Private Wooded Acre, Soaring Windows in Nat’l Park, 2 blocks to the beach
Find your Zen at 5 Star rated Playa Zen North and experience the quiet healing power of nature. This beautiful 3 Bed/2 Bath spacious, modern home offers a one-of-a kind immersion in natural beauty, with soaring 15 foot windows overlooking an acre of wooded dunes in a park-like setting less than two blocks from the beach. Soak in the giant tub for two with a massive window, facing your private woods. The only sounds you’ll hear are birds, rustling leaves, and waves of Lake Michigan. Pups welcome!
Your friends and family will enjoy 15 ft. tall windows with a spectacular view, modern well equipped kitchen, open living space, stone fire pit under the trees, a large deck, family room with 80 inch smart tv, and a beautiful outdoor fire pit to hang out on those cooler nights.
Each bedroom features hotel quality mattresses for a comfortable night's rest after your day in the Dunes. Enjoy a relaxing soak in the giant tub for two in the primary bath or an invigorating shower with luxurious rain showerheads in both bathrooms.
Bring the pups and let them run free through an acre of private woods, there's even a dog access door that you can open or close depending on your preference.
Check out the extensive art collection from mostly local artists. One of Miller Beach’s oldest restaurants (with great Lake perch, steaks, and chops!) is walkable- less than a block away!
This nature lovers' retreat is surrounded by the nation’s newest national park to the east and west, and Lake Michigan to the north.
Bring your hiking boots: Miller Woods and Douglas Dunes- part of the nation’s newest national park- offer birding trails and specialty hikes in all seasons.
Hitting the trail is a great way to experience winter scenes at the Dunes. All trails are open for winter hiking except the Pinhook Bog Trail (the Upland Trail is open). The Paul H. Douglas Trail, Cowles Bog Trail, and West Beach Trails offer a variety of difficulty levels to experience winter hiking in the park. Experience a moonlight hike along the ridge of West Beach trail, one of over twenty nature trails traversing spectacular dunes and ethereal moonscapes.
Enjoy cross country skiing, snow shoeing or sledding in the National Park. At the end of the day, a bonfire under the stars or in the cozy indoor fireplace will be the perfect nightcap- bring the s'mores!
Whether you venture out into the surrounding parks or simply stay in, under the trees, you’ll leave feeling refreshed, enriched, and grounded the way nature intended.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
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Quiet time 10pm - 8am, the house is in a quiet neighborhood, please respect the neighbors. No more than 4 cars on the property.
Absolutely no smoking - Subject to $500 cleaning fee
Absolutely no parties - Subject to $1000 fee
If you bring your furry family members, please clean up after them
Important information
You need to know
This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Note from host: $1000 fine for violation
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
About the area
Gary
Located on a river, this holiday home is in Miller Beach, a neighbourhood in Gary. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Indiana Dunes National Park and Lake Michigan. Marshall J. Gardner Center for the Arts and Deep River Water Park are also worth visiting.
Indiana Dunes National Park - 16 min walk - 1.4 km
Marquette Beach - 2 min drive - 1.8 km
Getting around
Portage - Ogden Dunes Train to Chicago - 7 min drive
Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) - 65 min drive
Restaurants
7-Eleven - 9 min drive
McDonald's - 8 min drive
Denny's - 10 min drive
Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen - 9 min drive
Beach Box - 6 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Private Wooded Acre, Soaring Windows in Nat’l Park, 2 blocks to the beach pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 3 total). Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.
How much does it cost to stay at Private Wooded Acre, Soaring Windows in Nat’l Park, 2 blocks to the beach?
As of 8 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Private Wooded Acre, Soaring Windows in Nat’l Park, 2 blocks to the beach on 4 Jun 2026 start from £250, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Private Wooded Acre, Soaring Windows in Nat’l Park, 2 blocks to the beach?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Private Wooded Acre, Soaring Windows in Nat’l Park, 2 blocks to the beach?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Private Wooded Acre, Soaring Windows in Nat’l Park, 2 blocks to the beach?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Private Wooded Acre, Soaring Windows in Nat’l Park, 2 blocks to the beach located?
Located in Miller Beach, this holiday home is within 1 mile (2 km) of Marquette Park, Lake Michigan and Indiana Dunes National Park. East Shoreline and Indian Boundary Park are also within 10 minutes.
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Beautiful property, wonderfully maintained with everything we needed. We loved all the fun artwork, games and being so close to the beach. Would definitely recommend!
Beautiful place. You can feel the love that the hosts put into it and you'll want for nothing. Close to the beach with great foresty outdoor space. Host was a pleasure to work with. Miller Beach is a treasure, and this charming house is an ideal way to experience it!
