Location: Miller Beach, Gary, Indiana, USA (35 minute from Chicago by car or train)
Accommodations: House, 6 Bedrooms + Attached Unit, 5 Baths (Sleeps 26)
Keywords: Luxury Beachfront Indiana Dunes National Park, Chicago, Skyline Views, Lake Michigan, Private, Secluded, Quiet, Family Reunion, Birthday Anniversary Party
See MillerBeach. org for more pics, detailed info, rates, policies, availability (we fill up VERY fast!), and our many unique features & amenities.
Calling all nature lovers, hikers, bikers, water-sport enthusiasts, beach goers and entertainers seeking a large, ultra-luxury Beachfront, private retreat...
-35 min drive from Chicogo, 5 min from South Shore station
-Closest beach-side community to Chicago!
-Only a sliver of National Park Lakeshore Dunes and sand trail separates you from the nicest, semi-private, pure sugar sand beach on Lake Michigan!
-Newer construction, ultra-luxury, custom 5000 sq ft retreat on a very quiet, private cul-de-sac street & corner lot--closet neighbor is 350 feet away!
-Completely private (8' fence with privacy lattice) from street and neighbors. Hear only birds, wind, and waves...
-Lake Street Beach boat ramp (1/3 mile from home) for jet skis, sail/motor boats (Peak Season Only)
-Miles of hiking and mountain biking trails throughout Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore
-Top floor 1200 sq. ft. master suite: steam room with rainfall & massage shower heads & Eucaplytus oil reservoir, huge jetted tub, 10'x8' closet, travertine marble fireplace (not operational), custom silk draperies, wrap-around decks, four skylights
-Juliette balcony overlooking Loft & Great Rooms
-1200 sq. ft. outdoor deck living space: 6-person Jacuzzi with waterfall & Chromatherapy LED lights, outdoor shower (Peak Season only), gas grill, & plenty of comfortable patio furniture and hammocks/swings (Peak Season only) to melt your stresses away...
-Premium Bose/Jamo sound system
-Fenced-in yard for our 4-legged friends
-Gourmet chef's kitchen: hand-made cherry cabinets, double farm sink, stainless steel double-door refrigerator w/auto-ice maker, double electric baking ovens, 36" Pro 6 sealed-burner range & gas roasting oven, Pro range hood, warming oven, dishwasher, garbage disposal, red wine cellar (55 degrees), cold beverage Fridge for soda, white wine, champagne, etc. (39 degrees)
-Double island with Pietra Cardosa (Italian soapstone) countertops, prep sink, & seating
-Xenon under-cabinet & toe kick lighting
-Two-story Great Room/Loft with soaring (28') wood ceiling w/ studio lighting and huge wrought-iron changelier
-Five skylights & 16 huge patio doors/windows shower the rooms with sun & showcase the Lake & dunes
-Bose Lifestyle music system--remote control works through walls and outdoors (radio frequency not infra-red)
-Private, Pro sand volleyball court (Peak Season only) & other games
-Huge custom walk-in wet bar & Fridge for all your mixers, beer, etc. large poker/game table
-Three other large bedrooms have queen-sized beds, dressers, Cable TV's, DVD/VHS players, ceiling fans, A/C, stand fans, hangars, alarm clocks & large closets. Some have private balconies & wood-burning fireplaces (not operational)
-Three & one half other marble tiled baths & custom vanities will pamper you like royalty!
-Maytag Neptune washer and dryer. Deep utility sink, cabinets, & Pietra Cardosa counters
-Fully furnished with all bed linens, towels, kitchenware, speciality glassware, spices, fire wood (Non Peak Season only), laundry soap, DVD/CD/Book library, games, etc.
