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Dunes Homestead - Near Dunes + Lake + Dog Friendly

Family-friendly vacation home in Chesterton

Photo gallery for Dunes Homestead - Near Dunes + Lake + Dog Friendly

Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Property grounds
Outdoor dining
Exterior
Smart TV, fireplace
In the heart of Chesterton, The Dunes Homestead warmly welcomes you and your pets. Enjoy a charming stay with new furniture, a spacious yard, and a front porch perfect for relaxing after exploring nearby beaches or downtown's food scene.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 5

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Fireplace
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Barbecue grill

Add dates for prices

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Dunes Homestead - Near Dunes + Lake + Dog Friendly

Welcome to "The Dunes Homestead". Where all pets are welcome! Right in-between The Dunes National Park and downtown Chesterton, you will be close to everything when you stay at this centrally located home. Artfully crafted, this charismatic, dog themed home greets you with all new furniture, a front porch, big yard, and focuses the design around your "man's best friend"! Less than 10 minutes to the Dunes and beaches or head 5 minutes to downtown for food, drinks and plenty of small-town fun. 😁

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach towels

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Onsite parking options include a garage

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Ice maker
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Hair dryer
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Games
  • Smart TV

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Desk chair

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • 5 pets total

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoking not allowed

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher

General

  • Garden

Similar properties

Property grounds
Blue Birdhouse - No Cleaning Fee - Pet Friendly - Dunes National Park
  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Pet friendly
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, 31 reviews
Blue Birdhouse - No Cleaning Fee - Pet Friendly - Dunes National Park

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Check-out instructions

The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks, and take out the trash
Lock the doors
Please leave the outdoor porch lights on.
Please make sure to pick up after your pets in the yard.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Pets

Pets allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
5 total pets

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

About the neighborhood

Map
Porter, IN

What's nearby

  • Chesterton Art Center - 14 min walk - 1.2 km
  • Lustron House - 4 min drive - 2.9 km
  • Indiana Dunes National Park - 5 min drive - 3.5 km
  • Indiana Dunes State Park - 6 min drive - 4.6 km
  • University of Chicago - 46 min drive - 74.9 km

Getting around

  • Portage - Ogden Dunes Train to Chicago - 16 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪Wendy's - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Dairy Queen - ‬17 min walk
  • ‪Val's Famous Pizza & Grinders - ‬3 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Dunes Homestead - Near Dunes + Lake + Dog Friendly pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows pets (limit 5 total).

How much is parking?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Dunes Homestead - Near Dunes + Lake + Dog Friendly ?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Dunes Homestead - Near Dunes + Lake + Dog Friendly ?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Dunes Homestead - Near Dunes + Lake + Dog Friendly located?

This family-friendly Chesterton vacation home is within 2 mi (3 km) of Chesterton Art Center and Lustron House. Indiana Dunes National Park and Wykes-Plampin Nature Preserve are also within 3 mi (5 km).

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Reviews

Dunes Homestead - Near Dunes + Lake + Dog Friendly Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

9.8

Cleanliness

9.8

Location

8.0

Eco-friendliness

10

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 24 out of 28 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 28 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 28 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 28 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 28 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Lydia C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A great place to stay with dogs, the yard is even better than it looks in the pictures. Very centrally located and convenient for a trip to the dunes!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lydia C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A great place to stay with dogs, the yard is even better than it looks in the pictures. Very centrally located and convenient for a trip to the dunes!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Aubrey S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our dog had a great time! Close to dunes and nice yard for dogs.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

paul g.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great get away

Close to a lot of restaurants and attractions, love the pet friendly atmosphere
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Karen

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Very dog friendy Fenced in yard was great
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kim M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great

Cute and fun house.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ronald F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The time I had here

Was amazing clean place great area very good if you are traveling with dogs wouldn’t mind booking there again in the future
Stayed 5 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Petrecia S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Place to Stay with our Pups!

So dog friendly and comfortable. Loved having a fenced yard! Will definitely book again!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Vicky M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy

Location location location

Perfect location around 10 minutes or less to both Dunes parks, restaurants, and retail. Great little house for a couple or small family and their pet. Quiet, safe, well maintained neighborhood.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sarah W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great stay at the Dunes

Our stay was a weekend family trip- our first trip traveling with our pups. It’s not easy to find a place that will allow two large Labradors but this house was perfect! The dogs loved the large fenced yard and all the places to chill inside, and we appreciated the little details (the guestbook photo wall was adorable).This location was easy access to hiking and beach time in the state and national park while still having the quiet of a neighborhood. We loved visiting the farmers market and restaurants in downtown Chesterton and could easily hop over to Valparaiso and Michigan City for a little more nightlife (while knowing the pups were safe in a comfy space).
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Terri S.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

2 day mini trip for our fur baby

Very charming home
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Antoine B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Relaxing Retreat

This was our first time taking a trip as a family with our dog. We enjoyed the quiet neighborhood and the well maintained property. We will definately book this property for our trip back to the area next year.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Debra R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful stay!

