Garden Getaway: Charming Lower Level Apartment

Located in the heart of downtown Valparaiso, guests will love this updated, cozy, lower-level apartment! (Please note the low ceilings in certain areas!) Walk to fabulous restaurants, local shops, or breweries and wineries in minutes. This unit has been updated & fully stocked with room to sleep three. You'll be 25 minutes from Lake Michigan/Dunes National Park, an hour from Chicago, & close to quaint towns and apple/berry picking orchards.

To avoid any confusion, potential guests should thoroughly read ALL information below before requesting to book. (I promise that the info below will better prepare you for your trip and answer 99% of your questions!) ;) Thank you!

Convenience meets relaxation and historic charm! This adorable vacation rental allows guests the choice of cooking their own meal in a fully stocked kitchen, or simply walking to any of the wonderful local restaurants to experience a variety of delicious cuisines.

This unit is a garden (lower level/basement) apartment, within a historic home, which also hosts other long-term tenants and other travelers. After entering a shared side porch, inputting an entry code and going downstairs, guests will have their own dedicated space. The only other shared areas are the outdoors and the laundry room. The apartment itself (bedroom, kitchen, living area, etc.) is yours completely and is not shared with anyone outside of your group. Keyless entry allows an easy self check-in, and you will be greeted with a manual of suggestions for local restaurants and fun things to do nearby.

*Please note: This lower-level apartment contains low ceiling areas and low door frames. Guests over 5' 9" will need to be mindful of the low living room soffit (see pic) and low door frames. For taller guests, I recommend clicking on my profile to view the other options (with more headspace) that I host in this home, as well as other units in nearby Chesterton.

The house itself was built in 1861 and has gone through numerous updates throughout the last 150+ years; the latest update being in 2023.

SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS:
The apartment sleeps up to 3 people in the following areas:
-Master Bedroom: 2 people (queen bed)
-Living Room: 1 person (twin bed, pictured as a day bed)

BATHROOMS:
There is one full bathroom (with a tub).

KITCHEN:
The kitchen includes a stainless-steel sink, quartz counter tops, fridge & freezer, gas stove/oven, microwave, toaster, coffee maker, hand mixer and blender. Cookware, dishware and spices/cooking oils are provided, along with coffee, tea, and sweeteners. There is a small table with 3 chairs just outside the kitchen for dining.

DESKS/WORK AREAS:
A desk is available for work; guests would simply need to bring their own computer to plug in. WiFi is provided.

TECHNOLOGY:
--A smart TV is provided with access to Netflix/Hulu, etc. Simply input your login credentials to access.
--Wifi is provided.

LAUNDRY ROOM
--A washer/dryer is available for your use (free) in the basement. Note: the laundry room is a shared space.

HEATING/COOLING
The house has a boiler heating system with radiators. Because this unit is a garden level unit, it rarely gets too warm, or too cool. Regardless, an AC window unit is available and controlled by you, along and portable fans for warmer months. An electric faux fireplace heater and another portable space heaters are available if needed during cooler months. Dehumidifiers are also on site.

PARKING:
Free street parking is plentiful in front of and on the side of the house, as well as the back driveway. It is best to park in the back driveway as it is closest to the entrance to the garden apartment. Only 1 guest car may park in the back driveway.

EXTRAS:
*Guests will be provided with:
-Shampoo
-Conditioner
-Body wash
-Hand soap
-Laundry soap and dryer sheets
-Dish soap
-Paper Towel
-Toilet Paper
-Garbage bags and cleaning supplies
-Bath and beach towels
-Sheets, pillows, blankets
-Coffee/tea and sweetener
*Additional items available for your use:
-Nearly anything you would find in a standard kitchen (Ex: pots and pans, dishware, blender, serving bowls, etc.)
-Blowdryer

SOUNDS:
While here, you may hear:
-Me, upstairs in the apartment above you
-Church bells
-The downtown train
-The hustle and bustle of the downtown area/sidewalk chatter
-Live music from nearby restaurants/bars/Central Park Plaza
I have provided sound makers in case any of these noises are bothersome for light sleepers.

SAFETY NOTES:
1. This home is NOT baby-proofed. (We do not have outlet blockers, no furniture is strapped to walls, stairs do not have gates, there are no safety locks on cabinets, etc.) Children must be accompanied by adults at all times, and guests are responsible for the safety of their children.
2. The stairs are somewhat steep and narrow (the house was built in 1861!). Guests must descend down a full flight of stairs to get into the unit—Those who are not able bodied will NOT be able to easily navigate the home; although the house was updated, the age of the house does not render it handicap equipped.

ADDITIONAL INFO:
While I am happy to welcome guests of all backgrounds, I will only be accepting booking requests from:

--AirBnB users who are "verified" and who already have multiple positive reviews from other hosts. (A fully refundable $500 security deposit is required from guests who have no reviews. The $500 is returned once the cleaning crew confirms there are no damages, and the apartment is in good condition.)
--Renters that are above the age of 25.
--Renters who are NOT bringing pets. No pets allowed.
--A maximum of 3 guests per reservation. Extra guests are not allowed.
—I value my relationship with my neighbors and fellow tenants, so events/gathering/parties are not to be held by guests. In order to keep the unit in excellent condition for future guests, I am firm on these rules. I apologize for this inconvenience and thank you for your understanding.

While I do tend to be a “hands off” host, please note that I will also be in the unit above during your stay.

CHECK-IN INFO:
--Guests who book will receive detailed check-in instructions on the morning of their scheduled arrival. All of this will be communicated through AirBnB messenger.
--A manual with favorite local attractions will be provided. Please let me know if you’d like this in advance. I have tons of recommendations and love to support the best local businesses.
--Please note that Valparaiso is on Central Standard Time (CST), the same as Chicago. Check-in is between 4 and 7 p.m.; check-out is at 10 a.m. (unless other arrangements have been made with me).
--My cancellation policy is moderate.