-Ample driveway & overflow street parking & outdoor video surveillance
-Seven independent, remote-controlled A/C units
-Electronic dimmers to set the right night time ambiance
-Antique Oak hardwood flooring
-Separate guest house--additional fees apply: Two queen sized, private bdrms, marble-Jacuzzi bath, fully loaded & stocked kitchen w/semi-custom cherry cabinets, Fridge w/auto-ice maker (Seasonal) , range, microwave, dishwasher, garbage disposal, coffee maker, toaster oven, toaster, blender, washer & dryer (detergent, bleach, fabric softener provided), island w/seating for four, 16' vaulted ceilings w/skylights, private deck with propane grill & extra tank, large closets & remote-controlled A/C & ceiling fans
Best value for your dollar on Lake Michigan!
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Air Conditioning : 7 independently remote-controlled units
- Linens Provided : All white bed linens and full sets of bath towels, kitchen & large beach towels (Peak Season only) included
- Washer (2) : Maytag Neptune top-loader complete w/ detergent & bleach
- Dryer (2) : Maytag gas dryer w/ fabric softener sheets
- Off Street Parking : Ample street parking on this secluded corner lot-approximately 160' of curb space, in addition to easily fitting 6 to 8 cars in the driveway
- Parking for RV/Boat/Trailer : Amplet street parking for all your toys
- Wood Stove : High efficiency and ultra-cozy, heats 60% of the retreat, very nice in the Fall, Spring, & Winter
- Beds
- Queen Bed (6) : Pillow-top mattresses, high quality matching skirts, shams, bedspreads & comfy sheet sets
- Convertible Bed (5) : Leather queen-size pull-out sofa (Serta Back Saver) and 4 platform (same height as regular bed) Aero-beds with pillow top for extra comfort and headboards (so your pillows don't slide off)
- Entertainment
- Jetted Tub in Bath (2) : Extra large two-person Island Tub in the Master Suite; 2nd one in the Guest House
- Private Hot Tub : 6-person OUTDOOR Jacuzzi w/waterfall & LED-lit waterfall (chroma-therapy) to star-gaze, feel the falling snow, watch the leaves change color, and melt your stress away...
- Sauna : Commercial-grade steam room with seating for 2 and eucalyptus oil resevoir. note: this is NOT a dry cedar Sauna
- Cable/Satellite TV (6) : Comcast Cable on all nine flat-screen TVs
- DVD
- VCR
- Video Library : Over 300 DVD/VHS movies to choose from--kids, adults, documentaries, etc.
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Music Library : Over 600 CD's to choose from; IPod dock included
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen (3) : Gourmet Pro Chef's kitchen and walk-in wet bar in main house, Full kitchen in Guest House
- Cooking Utensils Provided : Everything you need to whip up your gourmet delights and family meals! Service for 16+, mixing bowls, serving platters, cook pots, skillets, bakeware, toaster oven, coffee maker, steamer, blender, crock pot, spices, paper towel, trash bags, detergent, dish soap, etc.
- Refrigerator (3) : 4 Total: Large with auto-ice maker. Separate wine cellar for reds (55 degrees), separate beverage center for whites, champagne, sports drinks, soda (39 degrees). Separate walk-in wet bar for alcohol, beer, mixers, etc. in Rec Room. Separate large capacity Fridge and Chest Freezer also in Rec Room for additional storage needs.
- Dishwasher (2) : Ultra-quiet, large capacity
- Microwave (2) : Convection, also has warming oven that fits up to 12 plates, extra-large pizza, etc.
- Ice Maker
- Catering Available : Local restaurants have catering and delivery options available
- Outdoor Features
- Gas/Electric BBQ Grill : Large outdoor propane grill with side burner and extra propane tank included
- Deck/Patio (6) : 1200 sq ft. of multi-level decks showcase dunes, Lake Michigan, Pro-sand volleyball court, and Chicago skyline
- Balcony (5) : Indoor Juliette balcony overlooks loft and great room from Master Suite; 2nd Master Bedroom has a private outdoor Juliette Balcony; There are an additional 4 multi-level decks
- View/Location
- Beachfront : Only a sliver of National Lakeshore & sand trail separates you from the best "semi-private" beach on Lake Michigan! Pure sugar sand, no rocks, no muck, no algae. Sand bar out 150 feet--no undertows, no rip currents. Crystal clear, warm water.
