Enjoy 44 acres just 15 minutes from the beaches of Lake Michigan! With room to sleep 11, guests will enjoy this fully renovated, cozy farmhouse with gorgeous views! You'll be near Indiana Dunes National Park, tree-lined hiking/biking trails, wineries, cafes, outlet malls, & antique shops. Enjoy stunning views and disconnect from the hustle and bustle! The Good Farm (TGF) of Valpo allows you the peacefulness of the country without taking you too far from a variety of amazing attractions. Whether you just want to relax or prefer to tour nearby cities and towns, you can’t beat the location or amenities of TGF. The house itself was built in 1853 (fully updated in 2021) and sits on the northeast corner of 44 acres. Enjoy sunsets across the street over the neighboring bean field. Beyond the pond to the west is an enormous grassy field surrounded by trees and overgrown trails. (Feel free to hike over and enjoy!) On the east side of the house, you’ll find neighboring homes. Please note that we also occasionally rent out an additional apartment space on the back of the property. The apartment sleeps an additional 6 people, but the only shared space between the two rentals is the outdoors and the gym. (Apartment includes its own amenities—including a separate fire pit—for other guests, so you should not be bothered by others. The apartment space faces the back of the property (no windows from the house and apartment face each other) and is about 100 yards away, ensuring privacy.) We say this as you may see other guests on the property if it’s booked at the same time as your stay. If you have more than 10 people looking to stay or only wish to have the outdoors to yourself, we suggest renting both spaces at the same time. While we do tend to be “hands off” hosts, please note that we will also be next door during your stay. (Kirby’s parents live there!) We will swing by to let the chickens out of the coop in the morning and put them back at night, as well as to water the garden. We will also leave out some farm fresh eggs for your first breakfast. (We try to include a full dozen for you, but our chickens do go through molting season and don’t always lay a dozen a day, especially in the cooler months.) We run an antique store out of one of the back buildings, but it is currently “shop by appointment” only, so we don’t spend a ton of time on the property while you’re here. We will not come into the house during your stay unless you’d like us to. GUEST ACCESS Guests will have full access to the home, access to an exterior workout gym, and the surrounding 44 acres. ***Please note that we do have honey beehives on the property. While the bees are located away from lodging—at the back of the property—and their presence isn’t intrusive (you likely will not notice them), guests should not go close to the hives. Those with allergies should bring their own EpiPen, and children must always be accompanied outside as not to disturb the bees/other farm animals. CHECK-IN INFO: --Guests who book will receive detailed check-in instructions between 9AM and 10AM (CST) on the morning of their scheduled arrival. All of this will be communicated through AirBnB messenger. We often will meet you at the farm to show you around as you check in. --A manual with our favorite local attractions will be provided. Please let us know if you’d like this in advance. We 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 us). --Our cancellation policy is strict. That being said, if you do need to cancel your reservation and we are able to re-book your days with another guest, we will gladly refund you for the amount that we’re able to recoup by new guests. (Some platforms charge service fees that we’re not responsible for—which will be their discretion to refund you.) We will be here to greet you upon arrival. We will show you around and explain the ins and outs of the house. We will be staying right next door should you need anything during your stay. (We will also be by to let the chickens in and out of the coop during the day, and to potentially work out of the antique shop behind the house.) Valparaiso is the ideal vacation spot. A variety of activities are available for everyone, regardless of age/ability/interests. Favorite spots include restaurants/cafes: --Radius (Valparaiso) --Blackbird Cafe (Valparaiso) --Meditrina Market (Valparaiso) --Red Cup Cafe (Chesterton) --Third Coast Spice Cafe (Chesterton) --Shoreline Brewery (Michigan City) --Panini Panini (Michigan City) --The Goblin & The Grocer (Beverly Shores) --Hokkaido Sushi (Michigan City) Grocery Stores nearby include: --Nature's Cupboard (Chesterton) --Jewel (Chesterton) --Meijer (Valparaiso) --Walmart (Portage) Things