SOME CALL NEW BUFFALO and other lakeside towns in Harbor Country, Michigan the North Shore, west. Those with beach houses and cottages there can attest to the likelihood of running into Lake Forest or Lake Bluff neighbors while grabbing a burger at Redamak’s or another hotspot around town.

And yet, not all of us have a beach house (or at least not in that locale). Enter a unique new property designed to fill that void for those who want the convenience of a private abode and its amenities without the commitment.

Located on a wooded property five minutes from downtown New Buffalo, The Neighborhood Hotel Grand Beach features 14 large, rustic-luxe suites (including two, 2-bedroom/2-bath cottage homes) with all the amenities of a lakefront retreat. Stocked kitchens and a thoughtful collection of art and accessories reflect the property’s hip, modern aesthetic (think campy chic) while paying homage to its history as a 1914 resort known as The Pinewood Lodge.

Set on the site of the historic retreat—which famously hosted such heavyweight boxers as Cinderella Man and James Braddock in the early 20th century—The Neighborhood Grand Beach offers four acres of indoor and outdoor amenities including three fire pits, a pool, and The Living Room—stocked with games, a communal bar, and a vending machine filled with local favorites.

In addition to in-suite kitchenettes and kitchens to prepare meals at your own pace, there is the Cowboy Cauldron, billed as “the world’s finest fire pit and grill.” The star of the “cauldron” is the Grillworks Asador, which is used by professional chefs as part of the property’s Pop-Up series (also perfect to boil soups, grill burgers, or warm your feet).

If you’d rather not deal with the hassle of bringing groceries from home, pre-order from Froelich’s, a local fave. One phone call and everything you need for your stay will be delivered to your suite upon arrival, from breakfast staples to full dinners, fresh baked pies, wine, beer, bloody Mary, and mimosa kits. And if you happen to be visiting over the weekend, throw in an order of bagels, which are reputed to some of the best of the Midwest (including Chicago).

Suites range in size from a large studio to a spacious 3-bedroom/2-bath mini-apartment, making the property ideal for a multi-party celebration, girls’ weekend, or even a family reunion. The decor is classic cottage but the finishes are pure luxury, offering the beach escape you crave without sacrificing the comforts of home.

Imagine waking up to the soothing sounds of nature, then grabbing coffee by the campfire surrounded by trees and fresh seaside air. From there, you can opt to relax by the pool, enjoy yoga in the woods, or venture further to explore Grand Beach (a five-minute walk away) or nearby harbor towns (hint: Greenbush Brewing Co. is just a few miles away in Sawyer). Your day might end with a barbecue on that “cauldron” grill with fresh herbs from the garden, followed by s’mores under the stars.

The creators of The Neighborhood Grand Beach say the property was designed to honor the legacy of a “summer colony” that has welcomed visitors through its iconic entry gate (still there) for more than a century. In addition to the original Pinewood Lodge, Grand Beach was also home to a larger hotel and golf club. There was even a nightclub that put the resort on the map in the roaring ‘20s.

It does all of those things, and more. Whether you’re looking for a last weekend escape before school starts or planning a beach sojourn during cooler fall months, The Neighborhood Grand Beach is a fantastic new option. Unless, of course, you want to buy a beach house of your own.

The Neighborhood Grand Beach is located at 19400 Ravine Drive in New Buffalo, Michigan. For more information, call 773-231-7300 or visit theneighborhoodhotel.com/pages/grand-beach/.