- Lakefront : 1/3 mile from home is a boat ramp at Lake St Beach for jet skis, sea doos, sail boats, hobie cats, etc.
- Communications
- Telephone (6) : Free local and toll-free calls
- Broadband Internet : Free High Speed Internet! bring your own laptop and surf away!
- WiFi (Wireless Internet) : Free Wireless High-speed Internet--bring your own laptop and surf away!
- Other Amenities
- Pro-Sand volley ball court (Peak Season only) set to Women's Olympic specifications!
- Suitability
- Pet Friendly : Up to 3 adult, house-trained dogs are allowed for additional pest-control fees. Complete with dog crates, dog pillows beds, dog dishes, etc.
- Kid Friendly : Kids games, puzzles, sand toys, etc. included and on-site
- Minimum Age Limit for Renters : 25 years minimum age for primary licensee
- Smoking Not Allowed : No smoking allowed inside home, nor within 15 feet of any open window or door
- Activities
- Golf
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Kayaking
- Sailing
- Boating
- Waterskiing
- Parasailing
- Jet Skiing
- Swimming
- Surfing
- Windsurfing
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Cross Country Skiing
- Downhill/Alpine Skiing
- Snowboarding
- Snowmobiling
- Wildlife Viewing
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Racquetball
- Antiquing
- Live Theatre
- Horseshoes
- Miniature golf
- Shuffleboard
- Theme Park (Amusement Park)
- Fitness Center/Gym
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Museums
- Zoo/Wildlife Park
- Restaurants
- Rafting
- Shelling
- Sledding/Tubing
- Hiking
- Other Activities
- Binder provided at check in with phone numbers and addresses to all local area attractions: grocery stores, dining, candy factory tours, amusement parks, water parks, wineries, golfing, Amish Country, Casinos, outlet mall shopping, flea markets, marinas, etc.
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
See our website (see link below) for current pricing & availability.
Non-Peak 2011/12: 9/17/11-5/24/12: $1679/week, $681/any 2 nights, $156 add'l nt
Peak 2012: 5/25/12-9/16/12: $4679/wk, $2189/any 2 nights, $499/add'l night
Non-Peak 2012/13: 9/17/12-5/23/13: $1763/wk, $715/any 2 nights, $164/add'l night
Holiday Premiums for July 4, Gary Air Show, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas,
New Years, Memorial Day, and Easter
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
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Credit Cards Accepted:
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Owner's Profile
Owner Description
Year Purchased: 2008
Completed in 2008, I built the Dream Retreat and attached Guest House with all the luxuries, premium fixtures, and custom amenities in mind to truly make it a spa-like experience for relaxing as well as functional and comfortable enough for entertaining large groups of family and friends.
I’ve been designing, building, and managing commercial real estate since 2001 and finally have built my dream home for my family to live in. My family and I always look forward to coming home to "our private oasis on the beach” to escape from it all...
I truly hope you enjoy our home as much as we do. Please see MillerBeach. org and call me at (773) 264-1000 to book your chosen dates before you lose them; we fill up very fast, take credit cards, and are first come, first served.
Hope to see you soon!
Jim Pappas & Family
Why the Owner Chose Miller Beach
We chose Miller Beach, IN for several reasons. It is THE closest beach side community to Chicago (35 minutes by vehicle or South Shore Train, 60 minutes from O’hare Airport, 30 minutes from Midway Airport), is right on the Indiana Dunes National Park, and has the BEST “semi-private” sugar-sand beach around!
Our backyard and beach IS the IN Dunes National Park!
Unlike most beachfront rentals, they are crowded, noisy, and offer no privacy. There are usually neighbors right next to you on both sides which offer limited privacy and minimal relaxation. The Dream Retreat and attached Guest House are built on a quiet, cul-de-sac street, corner lot, the only house on the corner, and 350 feet from the closest neighbor! Your views to the North and East are only Lake Michigan, the Dunes, and the Chicago skyline. I also installed 6’ and 8’ privacy fences to further isolate the back yard and decks from the street.
