The perfect solution for 2 traveling families: Two separate units in the same house, conveniently located in the heart of downtown Valparaiso. Walk to fabulous restaurants, local shops, breweries & wineries in minutes. These units have been recently updated and fully stocked with room to sleep 12. Just 25 minutes from Lake Michigan/Indiana Dunes National Park, an hour from Chicago, and close to quaint towns and apple/berry picking: perfect for families & friends who want to relax or adventure!
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!
UNIT PERKS:
--This rental includes TWO upstairs units within the same house. The apartments are on the second floor and are separated by a wall, but under the same roof: a great solution for traveling families who want to travel together with privacy. Each unit has its own living space, dining space, and kitchen with a fridge/freezer, sink, stove, oven, microwave, toaster, blender & coffee maker. Essentials like plates, cups, cookware, utensils, & paper towel will be provided for your use.
--Along with coffee, creamer and sweetener are provided.
--Cooking spray, olive oil, salt/pepper are provided.
--Each unit has its own bathroom. A hair dryer and showering essentials/bath towels are available.
--All bedrooms have some form of dresser storage and hangers for clothing storage. There is also an iron and ironing board in each unit.
--Small beach toys for kids and a large woven beach towel is provided for each guest.
--A few board games are available for your use.
--Free public parking allows guests to park in front of/beside the house with ease.
Convenience meets relaxation and historic charm! These adorable vacation rentals allow 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.
The units are 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 spaces completely. The only other shared area is the basement washer/dryer. The apartments themselves (bedrooms, kitchen, living areas, etc) are yours completely and are 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 first apartment sleeps up to 6 people in the following areas:
-Master Bedroom: 2 people (King bed)
-Guest Bedroom: 2 people (Queen bed)
-Living Room: 2 People (fold-out queen mattress/couch )
The second apartment sleeps up to 6 people in the following areas:
-Master Bedroom: 2 people (Queen bed)
-Living Room: 3 People (Full sized day bed + Twin floor mattress)
-Enclosed Porch: 1 person (Twin bed)
BATHROOMS:
Each unit has a full bathroom (with a tub).
KITCHEN:
Each kitchen includes a sink, quartz counter tops, ample seating for all guests, fridge and freezer, microwave, toaster, coffee maker, and blender. Dishware and spices/cooking oils are provided in each kitchen, along with coffee, tea, and sweeteners.
DESKS/WORK AREAS:
Both apartments contain a desk for work; guests would simply need to bring their own computer to plug in. WiFi is provided.
TECHNOLOGY:
--In each apartment, a smart TV is provided with access to Netflix/Hulu, etc.
--Wifi is provided.
--The house has a boiler heating system with radiators throughout. Portable 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.
PARKING:
Free street parking is plentiful in front/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.)
-Blowdryer
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 units—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 apartments are in good condition.)
--Renters that are above the age of 25.
--Renters who are not bringing pets.
--A maximum of 12 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 9 p.m.; check-out is at 10 a.m. (unless other arrangements have been made with me).
--My cancellation policy is moderate.
