10/10 Excellent
Brian B.
2 Sept 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Best house in Miller Beach!
Brian B.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
Entire home
Lakeview Retreat—Modern 4BR Steps to Beach, Chefs Kitchen, Fire Pit, Terraces!
Photo gallery for Lakeview Retreat—Modern 4BR Steps to Beach, Chefs Kitchen, Fire Pit, Terraces!
Reviews
10 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 81900 sq ft
Popular amenities
Explore the area
8716 Pine Ave, Gary, IN, 46403
- Marquette Park3 min walk
- Ogden Dunes Beach9 min drive
- West Beach9 min drive
- Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.)57 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
Lakeview Retreat—Modern 4BR Steps to Beach, Chefs Kitchen, Fire Pit, Terraces!
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: Large Samsung washer and dryer located on the upper level.
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: Large Samsung washer and dryer located on the upper level.
Property manager
Emily Moreno
Languages
English, Spanish
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Amenities
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
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House Rules
Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM
Children
Children allowed: ages 0–17
The house was designed for adults.
Events
No events allowed
Pets
No pets allowed
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.
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
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
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. Deep River Water Park and Team Combat LIVE are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with nearby sailing, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking.
8716 Pine Ave, Gary, IN, 46403
What's nearby
- Marquette Park - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
- Marquette Beach - 3 min drive - 1.8 km
- Ogden Dunes Beach - 9 min drive - 5.6 km
- West Beach - 9 min drive - 4.2 km
- Portage Lakefront Beach - 12 min drive - 9.1 km
Getting around
Restaurants
- Flying J Travel Center - 10 min drive
- John T McCutcheon Travel Plaza - 15 min drive
- Dairy Queen - 10 min drive
- Denny's - 9 min drive
- McDonald's - 7 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window10/10
Cleanliness
10/10
Check-in
10/10
Communication
10/10
Location
10/10
Listing accuracy
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Bob H.
18 Jul 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Family beach vacation
Bob H.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
Joseph D.
8 Jul 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful home
Joseph D.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023
10/10 Excellent
Christa Y.
12 Aug 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect Trip
Christa Y.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024
About the host
Hosted by Emily Moreno
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.
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.
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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