Follow the private sand trail to the best “semi-private” beach. Since we are a full mile from the public beach, even in the heat of Peak Summer Season, there are rarely more than a handful of other families near us.
Our beach is pure sugar sand, has no rocks, no muck, no algae, nor erosion. There is a knee-high, sand bar out 150 feet. There are no under-tows or rip currents either. This is great for our little ones and we feel very safe letting them swim alone in the crystal-clear, warm waters. Also, because we are the Southern-most tip of Lake Michigan, the water gets the warmest fastest and stays the warmest the longest--even well into Autumn.
In 2009, I added an outdoor shower & Professional sand volley ball court (Peak Seasons only), set to Woman’s Olympic specs, in the back yard right off the main deck and additional privacy fencing.
How much more “one with nature” can you get, have no neighbors, enjoy ultimate luxury and privacy, and still be only 35 minutes from Chicago, one of the largest and most culturally diverse cities in the world!
The Unique Benefits of this House
One of my family's favorite places is sprawling out in the Loft on the black leather sectional sofa and watching TV with our dogs (especially when it's cold out and the wood-burning stove is cranking cozy heat!). There is also a large flip-top game table next to the sofa to play poker, do puzzles, play board games, etc.
No matter what the season, the views of Lake Michigan, the beautiful rolling dunes, trees, and dune grass of the National Park, and the Chicago Skyline are spectacular!
We also love to watch movies in the home theater in the Recreation Room; the sub woofer really shakes things up.
One of my favorite things to do is eat, so naturally, having a professional chef’s kitchen is a must! We enjoy using the two baking ovens, warming oven, 36” roasting oven, 6 sealed gas burners, red wine cellar (55 degrees), white wine/cold beverage cellar (39 degrees), island prep sink, auto-ice maker, etc. It’s Loaded!
At the end of a long day, relaxing in the outdoor Jacuzzi and star-gazing right on the National Park is a real treat. And, if the wind is really kicking up in the middle of winter and we don’t feel like braving the cold, we can enjoy the private, extra-large Jacuzzi in the master suite.
Whatever the reason, whatever the season, hopefully you will find it at all at the Dream Retreat! Please see MillerBeach. org and call me at (773) 264-1000 to book your chosen dates before you lose them; we fill up very fast, take credit cards, and are first come, first served.
Property Photos
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- 1200 sq ft of outdoor deck living & Pro-Sand Volleyball Court - Gary, Indiana Rental
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- Master Suite's Juliette Balcony Overlooking Loft and Great Room - Gary, Indiana Rental
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- Sand triail through Nat'l Park to the BEST semi-private beach on Lake Michigan! - Gary, Indiana Rental
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- Ultra-Luxury Master Suite & Bath w/ Steam Room, Jacuzzi, decks, dual vanities
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- Dream Kitchen Loaded! 3 ovens, 2 Fridges, 2 Wine Clr, Service for 16, cookware
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- Soaring 28' Wood Ceilings & Large Beams Create the Ultimate Atmosphere!
Traveler Reviews (13)
Dunes Beachfront Home
Guest: Barbara G.
Date of Stay: 12/26/11
Review Submitted: 02/01/12
We really had a wonderful time! We all had plenty of space to spread out (our girls used the 2nd floor loft space as a major sewing/craft area, and were still able to feel connected to everyone else while they worked on their projects). We had unusually mild weather for December --- it made walking on the beach in the mornings so pleasant. It was a great place for an extended family group like ours --- thanks for making it available!
Owner response:Thanks for the kind words, Barb! Glad everything worked out so well. You're welcome back anytime...See you soon!
Recommended for:
Absolutely beautiful!!!!
Guest: Reny
(Chicago, IL.)
Date of Stay: 11/10/11
Review Submitted: 01/10/12
Met with a bunch of girls who all Scrapbook. That's what we did from Thursday until Sunday in Nov. 2011. Beautiful home, beautiful location, beautiful times!! Would I do again? In a heartbeat!! Oh and did I mention the hot tub. This would be a great place for a small family reunion or maybe a New Years Eve party. Very lovely--hoping to make plans to do it again.