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay. The house was beautiful and so well stocked with everything we needed. The beds were very comfortable. Highly recommended.
We enjoyed our stay. From running on the beach, to hiking the dunes the house was a great hub to return to. Great location if you want to hit Chicago and the National park in one trip.
Overall, the home’s interior was beautiful and clean. However, the exterior yard could use some cleaning/maintenance.
Gary D.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Jul 2022
Gary - thank you so much for your stay and for your constructive feedback! We have had a landscaping crew standing by to work on the yard area for several weeks - we just needed a day or two where the home wasn't booked! We've had such an overwhelming response to Playa Zen North and have been working to accommodate all of the requests - good problem to have I guess :-)
But yes, since your stay, the crew has come in and done a bunch of "spring cleaning" to the yard. Thanks again for your stay and your feedback!
The house's common areas are well suited for group togetherness and the kitchen is well stocked. The highlight was walking to the clean, nearly empty beach not just to swim but also just to see sunset.
The house was well appointed and was decorated well and the views of the mature trees was relaxing. The beds were comfortable. An enormous tub with a large window that looks out on the private property was delightful for me. The outside patio was large and comfortable and there are two fire pits. The neighborhood was very quiet and clean. We brought our dog and didn’t have to worry about her as the yard is fenced. The walk to the beach was hilly and, as one would expect, the walk from the across the soft, clean sand was a workout. I can’t imagine anyone who has difficulty walking could manage.
Had a great stay over Thanksgiving, the kitchen had everything for cooking a great meal. The living room/kitchen is perfect for enabling family to spread out a bit and still be in the same area, and the view through the trees was wonderful! The nearby grocery store has all the basics but if you need specialty items you might want to bring those along. Easy walking distance to the beach! Would love to stay here again!
Very nice house. One i wish i could retire there. Had everything u needed. My grandkids and my son loved it. Alot of room to move around. Would highly recommend.
Playa Zen Miller Beach House is a beautifully decorated home which inspires peace, relaxation and calmness. We especially enjoyed a family of deer visited us everyday. If you are looking to disconnect and reconnect with yourself and loved ones, this is the place. We also enjoyed the Indiana Dunes Park which was less than a 10 min drive.
Raquel P.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 28 May 2022
Raquel, thank you so much for your kind words! I’m really glad that you enjoyed your stay and I hope we can host you again soon!
The home is so wonderful and the surroundings peaceful. So close to the beach. The host is truly exceptional. We had a wonderful time. We will be back. Thank you.
The vacation home near Miller Beach in IN was comfortable and great a place to stay while we explored the Dunes and beaches. It was well stocked with everything from complete kitchen to linens and laundry as well as relaxing entertaininment via streaming TVs. We enjoyed the fire pit outdoors creating s'mores and memories of a wonderful time together. Our hostess was available to answer questions and guide us through this lovely area. Thanks for sharing your home!
One of the most gracious host. One of the most scenic and exquisite properties. Absolutely tastefully decorated from the linens from the Hyatt appliances to the nice stemware to the exceptional utensils. Everything just amazing I would definitely stay here again and plan on it and suggest everyone to book this property. Sending love from Minneapolis and New York City. Definitely enjoyed the stay during a time of grievance.
We enjoyed our stay. Good location for exploring the Indiana Dunes and just a few blocks from the beach. We took our dogs there every night at sunset. Beautiful! Owner was very responsive to our queries and very determined to make sure we had what we needed. We had a lovely fire in the fire pit one night. Although we were in a residential area, the adjacent woods made the yard feel quite private.
My wife and I spent Christmas together with friends at this house. The setting was wonderful by a warm fire in a fantastic space. We made good use of the kitchen and the dining area and did not find them wanting. We watched some movies together and the place was very well equipped for this, too. We're thinking of coming again during warmer weather when we might make use of the outdoor spaces as well.
Nathaniel R.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Jan 2022
Thanks so much for your kind words Nate - I’m so glad you enjoyed your stay over the holiday! Please come back anytime 😊
About the host
Hosted by Jill Bellak
I love to travel and experience living like a local in short term rental properties. After doing this for years, I decided to start hosting others. Being a host is a fantastic experience and it's important to me to ensure all of my guests have a fabulous stay!
Why they chose this property
Playa Zen North is a special place in the woods of Miller Beach. It's unusual in that it's only two blocks from Lake Michigan yet extremely private. We renovated the home, down to the studs, to maximize the beautiful surrounding nature. It's a very peaceful place :-)
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests