Union Pier, known for its magnificent beaches and captivating atmosphere, is a hidden little gem of a town along the crystal-sand shores of Lake Michigan, just 70 miles from downtown Chicago. It’s also the location of a suite of truly refined vacation rentals that’s having its official grand opening this month: The Townie Cottages Collection.

Exclusively designed by renowned interior designer Kate Marker—a 2024 Gold List Honoree from Luxe Interiors & Design magazine—these 4 luxury cottages exude a uniquely rich style and rustic charm, while also being graced with the warmth and comfort commonly felt when we arrive “home.”

Indeed, her company’s stated goal is to “create warm and inviting spaces that not only look beautiful, but also feel comfortable and welcoming.”

And upon setting foot into any one of the four cottages—which can be rented individually, in groups or the entire property—you and your guests are immediately embraced by the elegant styling, yet comfy-cozy atmosphere Ms. Marker has created here.

Each piece of furniture or work of art, every decorative accessory, even the bedding and linens, have all been meticulously selected to imbue each room with a sense of sophistication, along with an air of relaxation, well-being and joy.

Each Townie Cottage—The Ivy, which sleeps 4, The Sage, which sleeps 6, The Moss, which sleeps 6, and The Fern, a 2-story that sleeps 6—features open design living spaces, great natural lighting, exquisite furnishings – including vintage artifacts and timeless accents – plus high-end finishes virtually everywhere you look! You’ll also be lavished with gorgeously appointed, super-cozy bedrooms, fully-equipped modern kitchens with top-notch appliances – dishwashers included – hi-speed Wi-Fi, in-unit washer-dryer combos, and gas-log fireplaces. And your own deluxe hot tub!

Whether your party rents one cottage or any number of them—you’re encouraged to book well in advance, due to their out-of-the-gate popularity—you and your guests will have access to a communal 40’ x 20’ pool, a pool pavilion with barbecue grills and fire pits – plus each unit has its own golf cart charger and private golf cart parking space, as well as outdoor showers for rinsing after a jaunt to the beach.

It should be noted that while The Townie Cottages are a community development of 4 cottages, each unit is its own separate building and private space.

Another highlight of The Townie Cottages worth mentioning is the natural wooded beauty surrounding these outstanding vacation rentals, as are the professionally landscaped grounds encompassing the cottages.

As for nearby attractions and amenities, besides being able to simply walk to Townline Beach and being a mere stone’s throw from two stunning golden sand beaches – Weko Beach and Cherry Beach, both of which have excellent public amenities – you’ll also be super-close to Union Pier’s and neighboring New Buffalo’s distinguished art galleries, stylish boutiques and antique shops, providing you and your guests with great opportunities to seek out something special to take home with you.

The local area is also known for its many great restaurants, cafes, coffee shops and drinking establishments. Speaking of which, The Townie Cottages are just minutes from a number of local award-winning wineries and breweries, including St. Julian’s Winery & Distillery, Tabor Hill Winery and the Round Barn Tasting Room, all of which create their delicious beverages exclusively from regionally-grown produce.

Given The Townie Cottages are located within a short distance from Warren Dunes State Park – with its 2,000 acres of amazing sand dunes, long stretches of gorgeous beachfront and countless wetland trails – you’ll have plenty of nearby hiking and biking trails to explore, plus extraordinary birdwatching opportunities.

In addition, you’re right next door to the region’s largest recreational harbor, where you’ll find shops that rent boats, jet-skis, canoes, kayaks and paddleboards, as well as schedule fishing expeditions, and day or evening cruises.

You and your guests might also relish visiting nearby New Buffalo’s Oselka Park, which has baseball fields, tennis courts and playground equipment. There are also a number of public golf courses in the area, as well as many local seasonal art, music and cultural fairs. And be sure to check out the regular weekend farmer’s markets, too!

The Townie Cottages are nothing less than a fabulous vacation spot, exquisitely designed by Kate Marker to produce a rich, vibrant, super-comfy sanctuary that will provide you and your family or friends with endless opportunities to create lasting vacation memories.