The perfect solution for two traveling families: two separate dwellings on the same property. The farmhouse (sleeps 11) and BarnBnB (sleeps 6) are located on 44 acres of picturesque property, only 15 minutes from Lake Michigan. You'll be near Dunes National Park, tree-lined hiking/biking trails, wineries, cafes, outlet malls, & antique shops. Roast s'mores in the firepit, watch chickens free-range through the yard, or grab a bite to eat downtown. Kick back, relax, & enjoy the good life at TGF! The space 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 Farmhouse was built in 1853 (fully updated in 2021) and sits on the northeast corner of 44 acres. The BarnBnB was renovated in 2022 and sits about 100 yards to the south of the Farmhouse. 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. 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 also supply 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. ***As hosts, we have sustained damages to our properties in the past. Because we value our relationships with our neighbors and because we aim to keep the properties in top condition, we do require guests to have previous positive reviews from past trips. If you do not have previous positive reviews from past trips, we do require a fully refundable $500 damage deposit. The deposit is returned on your day check out when the cleaning team arrives and confirms the property is in good condition.*** Guest access Guests will have full access to the Farmhouse, the BarnBnB apartment, and surrounding 44 acres. 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. Other things to note 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. The BarnBnB (pole barn apartment) is approximately 850 square feet and sleeps up to 6 people: -Master Bedroom: 2 people (Queen bed, Ceiling fan.) -Guest loft with low ceiling: 2 people (Two twin beds) Note: The ceiling in the loft is low. -Pull out couch in living area: 2 people (Full bed.) Extra blankets are available in the storage trunk coffee table (in the living room). *BATHROOMS: In the Farmhouse, there are three full bathrooms. In the BarnBnB, there is one large full bathroom. There is another bathroom not in the apartment across from the gym that can be used. --Tankless water heaters. --Bathrooms are equipped with towels, shampoo, conditioner, soap, and a hair dryer. *KITCHENS: The Farmhouse kitchen and the BarnBNB include a large sink, quartz counter tops, a large peninsula with barstool seating for 3 (Farmhouse only), a kitchen table and 6 chairs, fridge and freezer, gas stove/oven, microwave, dishwasher, toaster, coffee maker, and blender. In both the Farmhouse and BarnBnB, dishware is available, and you are welcome to use any of our spices and/or cooking oils. *DESKS/WORK AREAS: In the Farmhouse, an office nook is available for work. In the BarnBnB there is a small desk. WiFi is provided. Guests need to bring their own computer. *GYM: The gym is in the red pole barn. This is a shared space Equipment included: exercise bike, treadmill, elliptical, full body pulley machine, pec deck machine, bench press, weights, yoga mats, resistance bands and a small trampoline There is a SMART TV in the gym. All items are use at your own risk; kids must be 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: Farmhouse: When we moved in, we purposefully didn’t hook up TVs. 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. BarnBnB: A large screen smart TV is provided and you can log into one of your own subscription accounts. In both the Farmhouse and BarnBnB: --Central Heat and AC are controlled by you through Nest thermostats. --Smart Home Devices are also provided with instructions on how to use them. The devices can play music, find local attractions, check the weather, etc. *WASHER/DRYER: Farmhouse: A washer/dryer is available for your use in the basement, and in the BarnBnB they are located beside the gym. PARKING: The gravel driveway can fit up to one car per guest. *OUTDOOR AREAS: Farmhouse: there are three covered porches. We also have two outdoor iron patio tables, copper fire pit, and 10 plastic Adirondack chairs. Firewood is provided behind the pole barn. There is a back porch swing and the front porch has a rocking chair and wooden bench. BarnBnB: There is a covered porch behind the apartment. We have an outdoor iron patio table, fire pit, and 6 plastic Adirondack chairs. Firewood is located behind the apartment. For both: There is an open grassy hayfield surrounded by overgrown wooded trails and a river (Salt Creek) that cuts through the very back corner of the property. The river isn’t easy to access, 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. *EXTRAS: -Laundry soap and dryer sheets -Dish soap -Paper Towel -Toilet Paper -Garbage bags and cleaning supplies -Bath and beach towels -A beach bag, beach blanket, and mini cooler -Coffee/tea and sweetener/honey *Additional items available for your use: -Nearly anything you would find in a standard kitchen (Ex: pots and pans, dishware, blender, serving bowls, etc.) -Guests are welcome to use our spices and cooking oils as well. -Kids toys (located in the Farmhouse basement). This includes a Pickler triangle, which should only be used by children under 45lbs. Kids should be closely monitored on the triangle. -A simple vintage swing set with two swings. (Again, please monitor children and exercise caution. All items are use at your own risk.) ***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. *SOUNDS: You may hear a lot of sounds on the farm, we provide sound makers in case the noises are bothersome. *SAFETY NOTES: Farmhouse: 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 , 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, so 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. *BarnBnB: 1. The apartment 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.) As mentioned above, the loft area has a low ceiling, as well as a gap between the railing and the ceiling (see photos). Children must be accompanied by adults at all times so that they don’t climb the railing; guests are responsible for the safety of their children. 2. The stairs to the lofted area are steep and taller guests will need to be mindful of their head in the lofted area, so as not to hit their head on the ceiling. Those who are not able bodied would not be able to easily navigate the loft. *OTHER SAFETY NOTES: --Please check yourself for ticks if you hike the property. --Our chickens are friendly, and interacting with them is done at your own risk. *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. 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 16 guests per reservation. Extra guests are not allowed. —We are firm on these rules. We apologize for this inconvenience and thank you for your understanding. *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 VRBO messenger. We 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 site charge service fees that we’re not responsible for—which will be their discretion to refund you.)