Summary:
Experience waterfront magic at Tower House on the historic Olde Ship Canal, offering marina views where the St. Joseph River meets Lake Michigan. This architectural gem sleeps 10 with queen beds, twin loft beds, and versatile options. Enjoy four bathrooms, a gourmet kitchen, a wet bar, and multiple decks with a fire pit and grill. Steps from downtown St. Joseph, Silver Beach, and Harbor Shores Golf Course – your perfect gateway to unforgettable Harbor Country memories.
The Space:
Aptly named for its distinctive multi-level design, Tower House rises proudly above the waterway, creating a unique architectural presence along the Old Ship Canal. As you enter, you're immediately drawn to the open-concept main floor where expansive windows showcase spectacular water views from every angle. The thoughtfully designed living space creates a seamless flow between areas dedicated to relaxation, dining, and entertainment.
The heart of the home features a stylish living area with comfortable seating arranged to take advantage of the panoramic vistas, including a queen-size pull-out sofa sleeper for additional guests. Nearby, a cozy daybed with a trundle provides flexible sleeping arrangements without compromising on style. The fully equipped kitchen becomes a natural gathering place, with modern appliances and ample counter space making meal preparation a pleasure. A dedicated wet bar stands ready for evening entertaining, perfect for mixing drinks while watching boats glide by.
Throughout the home, nautical-inspired décor and high-quality furnishings create a casual elegance that pays homage to the waterfront setting. The two primary bedrooms offer peaceful retreats, each furnished with a sumptuous queen bed and access to the home's four full bathrooms, ensuring privacy and convenience for all guests. A charming loft area houses two twin beds positioned to wake guests with gentle morning light reflecting off the water.
The true magic of Tower House extends beyond its walls to multiple decking areas that cascade at various levels, each offering a different perspective of the surrounding waterscape. The large primary deck serves as an extension of the living space – an outdoor room where the gas fire pit becomes a natural gathering point as evening falls. For culinary enthusiasts, the deck with grill transforms outdoor cooking into a scenic event with fresh air enhancing every flavor.
Modern conveniences ensure absolute comfort, with high-speed internet keeping guests connected, DirectTV providing entertainment options, and climate control maintaining ideal comfort regardless of season. A washer and dryer accommodate practical needs during extended stays. With thoughtful amenities and sleeping arrangements for up to ten guests, Tower House offers the perfect blend of functionality and waterfront luxury in a truly unique architectural package.
Guest Access:
Our check-in and check-out process is contactless, featuring remote keyless entry so that you can set your schedule! You can arrive anytime after 4 pm on the day of check-in. All you need is the keyless entry code that was sent to you via email. Please check your email for messages from Third Coast Vacation Rentals for all your check-in information.
The Neighborhood:
Tower House enjoys a privileged position at the crossroads of natural beauty and small-town charm, perched directly on the historic Old Ship Canal in Benton Harbor. This unique waterway connects to the marina where the St. Joseph River meets the vast expanse of Lake Michigan, creating a dynamic aquatic landscape that changes with the seasons, weather, and time of day.
From the property's multiple decks, guests enjoy front-row views of passing boats and water activities, with the prestigious Inn at Harbor Shores creating a picturesque backdrop across the water. The location offers that rare combination of serene waterfront seclusion while remaining just steps away from vibrant downtown St. Joseph with its quaint shops, diverse restaurants, and local galleries.
For beach enthusiasts, Silver Beach – one of Lake Michigan's premier sandy shores – lies within easy walking distance. Here, visitors can experience the legendary Lake Michigan sunsets, cool off in crystal-clear waters, or relax on golden sands that stretch along the shoreline. The iconic Silver Beach Carousel and nearby Whirlpool Fountain provide additional entertainment for families with children.
Golf aficionados will appreciate being moments away from the renowned Harbor Shores Golf Course, a Jack Nicklaus Signature design that has hosted multiple Senior PGA Championships. The challenging layout weaves through diverse landscapes, including riverfront, dunes, hardwood forest, and lakefront terrain.
The strategic location of Tower House makes it the perfect base for exploring Michigan's scenic Harbor Country. Within a short drive, visitors can discover award-winning wineries dotting the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail, explore hiking trails at Grand Mere State Park, or visit charming neighboring towns like New Buffalo, Union Pier, and Saugatuck.
Throughout the year, the area comes alive with seasonal events – from summer concerts and beach festivals to fall harvest celebrations and winter holiday markets. No matter the season, the location of Tower House offers the perfect vantage point to experience the natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and small-town charm that make Michigan's southwest coast a beloved destination.
Getting Around:
Positioned just off I-94, Tower House offers the perfect central hub for Southwest Michigan adventures. Enjoy seamless access to Chicago (90 minutes), New Buffalo (25 minutes), or downtown Saint Joseph (merely 1 minute away). Boaters will appreciate the convenience of docking their vessel during their stay, with several boat launches nearby, including the adjacent Anchor's Way Marina. Transportation options abound—walk, bike, catch an Uber, or take advantage of the convenient water taxi service that connects you to local harbors and marinas. For those without their own watercraft, boat and jet ski rentals are readily available. Arrive by land or water, or even by rail via Amtrak from Chicago's Union Station with direct service to Silver Beach in St. Joseph, whether exploring vibrant local attractions or venturing further to discover the region's hidden gems, our strategic location ensures effortless accessibility for all your Harbor Country explorations.
Other Things to Note:
The Olde Ship Canal was completed in 1890, transforming what was once wetlands into the thriving harbor that gave Benton Harbor its name. Dug by a private group, this vital waterway connected Lake Michigan to the St. Joseph River, allowing larger ships to access Benton Harbor and turning it into a significant port for both passenger and freight transport.
Town founders Henry C. Morton, Sterne Brunson, and Charles Hull envisioned this canal as the key to economic prosperity, creating a strategic junction where the St. Joseph River meets Lake Michigan. The canal facilitated the docking of large ships that transported agricultural products, manufactured goods, and passengers, particularly to and from Chicago.
Today, your Tower House stands as a witness to this maritime heritage. From its decks, guests can observe the very waterway that built the region's economy, now transformed from a commercial shipping lane into a recreational paradise. The Olde Ship Canal remains a living piece of history that connects your property not just to the waters of Lake Michigan but to the rich historical legacy that shaped Southwest Michigan.
Interaction with Guests:
You will be sent a keyless code for check-in, and staff are available by phone or text. This is a no-smoking, no-pet property.