Recommended for:
Found a new home for our annual family trips
Guest: Tim B.
Date of Stay: 08/24/11
Review Submitted: 10/23/11
My family was looking for a new home to have our summer get-togethers since our previous one in WI was recently sold (bummer). Well, weve found it in Miller Beach and have already rebooked for next summer! Chicago was easy enough to get to for my spread-out family and it’s only about an hour from Ohara airport. We have never heard of Miller Beach prior to this vacation so we were naturally apprehensive at first. After checking out the website and speaking to the owner, Jim was spot on—the house had everything we need (info packet was especially good for stuff to do in the area and the personal tour at check-in was rare and helpful). It’s hard to find a beach house with no neighbors next door. We had no problems playing our music with neighbors or anything. The park trails, dunes, and beach are amazing! Also had a good run at the casino too (actually paid for the whole trip, ha!). Looking forward to next year already.
Owner response:Thanks Tim. Look forward to seeing you and your family this Summer!
Recommended for:
THE best of everything and something for everyone!
Guest: Alice P.
Date of Stay: 07/08/11
Review Submitted: 10/06/11
Each year my extended family tries a new location in for our family reunion. There are 25 of us so it is difficult to find a place that can comfortable accommodate us all. We definitely found it here. With the connected guest house, there was plenty of space to spread out. The stuff in the house was surprising such as DVD’s, CD’s, blender, shampoo, body wash, beach towels, etc. Free Wi-fi was a bonus! We had a great time. The walk to beach was beautiful and the sand was soft and white. Our kids had fun swimming on the shallow sandbar. I didn’t have to worry about undertows or rip-tides—very safe. We were initially concerned since Miller Beach is so close to Gary, but is actually 8 miles away. There is no reason to set foot in Gary unless you want to catch the semi-pro baseball game, the RailCats, which was a good time. Jim met us in person and gave us a tour of the premises and a binder with all the best of the stuff to do in the area: grocery store, casinos, outlet malls, hiking, golf, dining, etc. We’ve been having family reunions now for about 5 years and have never had such a relaxing time. Marty (I think that’s his name) and staff truly care and make sure that everything is set up perfectly prior to arrival. The cleanliness of the house was immaculate. We have already reserved the same week next summer. I think that says it all...we will no longer be testing other locales, etc. we’ve found what we’re looking for. I highly recommend this vacation rental!
Recommended for:
Perfect getaway for the girls!
Guest: Isabel
(Indiana)
Date of Stay: 01/28/11
Review Submitted: 02/06/11
I just recently stayed in the dream retreat for a girl's weekend and absolutly loved it! Everything was as described on the website and when talking to the owner.... Was personally greeted upon arrival and given a tour of the house and amenities. Which was a pleasent surprise compared to other properties I have stayed at. The amenities were amazing and perfect for the season....Fireplace, hot tub (one of my favorites!) Great sound system.... Beautiful kitchen any woman would dream of! The entire house was beautifully decorated....the bedrooms and bathrooms were spacious and accomodated 10 women getting ready at the same time spectacularly! No worries about forgetting anything because everything is included.....the place was also very well maintained and clean! Very Important! Area that the house was located was perfect....very private, felt like we were the only ones there....but always felt safe.... All in all we had a blast! Easy to get downtown Chicago but definetly had a blast just hanging out in this gorgeous property! Definetly found our new yearly girl's getaway vacation home! Thanks again!!!!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, girls getaway, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Excellent!!!
Guest: Brad Countrymen
(Chicago, IL.)
Date of Stay: 08/20/10
Review Submitted: 10/08/10
My wife and I rented the Main House and Guest House for a family vacation this summer and had an incredible time. Wonderful management, impeccably clean, tons of amenities! We were really blown away by the size of the house and all it had to offer, but spent the majority of the time on the beach. The water clarity and temp. were perfect. When we weren't at the beach we spent the rest of the time on the back padio playing sand volleyball court and cooking on the gas grill. Really an incredible place to spend time with the family!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, pet owners, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Beautiful, Pararadise-like setting and home!