My husband and I and our two small dogs needed a place to stay for a couple of weeks while our home was being renovated… This cute home was well equipped with everything we needed, as well as a huge backyard that was fenced for our dogs… Easy access to get in , easy access to check out and the host Andrew was always available… I would highly recommend his properties anytime, especially if you need a dog friendly affordable place to stay as we did…
Stayed 14 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

lana s.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cute home for dogs and people

Decorated for dogs it’s a small but cozy home for dog lovers. Really close to the dunes.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Susan G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location, great for dogs

This home is in a great location, close to shopping and restaurants, and the Indiana Dunes National Park. The house was clean and met our needs perfectly. We ate breakfast there and then packed a lunch to take with us to the Dunes. We had 2 dogs with us and the backyard was plenty big for them to explore. Everyone had a great time! We loved the doggie decor.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Bryanna D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Comfortable

My fiance and I wanted to find a dog friendly place so that we could take our 3yo old son to the dunes, but also bring our dog with us! Not only was this place homey and cute, but the neighborhood was quiet and peaceful as well! The fenced in yard is perfect and spacious for any dog, as well!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Maddie K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect place for a getaway with my dog!

I was looking for a dog-friendly stay within a reasonable distance to Chicago for a weekend getaway, and this place popped up! It was exactly what I was looking for. The proximity to the park is unbeatable (even in winter) and the fully fenced yard gave my dog and me a break from our city apartment. The dog themed decor is super cute, and also practical! I forgot my dog’s bowl and there were food and water bowls, multiple beds, and toys. It was so nice to stay in a place that’s not just “dog friendly”, but made for dogs and their owners! The host was beyond helpful during my stay and easy to communicate with. I can’t wait to return!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Debra G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Dog Friendly Home

Home owner was very friendly, helpful, and prompt with answers for questions. House was very dog friendly with many accommodations including fenced yard, dog beds, dog toys and more! Location of home is close to several amenities like nice restaurants, wineries, breweries, outlet mall and Indians Dunes. Bathroom is a little tight on space.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Aubree R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect Location & Pet Friendly

My kids & I booked a trip to check out Indiana Dunes State Park. This house was a 10 minute drive there, where we enjoyed the beach, the trails & more. The house is super pet friendly which our puppy enjoyed his first vacation as well. The owner was wonderful at communicating & allowing us in a bit early as we drove from Ohio. We would highly recommend this house & grateful to cross off another one of the Great Lakes off our list. Thank you!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dana B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Good Location

Knowing we were going to have an 80-pound chocolate lab with us, we opted to spend a little more on this property vs. other “pet-friendly” properties in the area because it truly seemed like it welcomed pets. It was a good move. The house and property were clean with little extras to ensure our Coconut was comfortable, too. We really appreciated Andrew’s link to some local recommendations, which helped us start our vacation on the right foot exploring some local favorites. From there, the locals were all very kind, welcoming and willing to share other places to try. It was an easy drive to the national and state parks, as well as some other hikes. We didn’t even have a chance to get down to Valparaiso, but did get over to South Bend for part of a day (be sure to note the jump into the eastern time zone if you have something planned for a certain time!). Overall, it was a great vacation and we highly recommend this property, even if you don’t have a dog. I didn’t notice any dog hair when we checked-in and it seemed very clean, so it should still be a solid choice, even if you don’t have a pet. Thanks!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Meghan H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Very pleasant stay

Me and my significant other wanted a nice little getaway from life. Being only 20 years old it’s so hard to find that. I’m so glad we were able to book. We didn’t bring our fur baby but if we did she would have loved it and the house kept us thinking of her. The location is perfect your 5-10 minutes from the store and the dunes and beach. We were able to zip from the house to the beach to back home to eat and everything being so close made doing things less of a hassle. The host responded very timely with us and made sure we were comfortable and able to get ahold of them if we needed. The house was also very clean and cozy!!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Bonnie W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect for Dog People

The house is designed with dogs in mind, the fenced-in yard was so handy for 6am bathroom trips. Attached garage and thoughtful patio layout were also nice touches. House was clean, well provisioned and amazingly quiet while being close to major roads, stores and restaurants.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Reece

Stayed 2 nights in May 2025