to do nearby: --Indiana Dunes National Park: The nation's newest national park includes tons of additional beaches along Lake Michigan, and fourteen hiking trail systems at the Indiana Dunes. (15 minute drive) --Michigan City Beaches --Michigan City Zoo --Valparaiso splashpad park for kids --Michigan City Outlet Malls --Michigan City park (with weekly live music and jungle gym for kids) --Blue Chip Casino --For rainy days: Bowling at Inman’s (Valparaiso), Jak’s Warehouse (Shererville) and/or Bellaboo’s (Lake Station), and Pottery Creation/Painting at The Good Earth Pot (Chesterton) --Many guests also enjoy visiting wineries and breweries throughout the region, horseback riding, as well as antiquing. Guests are welcome to walk through the woods/fields of our property. (We will show you where to explore when you arrive!) Downtown Valparaiso and Downtown Chesterton are adorable and only a few minutes away by car; both towns host many great spots to eat and shop. To avoid any confusion, potential guests should thoroughly read ALL information below before requesting to book. (We promise that the info below will better prepare you for your trip and answer 99% of your questions!) SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS: The home is just under 2000 square feet and sleeps up to 11 people in the following areas: -Master Bedroom on main floor: 2 people (California King bed: Zinus green tea mattress. Ceiling fan.) -Guest Bedroom on top floor: 4 people (Two queen beds: Zinus green tea mattresses. Oscillating fan.) -Guest Bedroom on top floor: 1 baby and 1-2 people (Crib with organic Amish-made mattress, antique half bed.) -Finished basement: 2 people (queen size floor mattress) -Living room on main floor: 2 people (Queen size sofa bed) Note: For those concerned about skin sensitivity and/or allergies, we wash all linens/towels in gentle baby (Puracy) detergent. Extra blankets and quilts are available in the storage trunk coffee table (in the living room), as well as in the basement closet. BATHROOMS: There are three full bathrooms available for use: 1. The main floor bathroom (off of the kitchen) with single vanity and rain shower. 2. The master bathroom (attached to master bedroom) which includes a double vanity and double rain shower heads. 3. The upstairs bathroom with tall, double vanity and bathtub/rain shower; shared by two bedrooms. A tankless water heater ensures hot water on demand. Each bathroom is equipped with fresh towels, rags, shampoo, conditioner, soap, and a hair dryer. KITCHEN: The main kitchen includes a farmhouse sink, quartz counter tops, a large peninsula with barstool seating for 3, a kitchen table and 6 chairs, fridge and freezer, gas antique style stove/oven, microwave, dishwasher, toaster, coffee maker, and Vitamix blender. Dishware is available, and you are welcome to use any of our spices and/or cooking oils. Provided the chickens lay eggs while you are here, we’ll deliver you a basket of fresh eggs in the morning so you can use them to make omelettes. ;) DESKS/WORK AREAS: An office nook is available for work; guests would simply need to bring their own computer to plug in. WiFi is provided. GYM: In the back red pole barn, there is a gym where you’re welcome to use any of the equipment available. (Please note that this is a shared space, so you may see us or other renters from the Barn Apartment using the gym.) The gym is equipped with an exercise bike, treadmill, elliptical, full body pulley machine, pec deck machine, bench press, weights, yoga mats, resistance bands, and a small trampoline. A smart TV is available in the gym as well. All items are use at your own risk; kids must be supervised/accompanied by an adult and are not permitted to use gym equipment. We do have monthly cleanings of the gym but ask that you clean any individual equipment after each use. (Spray and rags provided.) TECHNOLOGY: --When we moved into the farm, we purposefully didn’t hook up TVs. We noticed our kids went outside even on rainy days and we loved not hearing the constant buzz of the mainstream media during Covid-19. Because of this, we decided that our lives were much simpler/happier without them. We always hope that our guests will use their time here to disconnect and recharge, but we also love a good movie. ;) For those who do wish to watch TV, there is one hooked up in the basement living area with a large, comfortable couch. Simply login to your streaming service (Hulu, Netflix, etc.) to watch. --Wifi is provided...So if you’re a TV junkie and can’t survive without it, you can still stream to your phone. ;) --Central Heat and AC are controlled by you through Nest thermostats. (Three zones for three different