Guest: jack1965
(Cleveland, OH)
Date of Stay: 02/07/10
Review Submitted: 05/05/10
From the moment we arrived until the time we left was pure bliss and convenience. It was our family reunion and we usually try out a new home/location each year. I don't think we'll be looking elsewhere and plan to come back next year already. A person gave us a tour on check-in (never before). I couldn't believe they have about 300 DVDs for us to watch! The poker and large game table were also a huge hit for the kids. The best part was hanging out in the loft watching movies on the large sofa and enjoying the heat and smell of burning wood in the fireplace.
Owner response:it was a pleasure having you...see you next year!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, pet owners, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Awesome Experience...Best Vacation Yet!
Guest: jack1965
(Cleveland, OH)
Date of Stay: 03/28/10
Review Submitted: 04/23/10
talk about amenities!...everything is included and readily accessible right down to all linens, huge selection of DVDs, CDs, and books, firewood, kids games, poker table and chips! We've stayed at many vacation rentals over the past decade (we are a large family (approx 22 people) and have annual reunions. We decided to focus on Miller Beach due to its fabulous sand, climbing dunes, trails, National Park, etc. We couldn't have made a wiser choice. Our kids loved walking the dogs on the beach, we love mountain biking on the trails right behind the home, and relaxing after a day of "fun" in front of the wood-burning stove with a nice glass of wine. The staff was incredibly responsive and actually met us on-site to give us a guided tour of the grounds and give us the keys--we never had that level of service--usually the keys are mailed and you're left to fend for yourselves in the dark...not here. OUr security deposit was promptly returned. We have already booked for the same time next year and see no reason to go elsewhere. If you're looking for a totally relaxing, luxury experience, look no further.
Owner response:So glad you have a nice vacation...you're welcome back any time!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, people with disabilities, sightseeing, pet owners, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Family Vacation Review
Guest: kristeng
(Cincinnati)
Date of Stay: 04/15/10
Review Submitted: 04/22/10
We had a terrific family vacation at this rental! The house was very clean and spacious and easily accommodated all 17 of us (plus our 3 dogs). The views were lovely and the breeze off the lake was delightful. We all slept very well on the comfy matresses and airbeds. We loved walking around Marquette Park (right next to the property) and especially enjoyed the fact that the beach was pretty much ours this time of year! The owners had a great collection of CD's, games and movies. There were a few ticks to contend with but that didn't deter us from thoroughly enjoying the accommodations.
Owner response:Thank you Kristen. It was a pleasure having you and your family spend your vacation with us and hope you come back real soon! A word on the ticks...yes, they are present in the IN Dunes National Park. Based on your feedback, we have since had an exterminator spray the perimter of the compound to kill and keep them, mosquitos, and other pests away. The tick season here at the Dunes usually starts in Mid-April and ends in early June. Please contan Jim for more informations. Thanks again!
Recommended for:Tourists without a car, pet owners, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 11/10/09
Review Submitted: 11/10/09
This home is unbelievable! Very rarely do I feel so inclined to leave feedback online, but my party had such an enjoyable time, I felt it necessary. The many levels and rooms allowed our large group to spread out when needed, however, the common areas were big enough to gather as a group (i.e, gather around the big island near the wood burning stove in the kitchen, etc.) The Master Suite was breathtaking. Its open floor plan, separate vanities, enormous jacuzzi tub, and steam shower really made it feel like a spa. There was also a giant balcony that wrapped all the way around the suite and had incredible lake and Park views. There was literally no detail that went unattended to. Home theatre and tons of DVD movies to choose from were really surprising, and theater recliners were comfortable. Bedding and towels were plentiful and game cabinet was well stocked. You honestly don't need to pack a thing, this place has it all!
Recommended for:
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #155273
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