this place to all of my friends and family. We all need to rejuvenate from time to time. I can guarantee that this place will come through for anyone who needs quality rest and relaxation. If your sittin’ on the fence about your decision to book (as I was) …just book it…you won’t regret it.

David Steele, August, 2005

 

Hello Mona,

Thank you for the note. We truly enjoyed Sanctuaire, it is a beautiful home and served us well. The kitchen was stocked very well with what we needed, and everything worked well. We also enjoyed the hot tub and the fire pit several nights. That was lots of fun for us. The wine country is so lovely and scenic, and we enjoyed all the fresh fruit and corn every day. I can see how Sanctuaire would be lovely to visit in the fall as well! We also went to Silver Beach a few days and that was lovely too. Thank you again.

 Kimberly Mitchell, July, 2005

Hello Mona!   Our stay at your home still remains my kid's favorite vacation.  That was the most relaxing week my family has ever spent together.  We hope to find a way to get back there again someday-TRULY! Kind regards :) Theresa (Chicago, Illinois)

 
"Mona,

We had a lovely time at Sanctuaire!
Thanks again,  a wonderful part of the world!"
Jane, Duncan &  Lara, Berkshire, England (October, 2004)

 
"Heavenly hideaway – If you fancy a secluded spot for a break, without compromising on luxury and style, look no further than Sanctuaire located in scenic Southwest Michigan. Families, Honeymooners, international tourists, couples celebrating  special anniversary – these are the visitors who seek out Sanctuaire.  And what better way to pamper a loved one than to rent your own private lakefront cabin boasting a range of facilities….." -Jo Wiles, Australian Women’s Weekly

"The serene atmosphere and pristine  beauty of this natural setting ensures  that your getaway, romantic  escapade or health retreat will be a  memorable one. Taste the country lifestyle with the urban twist at Sanctuaire, it's a life you will not want to  leave!" Spa-Finder (2003)

"Sanctuaire has earned itself a rightful reputation as the perfect romantic luxury escape. Once there, you need never know the big, bad world exists.The arrival at Sanctuaire is indeed a feast for the senses as the mind, body and soul begin to slough off the stresses and strains of city life…….. and now you’re here, entering a special place where you can throw off the worries and woes of the world and settle in for some well-deserved peace and quiet. Absolute Lake frontage, Sanctuaire offers an atmosphere of calm that will soothe mind, body and spirit. The key word is relax. Relax in your own secluded outdoor spa, relax  paddling your canoe on the lake, relax fishing in the lake, relax in your indoor Jacuzzi, relax on your screened sundeck, relax walking to the nearby wineries and watching nature. " Andrew Conway, Luxury Travel, Summer 2002

"Hi Mona- I just wanted to let you know that we had a terrific time at Sanctuaire.  We felt completely away from home but we felt completely at home.  The furnishings, the well equipped kitchen and everything else, from movies. books, games, music, to the cushions for the chaise lounge chairs.  Along with the beautiful interior, the beautiful, lush green landscaping and outdoor spa was something we truly enjoyed.  Definitely looking forward to visiting again. 

Mona -It was a pleasure getting to know you.  We will keep in touch.  I plan on passing a few cards to my friends.  (not too many though, I want to make sure I can get in next summer!)
Take care, kind regards,"
Georgia, Chris and Family, Detroit, MI 

"I want to thank you all so much for providing me with such an exceptional place to enjoy for the entire week.  I have had the best most needed time away from the hustle and bustle of my everyday life. Sanctuaire is everything I pictured it to be and hope for it to be, before I got here plus so much more.  The quiet and the tranquillity are exceptional. The view and the surroundings are surreal. The amenities are above and beyond but very much enjoyed. The cleanliness and the way that you care for this place is the best I have ever seen. I hope to become a regular here now that I know it exists and it is exactly what I have been looking for.... This place is truly magical. "
Cindy Bartlett, St. Paul, Minnesota.
 

