6,000+ sq ft historic lakefront estate on Long Lake in Valparaiso, Indiana.
Private beach. Pontoon boat. Hot tub. Sleeps a max. of 30 guests. Parking for 20. Near Indiana Dunes, 45 min from SW Michigan and 1 hr from Chicago.
Originally built as the Long Lake Hotel, this restored estate blends historic character with modern comfort. Designed for family reunions and adult friend gatherings, this is a private destination built for reconnecting.
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Plan a 3–5 Night Stay
Many guests initially book a weekend and later wish they had planned longer. There's more to do here than most expect, and the location makes it easy to build a full itinerary.
Day 1: Settle Into Lake Life
Arrive, unpack and let the pace slow down. Spend the afternoon on your private beach, take out the kayaks or paddleboards, or simply relax along the shore. In the evening, grill dinner on the patio and watch the sunset over Long Lake before ending the night in the hot tub.
Day 2: Explore the Indiana Dunes
Drive to Indiana Dunes National Park for a full day of Lake Michigan beaches, hiking trails and sweeping dune views. Families can swim and picnic along the shoreline, while active guests can climb dunes or explore wooded trails. Return home for a relaxed lakeside dinner.
Day 3: Downtown Valparaiso & Local Parks
Spend the morning in downtown Valparaiso. Children love the splash pad and open space at Central Park Plaza, and there are walking trails and playgrounds throughout the Valpo Parks system. Browse local shops, enjoy coffee or lunch, and return for an afternoon on the lake.
During the summer season, the Chesterton European Market offers open-air shopping, artisan food and live music.
Day 4: Chicago or SW Michigan
Take the South Shore Line train into Chicago for a day of shopping on Michigan Avenue, Millennium Park, theatre or dining. Families may enjoy Navy Pier, museums or the lakefront trail.
Prefer a quieter drive? Head north toward New Buffalo and explore SW Michigan wine country before returning to your private lake retreat.
Or skip the travel entirely and dedicate a full day to boating. The 23-foot Bennington pontoon is available for use with a daily rental fee, giving your group flexibility throughout your stay.
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Sleeping & Layout
The home comfortably accommodates large groups in a way most lake properties cannot.
• 6 private bedrooms
• 2 shared sleeping areas
• 6.5 bathrooms
• Large sunroom overlooking the lake
• Multiple indoor gathering areas
• Outdoor patio and lawn spaces
• Garage loft “Teen Suite” available upon request (no additional cost)
• Maximum overnight occupancy: 30 guests
The layout works well for grandparents, couples, families with children and mixed-age groups who want both privacy and shared space.
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Detailed Sleeping Configuration
Bedroom 1 (Main Level, Accessible)
• King bed (sleeps 2). Ensuite with claw-foot tub, shower and dual sinks.
• Walk-in closet, TV.
• Sleeper sofa in adjacent living room (sleeps 2).
Bedroom 2 (Main Level, Accessible)
• King bed (sleeps 2). Ensuite bath. Private exterior access.
• Additional oven/stove, sink and counter space.
Bedroom 3 (Upper Level)
• King bed (sleeps 2) + sleeper sofa (sleeps 2). Ensuite bath with dual sinks and bidet. Lake view.
Bedroom 4 (Upper Level)
• Queen bed (sleeps 2). Shared bath with jacuzzi tub. Lake view.
Bedroom 5 (Upper Level)
• King bed (sleeps 2) + sleeper sofa (sleeps 2). Shared bath with jacuzzi tub. Lake view.
Bedroom 6 (Lower Level Bunk House)
• Three bunk beds with trundles (sleeps 9) + sleeper sofa (sleeps 2). Ensuite bath. French doors to lawn.
Bedroom 7 (Garden Suite)
• Second-floor efficiency unit with separate exterior stairs. Full bed (sleeps 2). Ensuite bath. Kitchenette. Private deck.
Bedroom 8 (Teen Suite – Garage Loft)
• Three queen beds (sleeps 6). Climate controlled. Bathroom access in main house. Available upon request at no additional cost.