areas of the house.) --Three Smart Home Devices are also in the house with instructions on how to use them. The devices can play music, find local attractions, check the weather, etc. Guests who do not want to utilize the devices can simply turn them off. --A washer/dryer is available for your use in the basement. PARKING: The gravel driveway can fit up to one car per guest. (10 cars total.) OUTDOOR AREAS: There are three covered porches to enjoy. (Front, back, and one off the master suite.) We also have two outdoor iron patio tables (each with 4 iron chairs), copper fire pit, and 10 plastic Adirondack chairs for your use. Firewood is provided for those who wish to light a fire (behind the pole barn). A back porch swing allows views of the garden, barns, and pond. The front porch has a rocking chair and wooden bench to enjoy sunsets over the bean field. There is an open grassy hay field surrounded by overgrown wooded trails, as well as a river (Salt Creek) that cuts through the very back corner of the property. While the river isn’t easy to access (walking down a hill, through thick woods without a direct path is required), guests who are willing to brave the journey to get to the river are welcome to bring their own fishing equipment. There is also a 100+ year old restored barn in the backyard. If you’d like us to set up an antique table/chairs and/or decor for a dinner, we’d be happy to do so for an extra charge. (This requires us to do a massive cleaning beforehand, as we have free range chickens—hence the extra charge if you would like to use it.) 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.) Upstairs windows have extra locks as precautions, but 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 VERY steep (the house was built in 1853!), and the ceilings are low in the stairway thresholds. Taller guests will need to be mindful of their head as they walk up and down stairs, as not to hit their head on the beams of the thresholds. Guests must climb outdoor steps to get into the house as well—Those who are not able bodied will NOT be able to easily navigate the home; although the house was fully updated in 2021, the age of the house does not render it handicap equipped. We only recommend booking this home if everyone in your group is able-bodied, as the steep stairs will be difficult for those who are not. 3. The oven is a retro style oven, meaning the outside oven door does get hot. Our kids have touched it while it’s “on” and have not been burned (it has not been hot enough to burn someone unless they were to press their hand on it for longer than a few seconds), but it is important to be mindful while cooking with little ones. 4. We always remind guests to check themselves for ticks after spending time outdoors. Our house is sprayed monthly (inside and out) for bugs, but given the surroundings and age of the home, you’re bound to see a spider or two while here. This is not a matter of not being clean—it’s simply a matter of farm life. :) 5. Our chickens have always been friendly with us, but as with any animal, interacting with them is done so at your own risk. We occasionally have a rooster, and they are known to occasionally be territorial/aggressive with little ones. (You are welcome to kick him if he’s aggressive toward you.) Otherwise, please be friendly and gentle. We are happy to introduce you to the flock and help you handle them should you like to hold them. ADDITIONAL INFO: While we do rent other homes that are designated for guest use only, this farm is our personal home. We are only interested in renting it out about once a month (at most), and we are only interested in renting to the most respectful guests. Because of this, we do not have wiggle room on pricing, minimum stay requirements, or on the items below. While we welcome guests of all backgrounds, we will only be accepting booking requests from: --Users who are "verified" and who already have multiple positive reviews from other hosts. --Renters that are above the age of 25. --Renters who are not bringing pets. --A maximum of 8 guests per reservation. Extra guests are not allowed. —We value our relationship with our neighbors, so events/gatherings/parties are not to be held by guests. In order to keep the house in excellent condition for ourselves and for future guests, we are firm on these rules. We apologize for this inconvenience and thank you for your understanding. ***Smoking is NOT allowed inside or around the property. If there is any evidence smoking occurred inside or within 50 feet of the property (smoke smell, ashes, paraphernalia, etc) there will be an additional $300 cleaning charge and/or loss of security deposit if one was collected.