"What an architectural masterpiece you have here, our time at Sanctuaire could not have been better. We could not have had a more beautiful home to come to.  The only drawback is, that we must awake tomorrow to say good bye to the serenity and peacefulness of this Garden of Eden. We spent our sixth anniversary here only to find, we know and love each other six times more than we did on our wedding. We will go back to our home  in Chicago with more enthusiasm and lust for life, knowing one day there is a place to retire, where people are kind, but give you your space, where nature is pure, but not unknown and where time has no value.We will visit again in the near future and look forward to staying at Sanctuaire again. Thanks again for the hospitality." Jim & Rhonda Hochberg, Chicago, IL

"Thanks Mona.  We did have a great time.  The place was everything we expected.  hope to stay there again in the future." Chris Mercier-Chicago, IL

"Thank you for your generous hospitality.  After two weddings and two college graduations within 6 months combined with a busy life with four children, we were looking for rest and relaxation.  To our delight, Sanctuaire had just what we needed.  Inside It was "stocked' well so daily life was easy.  The interior decor was both beautiful and restful.  The lush, green natural surroundings and quiet, peaceful lake completed the perfect place for a week of relaxation.  The surrounding privacy was appreciated.  The busy, demanding world seemed far away.  Thanks again for a wonderful week."  Kathy Maas.& family , Grand Rapids, MI

"...Yes we will be staying there again next year, probably about the same time frame... I can't say enough about that place.  It was perfect.  The Bose sound system is outstanding.  We got there the first night and I was getting ready to cook a couple of New York strips with mushrooms and a wine sauce.  My wife asked if I wanted some music.  I told her sure but that my CD's were in my backpack.  She said, that there were some in a case, paused for a minute and then said: "how about Some Kind of Blue by Miles Davis."   What can be wrong when you are sipping wine, sautéing mushrooms and listening to Miles Davis!  You have excellent taste in music!... " Alan Wyne & wife, Elkhart, IN

"We thoroughly enjoyed our week in Sanctuaire!  The house was very nice and more than met our expectations.  Also- the beautiful lake and It's proximity to the beach, restaurants,  can't be beat.  We also appreciated the hospitality and helpfulness of you Mona! You know how to get the full benefit of your time at Sanctuaire and you did everything you can to make sure our vacation is enjoyable.  We've stayed three different places on the Union Pier area and we'll keep coming back to "Sanctuaire" as it is simply the best. " Ryan and Kelly McCrate,  Los Angeles, CA 

"You were not exaggerating about Sanctuaire being a slice of heaven.  Not only is the area peaceful and scenic but the cabin itself, wonderful!!!  From the down comforters to the over stuffed pillows to the collection of videos, we felt pampered and right at home.  The antique shopping in the area was great too!  I am looking forward to our next visit.  Thank you for making such a great place available. Warm Regards, "
Kimbra Morgan
Providence Rhode Island

 
"Hi Mona! We had a great time in your place! We went boating with the kids on Saturday morning, and had a great lunch in Tabor Hill Restaurant on Sunday! We were even able to squeeze in last minute shopping in Michigan City on Saturday night. We especially loved the location of the spa.  The view of the lake and being right under the trees was perfect. I appreciated your fully stocked kitchen as well.
We'll probably be back after the winter season!
Thanks so much!" Pauline C. & family Chicago, IL
 
"Mona- As you know, I needed to get away (solo) to make a huge decision in my life- away from all the daily distractions of my family and demanding career. I was at a turning point in my life-I outgrew my present circumstances. I was ready for the next step. For one week, Sanctuaire was my spritual and emotional retreat. I gained both clarity and inspiration. I needed the time at Sanctuaire to take me to the next level. I relaxed in the beautiful cabin with the clean air and tranquil surroundings- that gave me a boost of freedom and courage. I made my decision and have decided I need to come back to Sanctuaire every quarter to have a reality check. Thank you for providing me with a wonderful and luxurious retreat!" Paige M., Chicago, IL
 
"This is a magnificent setting for enjoying friends and family. The house is beautiful and easy, the view inspires and the animals and plants are unique. We loved it and our experiences together here." Monica R.  w / family & friends Mt. Pleasant, MI


"We had a tremendous time at Sanctuaire.  It really is a beautiful place.  My wife said it's the most comfortable place she's ever stayed.  And that's saying a lot considering where she's stayed: (Westin St. Francis- San Francisco / Ritz Carlton Naples / Various other really nice accommodations.)  Anyway it's really a nice place."  Larry L. & family- Morton Grove, IL  
 
