Lakefront Estate w/ Beach & Boat • Sleeps 30 • Near IN Dunes National Park
Guest rating: 5.0 / 5
Overview
Lakefront Estate w/ Beach & Boat is a restored, 6,000+ sq ft historic estate on Long Lake near Valparaiso (New Chicago area), designed for large-group getaways. It’s a private destination built for reconnecting, with multiple indoor gathering areas plus expansive outdoor deck, patios, and lawn space. The home accommodates up to 30 overnight guests and includes backup power via a whole-home Generac generator.
Sleeping layout
The estate is set up for mixed-age groups with 7 private bedrooms plus 2 additional sleeping areas and 6.5 bathrooms. Distinct spaces include a lower-level bunk house (three bunks with trundles), a detached Garden Suite with its own exterior stairs/entry, and a climate-controlled Teen Suite/garage loft accessed via garage stairs. Two main-level king suites are described as accessible, including one with a claw-foot tub and one with a private exterior entrance and added cooking space.
Kitchens & in-home comforts
A primary kitchen supports big-group cooking with island seating, a breakfast nook that seats 8, two dishwashers, oven/stove, and a refrigerator with ice maker, plus reverse osmosis water and stocked cookware/dishes. A secondary prep kitchen in the Bedroom 2 suite adds another oven/stove, sink, and counter space for catering or overflow meals. Comfort features include central AC/heat, multiple HVAC systems (including mini-splits), smart TVs/cable TV, free Wi‑Fi, fireplace (seasonal restriction), washer/dryer, crib, and free parking (up to 20 vehicles).
Lakefront amenities & outdoor recreation
On the water, guests have private beach and dock access on 65-acre Long Lake, plus a hot tub (fits 7), outdoor shower, grill, and multiple seating zones including an upper-level patio with a fire table. Watercraft includes a 23-foot Bennington pontoon (generally mid-May to mid-October; rental fee applies), a fishing boat at no additional charge, plus canoe, kayaks, and paddleboards (weather permitting). Recent improvements add an expanded lakefront deck with extra beach stairs and refreshed outdoor furniture such as loungers, umbrellas, picnic tables, and Adirondack chairs.
Location & nearby dining
The property is positioned for day trips to Indiana Dunes National Park, downtown Valparaiso, Chicago (including access via the South Shore Line), and Southwest Michigan. Nearby dining options include Le Peep Valparaiso (about 2.2 km), The Bait Shop (about 1.3 km), Burgerhaus (about 2.6 km), and additional restaurants and bar & grills within roughly 3.8–6.1 km. Major airports in the region include Chicago Midway, South Bend International, and Chicago O’Hare, all within driving distance.
Best for
This estate is best for large family reunions and adult friend gatherings that need true group capacity (sleeps up to 30) with both shared spaces and separation via the Garden Suite and garage loft. It also suits lake-life trips focused on private beach time and boating, with on-site watercraft, a dock, grill, fire-table patio, and an outdoor hot tub. Groups planning day trips will appreciate the easy access to Indiana Dunes National Park and the ability to build a multi-day itinerary including Valparaiso and Chicago.
Travel tips
Plan a 3–5 night stay if you want time for both the lake and day trips (Indiana Dunes, downtown Valparaiso, and Chicago via the South Shore Line). If you want the pontoon, confirm seasonal availability (typically mid-May to mid-October) and be ready for the rental requirements (contract, driver’s license, and in-person orientation). Parking is a strong point for groups, with space for up to 20 vehicles on-site.
What guests say
Reviews emphasize a consistently strong overall experience for groups, with many guests describing the property as a standout setting for having fun together. Positive themes center on enjoying the estate itself and the gathering-friendly setup that supports large parties. Repeat-stay intent is a notable signal of satisfaction. No recurring complaints or negative themes are provided in the available excerpts.
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