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Modern Lakeview Retreat; Steps to Beach, Chefs Kitchen, Terraces & 3 bathrooms!

Photo gallery for Modern Lakeview Retreat; Steps to Beach, Chefs Kitchen, Terraces & 3 bathrooms!

A covered outdoor seating area with a wooden table and two sofas, overlooking a residential neighborhood.
A modern kitchen with a large island, pendant lighting, and a view of the outdoors.
A modern kitchen with a central island, a dining area with a wooden table and chairs, and a view of greenery outside.
A modern interior with a white sofa, wooden coffee table, and a wooden accent wall.
A modern kitchen with a central island, stainless steel appliances, and a dining area with a view.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Top rated beach location
    Discover paradise at this top rated beach location.
  • Your private spa moment
    A rare find — soak and unwind in the jetted bathtub.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
  • Discover nearby landmarks
    Near Indiana Dunes National Park
4 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 8

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning
  • Barbecue grill
  • Deck or patio

Explore the area

View in a map
Gary, IN
  • Place, Marquette Park
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, East Shoreline
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Indiana Dunes National Park
    ‪16 min walk‬
  • Airport, Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.)
    ‪58 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Queen Lakeview bedroom with en suite bathroom

1 Queen Bed

Sunny King bed with en suite bathroom

1 King Bed

Upper level king bedroom(2) with shared bath

1 King Bed

Upper level queen bedroom(1) with shared bath

1 Queen Bed

3 bathrooms

En Suite bathroom for Queen Lakeview bedroom

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only · Jetted bathtub · Shampoo · Hair dryer

En Suite for King bedroom

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Upper Level Shared Bath

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Kitchenette
Dining area

About this property

Modern Lakeview Retreat; Steps to Beach, Chefs Kitchen, Terraces & 3 bathrooms!

Live the good life!

Welcome to Casa Buena Vida—your beautifully renovated 4-bedroom, 3-bath retreat overlooking the lake. Designed for effortless gatherings and peaceful escapes, this modern haven has everything you need to relax, connect, and explore nature.

Whether you’re planning a summer beach trip, a fall hiking getaway, or a winter holiday retreat, Casa Buena Vida is your perfect escape. Enjoy:

Excellent location:
* Steps to the beach and scenic hiking trails in nearby state and national parks

* Lovely lake views from multiple terraces and porches


Indoor/outdoor living:
* A screened porch and upper and lower terraces perfect for morning coffee or sunset cocktails

* A fire pit area to gather under the stars (wood and firestarters provided to make things easy)

* Weber Genesis 4-burner grill with a searing station for memorable meals together

4 comfortable bedrooms and 3 bathrooms:

* Lower-level suite with a king bed, private ensuite bathroom, soaking tub, and walkout terrace

* Additional lower-level bedroom with a split king bed and private ensuite bathroom

* Two upstairs bedrooms (king and queen) sharing a spacious bathroom


Chef’s kitchen & dining:

* LG double oven and cooktop

* Fully stocked cookware, bakeware, and a KitchenAid stand mixer for those who love to bake

* Large dining table for 8, perfect for shared meals and conversation


Beach-ready amenities:

* Beach towels, chairs, small cooler, umbrellas, and a cart to make your days by the water easy and fun

Dedicated workspace:

* Adjustable standing desk, extra monitor, fast fiber internet, and wireless printer

Extras for your comfort:

* Board games, puzzles, cards, poker chips

* Large Samsung washer and dryer

* Driveway parking for 4 vehicles

Seasonal Highlights:
Casa Buena Vida is a wonderful retreat year-round. In late summer and fall, you can enjoy warm days and fewer crowds—perfect for long hikes and relaxing beach afternoons. Winter transforms the nearby parks into a peaceful escape, and the home is an ideal setting for Thanksgiving dinners, holiday gatherings, or simply cozy nights by the fire.

Casa Buena Vida isn’t just a place to stay—it’s a space created for connection, good food, and time together. Whether you’re spending the day at the beach, hiking nearby trails, or cooking a big meal, we hope you feel right at home and inspired to make wonderful memories.

Guest Access
Guests have access to the entire home, including all four bedrooms, three bathrooms, the fully equipped kitchen, dedicated workspace, and all private outdoor spaces—screened porch, terraces, grill area, and fire pit. You’ll have complete privacy throughout your stay.

Other Things to Note

* Completely Renovated: Casa Buena Vida was fully renovated with all new finishes and furnishings, completed in 2023.

* Dedicated Workspace: Adjustable standing desk with wireless charging, USB ports, extra monitor, and wireless printer.

* Beach Gear: Towels, chairs, umbrellas, and a cart provided.

* Parking: Driveway parking for 4 vehicles.