 "We came to Sanctuaire with no expectations, open to anything that would happen. We both leave as  transformed people, lovingly reconnected, with an understanding of our spiritual powers.  Definitely a 10, it was probably the most relaxing and memorable getaway we've experienced in years. We've  traveled to many places and lived both international and in the states however, nothing seems to compare to Sanctuaire. We would recommend Sanctuaire to our family and friends WITHOUT HESITATION." Kim and Debbie, San Francisco, CA  (2003) 

 'Mona, I'm sorry that this took me so long, but I had a hard time facing
reality after that great weekend! You have such a beautiful house, we
enjoyed every minute. We went to 4 of the local wineries on our way home and
bought a bottle from every place!  Thank you so much for the bottle of wine
on the table when we arrived. It gave the place a more personal feel. We
will definitely be back again. '
Candi and Dustin M., Detroit, MI 

"This is truly one of the rare beauties of the world, and Sanctuaire is a heavenly paradise. The views are breathtaking and the ambiance of our secluded paradise leaves me without words - you have to experience it yourself, because no word can quite give the whole picture! You could just stay in this beautiful home the whole time. However, if you do like to venture out, there are unlimited things you'll find to do. Aside from our adventures, this is like a honeymoon we never had before. There is something magical about this paradise. We spent all Sunday lying by and relaxing in the beautiful Hot Tub - I wish we had another week. We realize, that we need to start making these special times ALL the time. We had a trip of a lifetime!!!

Thank you Mona  for sharing your beautiful house. I hope you have it for years to come, we will definitely be back!" Kathy and Mike Cohen, Lafayette, IN

 

Mona-got the check [for the security deposit]-thanks for sending it so quickly. I am attaching some of the photos that Jim took (several are similar to those already on the web), but if there are any you'd like to use, feel free. Again, thanks for the wonderful accommodations, the view, the welcome food basket, and just everything!!!! It was a wonderful trip. We're thinking we might want to try a winter weekend... Will be in touch. Thanks again." Becky and Jim B., Indianapolis, IN

"Thank you for the compliments on our stay, and we did have a good time despite the weather. I must compliment you on the home, it is indeed everything advertised. You must truly enjoy your time there as well.  It has been an enjoyable experience dealing with you.Thank you again for the weekend. " Todd  & Tammie D., Detroit, Michigan (2003)

"Again, please let me say how much my friends and I enjoyed "Sanctuaire."  Your home is just lovely and the location is fantastic -- all in all, we had a really wonderful time and it was exactly what we had been hoping for. We loved the spa.  It was such a treat to go hike the dunes and get hot and sweaty and tired and then jump into the spa (after, of course, rinsing off very well in the shower) and relax. To lay back and look up at the leaves on the trees and gaze out at the lake was fantastic. We took a ton of photographs on the pier by the lake late on Saturday afternoon when the light was so wonderful -- we joked that you should rent out the pier for photo shoots! And, absolutely, feel free to quote my on your website.  I would definitely recommend your property to friends and family, and without a doubt consider visiting myself again. " Mindy S-J., Chicago, IL   

"We really had a great time! Your house is very nice! We liked the rustic style, the open living room and the view when you would wake up in the morning and see nothing else but the trees, playing squirrels and the lake!! Everything looked so peaceful and quiet. It was exactly what we were looking for. We went on the lake with the Canoe and had great fun. The Hot tub is great, too, with a wonderful view of the lake. We had a great time and could relax and calm down a little, which was especially important for my husband, who had to leave for Germany yesterday.We are glad that we decided to go to in Michigan instead of Wisconsin, and we are glad that we found your offer on the internet. We went to the Warren Dunes, to Saugatuck, Douglas and St. Joseph and many other nice places. On Saturday we had 85 F and we strolled down the beautiful beach of St.Joseph and through it's cute little downtown area. I will recommend your house to friends, if you don't mind. Thank you again for all your support and help. "-Norbert & Tanja H., Arlington Heights, IL

"The perfect retreat! A wonderful, relaxing way to finish our Wedding Anniversary!"
-Jennifer and Tony-New York, NY

"This is absolutely the best vacation rental house in which I have ever stayed...  I have never before rented a house in this area.   I did my homework before renting this house.  It was furnished nicely, had a completely equipped kitchen, games for the kids, and anything else we were missing. I can honestly say that we will never stay in another hotel in Union Pier/Harbor Country...  This house accommodated our entire family of 8 very nicely.  I would come back and stay here again in a minute..."-Norman & Jan J., Columbus, Ohio

