By Jason Veenstra, REALTOR® | Veenstra Team brokered by eXp Realty | September 23, 2026
Wooded outdoor gathering area at 14931 Bachelor Island featuring a fire pit surrounded by chairs, mature shade trees, and the furnished cottage nearby along the St. Joseph River.
At 14931 Bachelor Island, the best part of the day may come after the boat is tied up. This fully furnished two-bedroom cottage on the St. Joseph River sits on a 0.28-acre island lot with 100 feet of river frontage, and the outdoor spaces around it are set up for slow evenings: a fire pit, a shaded side lot beneath mature trees, and a spot to eat outside right off the kitchen.
Plenty of people want a getaway but end up with a place that feels like a second house to manage. What they really want is somewhere the evening can unfold without a plan, where dinner moves outdoors, the phone stays in a pocket, and the conversation lasts as long as the fire does. Because this cottage is reached only by boat, there is no traffic noise and no driveway to watch. The outdoor spaces are where that different pace shows up most clearly.
The Fire Pit Becomes the Evening's Gathering Place
A fire pit on the island gives the day a natural finish. After fishing from the 60-foot private dock or a pontoon ride, people drift toward the fire, pull up a chair, and settle in as the light fades. The outdoor chairs stay with the cottage as part of its furnished setup, so the gathering spot is ready from your first weekend.
For families and friends who visit together, a fire pit is also where the small traditions start: the first s'more of the season, the story someone tells every year, the quiet stretch when nobody feels the need to talk. Check local open-burning rules and keep water close by, and the fire pit can be part of nearly every stay.
Shaded side lot at 14931 Bachelor Island with an outdoor dining table and chairs beneath mature trees, creating a comfortable spot for meals, relaxing, and gathering outdoors.
Shade on the Side Lot for the Middle of the Day
Summer afternoons on the river can be bright. The side lot gives you a shaded place to read, nap, or listen to birds and the water beneath mature trees. It is a different kind of outdoor room from the dock or the fire pit, and having more than one place to settle keeps the cottage from feeling crowded when a few people are there at once.
If you would like to see these outdoor spaces in the current photos, the live listing shows them in detail.
Meals Move Outdoors Easily
Eating outside works best when the kitchen is close, and here you can step from the eat-in kitchen to an outdoor dining spot. Carry plates out and enjoy the fresh air while you eat. The cottage comes fully furnished, down to the dishes and towels, which means an outdoor dinner does not start with a shopping list.
When the weather turns, the fully screened porch overlooking the water and the wood-burning fireplace in the living room keep the same easy rhythm going indoors.
What Island Ownership Asks of You
Boat-only access is what creates this kind of quiet, and it also shapes how you plan. Groceries, firewood, and guests all arrive by water, so it helps to think through storage, trip planning, and seasonal routines ahead of time. The multiple outbuildings give you places for tools and river gear, and the cottage is served by a private well and septic system that benefit from simple routine care.
Questions Worth Asking Before You Buy
What is included in the furnished package, and how will the final inclusion list be written into the purchase agreement?
What does the $200 annual association fee cover, and how does the boat launch work?
What local rules apply to open burning and outdoor fires?
How will you handle insurance, winterizing, and off-season visits?
Current Snapshot
Address: 14931 Bachelor Island, Buchanan, MI 49107 (Buchanan Township)
Status and price: Active at $239,914, verified September 23, 2026
Cottage: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, 1,032 sq ft, built in 1948, fully furnished
Setting: 0.28-acre island lot, 100 feet of St. Joseph River frontage, 60-foot private dock, boat access only
MLS#: 25035795
Status, price, and availability can change, so please check the live listing for the most current details.
Your Next Step
If you can picture ending a river day beside the fire at 14931 Bachelor Island, let's plan your visit. Private pontoon tours are being scheduled for pre-qualified buyers, and we can help you think through access, inclusions, and ownership logistics along the way. Call or text me at 269-350-5514, or book a short call with Cindi to get started.
Schedule a 15-Minute Conversation with Cindi
You may also enjoy how the screened porch extends cottage time at 14931 Bachelor Island and why the river day begins at the dock.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does 14931 Bachelor Island have a fire pit?
Yes. The cottage has a fire pit outdoors, along with a shaded side lot and an outdoor dining spot off the kitchen.
Is the cottage sold furnished?
Yes. The cottage is offered fully furnished, including items such as dishes and towels. Confirm the final inclusion list in your purchase agreement.
How do you tour the property?
The cottage is accessible only by boat. Private pontoon tours are being scheduled for pre-qualified buyers; call or text 269-350-5514 to arrange one.
Jason Veenstra is a REALTOR®, Associate Broker, and Team Leader of the Veenstra Team, brokered by eXp Realty, serving Greater Kalamazoo and West Michigan. Call or text 269-350-5514.
