Architectural Hilltop Gem by the Beach | House in Dune Acres
3 Bedroom House in Dune Acres
Nestled among towering pines and just steps from the serene shores of Lake Michigan, the Halley House is an idyllic retreat from the city’s clamor. Located in the exclusive Dune Acres community, this distinctive 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers rare privacy, tranquility, and sweeping seasonal lake and forest views—just one hour from Downtown Chicago.
The Halley House is a Mid-Century Modern home designed and built by Perkins & Will in 1947 for long-time Dune Acres residents James and Faith Halley and their young family. Set atop a low dune on one acre of pine and oak forest, the home is uniquely positioned overlooking two historic, century-old beachfront mansions. A private staircase descends the backside of the dune to a foot-access-only public beach path, often giving guests the feeling of having this quiet stretch of shoreline entirely to themselves. Over the past 25 years, the home has been lovingly maintained, refurbished, and thoughtfully updated by its second owners, preserving its architectural character while enhancing comfort.
The home is perched just one lot back from the beach, elevated on a private hill that enhances both views and seclusion. Inside, the Halley House offers three simple, comfortable bedrooms: one queen and one double bedroom on the main floor, and a king bedroom on the second floor. The queen bedroom features massive picture windows overlooking the wooded property, while the double bedroom includes a cozy seating area. A full bath with a walk-in shower, along with a laundry room and extra refrigerator in the utility area, complete the main floor.
Upstairs, the open living and dining area is filled with natural light from floor-to-ceiling windows and includes an enclosed sunroom seating area and a cozy, well-appointed kitchen—ideal for slow mornings, shared meals, and evenings surrounded by nature.
Outside, guests can enjoy a charming mini pond, outdoor seating area, grill, and driveway parking for up to four cars. The Dune Acres community also offers tennis and basketball courts, a playground, and an additional beach access point with permitted parking, all within a five-minute drive.
With the owner’s extensive library, you’ll never run out of beach reads. Writers, artists, and musicians especially appreciate the quietude and inspiring surroundings, making the Halley House a perfect place to rest, reflect, and create.
Due to town code, the Halley House can only accommodate four reservations per year, making availability extremely limited. The home is open for stays of two weeks or longer.
Important Notes
Pet-Free Zone: Pets are not permitted to ensure a clean and hypoallergenic environment.
Fire Safety: Fireworks are strictly prohibited.
Smoke-Free Property: Smoking is not permitted inside the home or anywhere on the property.
Parking: Please park only in the designated driveway. Parking on public roads is not allowed.
Age Restriction: Guests must be at least 25 years old to rent.
Climate Control: The home does not have central air conditioning but is naturally cooled by its lakefront location and dune-side construction and typically remains comfortable.
Window Coverings: Windows do not have full blinds; however, the secluded setting ensures privacy.
Architectural Hilltop Gem by the Beach is located in Dune Acres. Architectural Hilltop Gem by the Beach provides accommodation, featuring Security/Safety, Sports/Activities, Bedding/Linens, among other amenities. This House features Parking, TV and View to make your stay a comfortable one.
Architectural Hilltop Gem by the Beach has 3 Bedrooms , 2 Bathrooms, and max occupancy of 6 people. The minimum rental for this property is 1 nights, but this can change depending on the season you plan on staying. Previous guests have given good rated it, and VRBO labeled it a top-rated House because of the excellent services rendered by the owner or manager of this House, and has consistently provided great experiences for their guests. Most families or guests that use it recommend it to their friends and some of them are repeat guests. House has a friendly neighborhood, and the Dune Acres has interesting places to visit. If you want to learn more about the House in Dune Acres, such as places to visit and things to do nearby, you can check below to learn more.
This Property is OneKey Eligible
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Amenities
Facility Overview
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Heating
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Shower
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Towels provided
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Hair dryer
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2 bathrooms
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Bed sheets provided
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3 bedrooms
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Dining table
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Living room
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Fireplace
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Dining room
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Stovetop
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Coffee/tea maker
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Dishwasher
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Microwave
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Toaster
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Oven
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Refrigerator
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Cookware/dishes/utensils
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Kitchen island
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Laundry facilities
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Near laundromat
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Washing machine and dryer
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Near the beach
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Onsite parking
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No pets allowed
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Smoke-free property
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Sledding nearby
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Fishing nearby
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Surfing/body boarding nearby
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Golfing on site
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Fitness facilities nearby
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Windsurfing nearby
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Hiking/biking trails nearby
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Ice skating nearby
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Sailing nearby
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Tennis on site
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Swimming nearby
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Marina nearby
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TV
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Books
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Unit size: 1331 sq ft (124 sq m)
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English
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Near a hospital
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Near outlet shopping
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Near a zoo
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Desk
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Desk chair
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Iron/ironing board
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Free WiFi
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Barbecue grill
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Balcony
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Deadbolt lock
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Fire extinguisher
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Smoke detector installed (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
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Carbon monoxide detector installed (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
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First aid kit
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Close to skiing
Policies
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 host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed 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
FAQ's
Is this Dune Acres house pet-friendly for guests?
No, pets are not allowed at this property. Check the guest reviews to learn what guests had to share.
Does the Dune Acres house have a swimming pool?
No, this Dune Acres house does not have a swimming pool. Check the Facility Overview section for details about the pool and other available facilities.
How much does it cost per night to stay in Dune Acres house?
Best-rates for the Dune Acres house starts from $648 per night with includes Parking, Guest Services, Security/Safety, Sports/Activities, Bedding/Linens, Wellness Facilities, Fireplace/Heating, Laundry, TV, Balcony/Terrace, Internet, Kitchen, View, Ocean View, Oceanfront, Barbecue/Outdoor Cooking, Child Friendly with all other facilities. matches every traveler with their perfect accommodation, whether you are traveling with a group, friends, family, or pets.
Is Dune Acres house a family-friendly place to stay?
Based on the information we have received from the owner or our partner, this is considered to be a family-friendly property. Families have rated this house Good or guests have recommended them suitable for families. As reported by the owner or manager, the house has specified that children are welcome. Please see details about suitability for your family or inquire with the property to learn more.
Is the Dune Acres house wheelchair accessible or offer services for disabled guests?
Based on the information received from our partner, the Dune Acres house has not specified they are wheelchair accessible. Likewise, there is not an elevator specified as being available at the property. Specific accessibility details may be addressed in the property details section of this page.
What is the minimum night stay policy for the Dune Acres house?
Based on the information reported by the owner or manager, the Dune Acres house indicates 1 day stay policy at this house. Guests are cautioned that the minimum stay policy may differ based on seasonality or availability and may be at the discretion of the owner or manager.
What cancellation policy is in place for Dune Acres house?
Guests are cautioned that the cancellation policy may differ based on seasonality, availability, or current travel restrictions. Guests should also be aware that this policy may be subject to change and should be confirmed prior to booking. More details may be available on this page in the property description. However, early check-in or late check-out can sometimes be negotiated between the guest and the owner or the manager of this property.