We were looking to spend a long weekend away from our children and relax.
We found it!  Sanctuaire was EXACTLY what we were expecting; clean,
tastefully decorated and secluded. The bottle of wine that was waiting for
us was classy touch!  Thanks again for the weekend - we enjoyed ourselves
and will defiantly be staying again!!!  Brian & Kristin S. - Farmington
Hills, MI 

"I just wanted to e-mail you and say thanks for renting your house to us last weekend. We had a wonderful time. The view out the kitchen window is postcard material. It even snowed on Saturday, which made the trip that much better. Thanks Again & God Bless"- Theron Brinson-Grace Community Church

"Most beautiful, peaceful place and so comfortable and homey" -Saorisa-Cork, Ireland

"Arrived after dark. Had no idea what to expect. It's great! So quiet. So private. A fabulous hideaway!" Paul and Jan-Orange, MA

"Fully equipped house just wonderful--loved the down comforter. Would like this kitchen back home." Michelle and Len-Bedford, NY

"The Fact that our family comes back every year attests to what a special place Sanctuaire is." -S. Olson and  Family, Chicago, IL

"Found this place by accident. Needed a place to rest. Found a little piece of heaven." -Lisa H. & Michelle B., Columbus, Ohio

"Thank you for allowing us to stay at this most beautiful house!  We would like to return as a family next year and stay in this same house the entire time. The experience was everything we hoped it would be, and more. We really enjoyed the lake, the beach,  the gardens, the waterfalls, and mac nut factory. I loved the local wineries and also the farmers market. My father and mother would sit each morning at your private pier at the lake - - and- -  we swear its the cleanest air we have ever breathed! Thank you again for the great experience at your amazing house. With much love from my family to yours," -Jean M. and Family, Richmond, VA.

"We really appreciate all the nice things you filled the house with. We've never stayed at such a nice vacation home. This house does not even compare to the condo we rented in New Buffalo.   I loved lounging in the hot tub and 3 season room,listening to waves on the lake,  and soaking up the sun. Gene was content to fish in the lake  and read. We had a list of 2 dozen activities and sights we planned to do and see, but at the end of the week, we realized we had only left twice  Both of us felt extremely rejuvenated, and only regret not staying 2 weeks. We will definitely be back. Thank you for all the hospitality." -Karen and Gene H., Phoenix, AZ

"I just wanted to write to tell you what a wonderful stay my family and I had at Sanctuaire. It was incredibly spacious and perfect for a family of 6! However, we only had 3 people in our party so the space was more than ample. The house itself made us think we were on vacation without even leaving! All 3 bedrooms have exquisite views. Waking up in the morning was impossible to do without a smile on our faces. The lake in the front is beautiful with the fish and  foliage. The house had everything and more that we needed for our stay. The kitchen was gorgeous and contained all modern amenities.  It is a perfect family retreat in which we plan on returning in the future." - Shirley H., Sacramento, CA.

"We loved your beautiful home - would be happy to use it again. The master bedroom suite is so wonderful- loved the shower...and the closet too!  We ate in two nights, ate at the restaurant called Horsefeathers--  the freshest fish we ever had! We really appreciated the fresh, clean, throw rugs in the bathroom and the fluffy big towels. PS: Great kitchen- loved the cooking utensils and lovely dishes. Thanks again!" -Margie and Wayne D., Roseville, MN.

"Thanks for providing such an immaculate, well-equipped house. You asked us to let you know if there was anything you might add to the house. We looked through all the drawers, cabinets, and closets, and could not think of anything we needed. Just when my husband thought he had discovered something, we found the garlic press in the drawer! I tried my luck using the breadmaker and it was great fun. Everything was 100%. The weather was wonderful...blue skies everyday. Be in touch soon. BIG THANKS." -Elaine and Peter L., Chicago, IL

 

   


 


Home Page | About Us | Contact Us | Services | Site Map | LINKS | Local Activities | Restaurants/bakeries/fast food | Emergency Numbers | Amenities | Beaches | Kids/Young at Heart | Loft/stairs | Open/Airy Retreat | Secret Path | Beautifully Furnished | Rates | Availability/Calendar | Legal Notice |  | Fishing |  | Natural Beauty |  Map/Directions |  | Winery & Bike Tours |   | Dogs | DISCOUNT SPECIALS | Beautiful Hot Tub/Spa | More photos | LAKEFRONT