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Kitchen Spaces
Primary Kitchen
• Island seating
• Breakfast nook seating 8
• Two dishwashers
• Oven/stove
• Refrigerator w/ ice maker
• Reverse osmosis water
• Fully stocked cookware and dishes
Prep Kitchen (Bedroom 2 Suite)
• Sink, counters, oven/stove
• Ideal for catering or overflow cooking
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Lakefront Amenities
• Private beach and dock
• 23-foot Bennington pontoon with 50HP Yamaha motor, fits 10 + driver
• Pontoon rental $350/day
• Fishing boat available (seasonal, separate fee; fishing gear not included)
• Beach towels provided
• Canoe, kayaks and paddleboards (canoe and kayaks may be used outside of boating season, weather permitting)
• Swim pad and lake floats
• Outdoor hot tub (fits 6)
• Outdoor shower
• Grill and patio
• Sculpted gardens, fountain and pond
• 65-acre private lake
**Please note that the pontoon boat is generally available from mid May to mid October. If you have questions about its availability during your stay, please reach out!
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Comfort & Practical Details
• High-speed Wi-Fi
• Smart TVs
• Central AC and heat
• Washer and dryer
• Parking for up to 20 vehicles
• Outdoor security cameras (none inside)
• No pets
• No smoking indoors
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Entrances & Property Layout
The property includes three main levels (upper, main and lower), plus two additional sleeping spaces located just outside the primary footprint of the home.
The Garden Suite is a second-floor efficiency with its own exterior staircase and entry. It connects to the main house via the upper-level outdoor balcony.
The Teen Suite is located above the detached garage across the driveway. It's climate controlled and accessed via interior garage stairs. Bathroom facilities are located in the main house.
The lower-level bunk house has its own exterior access to the lawn in addition to interior access.
All doors have locks.
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Important Safety Notes
• Lake and watercraft use at guest’s own risk
• Barefoot walking outdoors discouraged
• Fireplace seasonal use restrictions
• Fire pits permitted; guests responsible for proper extinguishing
• Weight limits apply to hammock and swing chairs
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House Rules & Property Policies
To preserve the property and maintain a peaceful environment for neighbors and future guests, the following policies apply to all reservations.
Occupancy
• Maximum overnight occupancy is 30 guests
• Only registered guests are permitted on the property unless pre-approved
Events beyond standard overnight use must be disclosed and approved in advance.
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Quiet Hours
• Outdoor quiet hours are observed from 9PM to 8AM
• After 9PM: All music and amplified sound must end outdoors. Noise must not carry beyond the property
Failure to observe quiet hours may result in intervention or termination of the stay.
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Lake & Watercraft Safety
• Use of the lake and all watercraft is at guest’s own risk
• Pontoon rental is available for $350/day (6AM–6PM). Gas, insurance, swim pad are included. The driver must complete the Indiana Boater Safety Course
• Guests are responsible for supervising children at all times near the water
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Fire & Fireworks
• Outdoor fire pits may be used responsibly and must be fully extinguished before leaving the area
• Consumer fireworks are permitted only during Indiana state-designated dates and times. Guests are responsible for compliance with state law and any resulting damage.
• The interior fireplace may not be used during summer months
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Smoking Policy
• No smoking is permitted inside the home
• Smoking is allowed only in the designated area near the driveway. All cigarette waste must be properly disposed of.
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Pet Policy
Pets are not permitted on the property due to allergies. This includes indoor and outdoor areas.
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Decorations & Property Care
• To protect historic finishes and furnishings:
• No tape, nails, command strips or adhesives on walls or woodwork
• No confetti, glitter or sparkles
• Furniture must be returned to original locations
• General cleanup is expected prior to departure
• Spills should be cleaned immediately, as original floorboards may allow liquid to seep below
• Guests are responsible for any damage beyond normal wear
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Property Layout Awareness
The estate includes three interior levels plus two additional sleeping spaces:
• The Garden Suite has a separate exterior entrance and connects via upper balcony
• The Teen Suite is located above the garage and requires stairs
• The lower-level bunk house includes lawn access
• Please use caution on stairs and outdoor walkways.
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Safety & Mechanical Notes
• Two HVAC systems plus mini-splits regulate climate throughout the home
• Hammock weight limit: 200 lbs
• Adult swing chair weight limit: 150 lbs
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Security
• Outdoor security cameras are located around the exterior of the property for safety
• There are no cameras inside the home
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We ask all guests to treat the property with care and respect. This estate has been thoughtfully restored and is intended for gatherings that value connection, not disruption.
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Sunrise on the dock. Shared meals under the stars. Kids moving between lawn and beach.
This is a place families return to year after year.
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