Newly Renovated with Finished Basement
Guest rating: 5.0 / 5
Overview
This newly renovated vacation home sits in Portage, in New Chicago's Northwest Indiana corridor, less than 10 minutes from the expressway and toll road. The property features a finished basement and bar area, giving it distinctive extra living and entertaining space compared to a typical rental. It's set up as a smart home, with Ring doorbell, voice-controlled lighting, and a voice-controlled thermostat.
Rooms & Interior
The house is designed to sleep two families comfortably, with a stainless steel kitchen and a spa-style bathroom among its standout finishes. The recently remodeled finished basement is a particular highlight, adding a second gathering space beyond the main living areas. In-unit amenities include air conditioning, heating, cable TV, a washer, an ironing board, and a smoke-free interior policy.
Kitchen & Outdoor Amenities
Guests have full use of a kitchen with microwave and oven/stove, making self-catered stays easy, and an outdoor grill is available for cooking outside. Free parking is provided on a double driveway, though the garage was not available at the time of the listed information. Paid Wi-Fi is offered for guests who need to stay connected.
Location & Surroundings
The house is near Lake Michigan and less than an hour's drive from downtown Chicago, with the Portage/Ogden Dunes train station about 4.5 km away. Nearby dining options include On The Roxx, Mark O's Bar & Grill Portage, Shenanigans, Social Goat, Applebee's Grill + Bar, Texas Roadhouse, Culver's, and Hooters, all within a few kilometers. Indiana Dunes National Park, Deep River Water Park, and the Albanese Candy Factory are among the area attractions worth visiting, and the neighborhood is described as safe with easy access to Central Ave. for shopping and highway connections.
Best for
This home is best suited to multi-family groups, reunions, and larger parties who need roomy, self-catered accommodations with space to spread out, thanks to its finished basement, bar area, and capacity for two families. It also appeals to travelers exploring Indiana Dunes National Park, Lake Michigan beaches, or making day trips into Chicago, given its sub-hour drive to downtown and quick expressway access. Guests who value self-sufficiency will appreciate the full kitchen, washer, and grill.
Travel tips
Plan to drive, as the property is less than 10 minutes from the expressway and toll road and about an hour from downtown Chicago; the nearest train station, Portage/Ogden Dunes, is roughly 4.5 km away. Parking is available on the double driveway, though the garage has had limited availability, so confirm current access before arrival. Restaurants and bars such as Mark O's Bar & Grill, On The Roxx, and Social Goat are all within a couple of kilometers for easy evening dining without a long drive.
What guests say
Guests consistently highlight the cleanliness of the property, with specific praise for the remodeled, well-finished basement. Reviewers also frequently note that the home felt roomier and more comfortable than a typical hotel or motel, particularly for group stays such as family reunions, and several mention it as good value for the space provided. Furnishings are described as pleasant and comfortable, and at least one family indicated intent to return for a future reunion, suggesting repeat-guest satisfaction. No recurring negative themes appear in the available review excerpts.
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