ULTRA LUXURY BEACHFRONT - LAKE, DUNES NEAR CHICAGO & MICHIGAN CITY!

Owner's Response: Jen:
Thank you for the kind words. I am glad you had a great time with your friends. Looking forward to seeing you again this Summer!

Jim

Owner's Response: Yes, I built the house in 2008 for entertaining my large extended family, parents, siblings, nephews, niece, friends, etc. That is why it works so well for large groups of people--up to 26! There is plenty of sleeping, living, and outdoor space for everyone, even during the Fall, Winter, and Spring when it may be too chilly to hang out on the many decks. However, the outdoor Jacuzzi is open year round and there is nothing better than relaxing on a crisp day or in the Winter with large snowflakes coming down.

Non-Peak season is also a great time to rent since the wood-burning stove will be in high gear and we have cords of firewood on-site. In addition to the six private queen bedrooms, there is also a queen pull-out Serta back saver mattress in the attached Guest House and high-rise, premium Aero-beds with headboards, built-in pumps, and all linens and pillows for extra guests that renters like to put wherever and whenever.
Thank you for your comments! I’m glad your family had such a great time! See you next year!

Owner's Response: I knew it would take an act of God to ruin my perfect 5 Star Rating!!
2 of my 7 AC units were low on Freon—not broken—during record breaking heat & have since been refilled; all are working perfectly & Dream Retreat is cool once again! Time spent away from family personally resolving this issue: 14+ hours.
Integrity, honesty & accountability… Here is what actually transpired.
June & July in N. Indiana have been the hottest since 1936. All 7 of my independent, remote-controlled, AC units in the 6000 Sq Ft Dream Retreat & attached Guest House blew cold air & removed humidity for all my back-to-back family vacationers non-stop all Summer until, as Murphys Law would have it, on the hottest day of the year, 103 degrees!, 2 ran low on Freon.
Perfect for sugar-sand beaches & cool dips in refreshing Lake Michigan—not for being indoors!
Despite the sophisticated AC units, there is no indicator light that says low Freon. AC can only lower outdoor temps 20 degrees; so if it is 103, expect 83 inside.
Late Saturday, I was asked to check the AC because some were not blowing cold air. I was on my way to Chicago to check on an elderly tenant whom no one had heard from in 3 days. He seemed to understand. I told him I would resolve the AC issue ASAP & that I was very concerned.
I always try to be there for any issues since I take considerable pride in my home & always want the best experiences for my guests. This is also why I personally meet each group upon check-in. I called in favors from my 5 HVAC contractors & 6 others, but they were swamped servicing homes w/o any AC at all.
7:30pm: I called 13 stores & only Menards had 1 unit left & paid for it immediately.
I explained the saga & that I could pick it up & install it ASAP. He told me he would be at a water park all day so it didn’t matter. Menards was on his way & said he didn’t mind taking care of it. He decided not to stop that night & thus went the following morning—12min drive. He didn’t act upset or inconvenienced. In fact, he inquired if we needed anything so I guess he was shopping.
That same day, my family began our annual camping trip. Once I got them settled, I drove 3 hours to the Retreat to see what I could do to improve things. I cleaned all the compressors & filters. After re-calling everyone again, at 6pm, I was finally able to get help; the units were topped off & blowing cold air. I am pleased to say, despite the record breaking heat, it is cool inside & all is great!"