Cozy Casa: Downtown Digs!

Located in the heart of downtown Valparaiso, guests will love this updated, historic charmer! Walk to fabulous restaurants, local shops, or breweries & wineries in minutes. This unit has been fully updated and fully stocked with room to sleep 6. You'll be 25 minutes from the beaches of Lake Michigan/Indiana Dunes National Park, an hour from Chicago, and close to quaint towns and apple/berry picking orchards. This space is perfect for families & friends who want to relax or adventure outdoors!

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! (ADDITIONAL PHOTOS TO BE POSTED ON 7/1)

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 an apartment, within a historic home, which hosts two other long-term tenants. After entering a shared foyer and going up a set of curved stairs, guests will have their own dedicated space completely. The only other shared area is the basement washer/dryer. The apartment itself (bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, sunporch, 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.

The house itself was built in 1861 and has gone through numerous updates throughout the last 150+ years; the latest update being in 2022.

SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS:
The apartment sleeps up to 6 people in the following areas:
-Master Bedroom: 2 people (Queen bed)
-Living Room: 2 People (Daybed w/full mattress)
-Sunporch/bedroom: 2 people (Queen bed)
*Please note: Sun porch is NOT airconditioned. Fans are supplied to redirect
cooled kitchen air on to the sunporch.

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

KITCHEN/DINING:
The kitchen includes a stainless-steel sink, quartz counter tops, new fridge/freezer, new stove, microwave, toaster, coffee maker, and blender. Dishware and spices/cooking oils are provided, along with coffee, tea, and sweeteners. Dining area seats 4 to 6.

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.
--Wifi is provided.
--The house has a boiler heating system with radiators throughout. Window AC units are controlled by you. If you do not want to utilize the devices, you can simply turn them off.
--A washer/dryer is available for your use (free) in the basement.

HEATING/COOLING
The house is on a boiler system with radiators for heat during the cooler months. There are 3 portable AC window units, for cooling during warmer months, along with 3 portable room fans. The sunporch with queen bed is NOT air conditioned. Fans may be used here.

PARKING:
Free street parking is plentiful in front and on the side of the house.

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.)
-Blow dryer

SOUNDS:
While here, you may hear:
-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.) Some windows are low to the ground where curious kids could easily get out. Children must be accompanied by adults at all times, and guests are responsible for the safety of their children.
2. The stairs are steep (the house was built in 1861!). Guests must climb 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 in 2020, 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 6 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” hosts, please note that I will also be in the lower unit 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 our 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 11 p.m.; check-out is at 10 a.m. (unless other arrangements have been made with me).
--My cancellation policy is moderate.