* Laundry: LG washer and dryer located on the upper level.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
The house was designed for adults.
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Start the dishwasher
Take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Please also: - Shake out beach chairs, towels and beach cart to reduce sand - Hang beach chairs in their original location.
- Take out kitchen trash (use the 3 trash bins next to the parking area)
Lock all doors. For Downstairs French doors: push doors completely closed. Rotate both handles up (like bunny ears). Return to start location. Turn lock.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Strict max of 8 people at all times. No unregistered guests, events, or parties. Quiet hours 9pm–10am.
No fireworks on the property or on the streets in front/behind the property. Wildfires are a concern in this area as is the noise for neighbors.
No pets allowed. This is a non-smoking house.

Important information

You need to know

Property # 3358201vb
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
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

About the area

Gary

Located on a lake, 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. Discover the area's water adventures with nearby sailing, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking/biking trails.
Map
Gary, IN

What's nearby

  • Marquette Park - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • East Shoreline - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Indian Boundary Park - 13 min walk - 1.1 km
  • Indiana Dunes National Park - 16 min walk - 1.4 km
  • Marquette Beach - 3 min drive - 2.2 km

Getting around

  • Portage - Ogden Dunes Train to Chicago - 6 min drive
  • Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) - 63 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Family Express Ameriplex - ‬9 min drive
  • McDonald's
  • ‪Culver's - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Wendy's - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Beach Box - ‬6 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Modern Lakeview Retreat; Steps to Beach, Chefs Kitchen, Terraces & 3 bathrooms! pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Modern Lakeview Retreat; Steps to Beach, Chefs Kitchen, Terraces & 3 bathrooms!?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Modern Lakeview Retreat; Steps to Beach, Chefs Kitchen, Terraces & 3 bathrooms!?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Modern Lakeview Retreat; Steps to Beach, Chefs Kitchen, Terraces & 3 bathrooms!?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Modern Lakeview Retreat; Steps to Beach, Chefs Kitchen, Terraces & 3 bathrooms! located?

Located in Miller Beach, this holiday home is steps away from Marquette Park and Lake Michigan. Indiana Dunes National Park is 0.9 mi (1.5 km) away.

About the host

Hosted by Emily Moreno

Host profile image
My father is from Colombia and my mother is Greek, so hospitality is in my DNA. I grew up in Chicago in a family where cooking, gathering, and making people feel welcome were part of everyday life.

I’ve been traveling since childhood to visit family abroad, and my sister and I have spent our adult lives exploring the world—often by eating our way through markets, trying new recipes, and connecting with people over a shared meal. Those experiences inspired me to create a place that feels both welcoming and special.

I designed Casa Buena Vida as a place to bring people together. The open kitchen and spacious countertops were inspired by countless dinners with friends and family, where everyone could cook side by side (and there was plenty of room for sous chefs!). I wanted it to be more than a beach house—I wanted it to feel like a retreat where you can relax, reconnect, and enjoy the good life.

Casa Buena Vida was fully renovated in 2023 with care and intention. From the terraces overlooking the lake to the comfortable bedrooms with ensuite baths, every detail reflects my love of spaces that feel thoughtfully prepared and easy to enjoy.

Though I likely won’t meet you in person during your stay, my hope is that the house feels warm, comfortable, and thoughtfully prepared—a place where you can make wonderful memories with the people who matter most.

When I’m not hosting or planning my next adventure, I work in IT and spend as much time as I can outdoors—hiking, cycling, or simply soaking up the beauty of everyday life.

I look forward to sharing this special place with you.

Why they chose this property

Miller Beach is close to Chicago and somehow feels as far away as you can get. The State and National parks here are beautiful in every season, with endless trails and quiet places to explore. I love the wide water views and how the sky changes at sunset—it’s always different and always beautiful. It’s a place where you can slow down, enjoy nature, and feel refreshed.

What makes this property unique

I’ve stayed in many vacation rentals with friends and family and often found they weren’t really set up for groups—never enough chairs, dishes, or room in the fridge for all the food and drinks. When I designed Casa Buena Vida, those details were a priority.

The house was completely renovated in 2023 to be both welcoming and practical. The kitchen has lots of counter space, a big dining table, and two beverage fridges so everyone’s food and drinks fit comfortably. Two bedrooms have ensuite bathrooms, which makes sharing the space with friends or extended family feel easy.

Guests often tell me they love how many thoughtful touches there are, from beach chairs and blankets to the cozy spots to gather or find a little quiet time. One of my favorite things, all year round, is sitting on the porch or by the windows to watch the colors of the sky and lake at sunset—no two evenings ever look the same.

The location is also special—just a short, beautiful walk to the beach and close to hiking trails in the state and national parks. In summer, it’s perfect for swimming and relaxing. In fall, it’s peaceful and uncrowded. In winter, it becomes a cozy retreat where you can cook, play games, and watch the lake change with the weather.

Past guests have called Casa Buena Vida “the best place we’ve stayed,” “beautifully designed for families,” and “thoughtfully prepared with everything we needed.” I look forward to sharing this space with you and hope you feel at home here. May it help you slow down, reconnect, and enjoy every season.

Languages:

English, Spanish
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