Let's Take a Ride Through the Dunes
Cruise east on historic Dunes Highway (US‑12) ... and you’ll quickly understand why so many buyers fall for Northwest Indiana. The road hugs an ancient dune ridge sculpted by retreating glaciers. And what gifts those glaciers left for us — windswept dunes, bird-filled wetlands, old‑growth oak savannas, and glacier‑carved ravines delight the senses.
At infrequent intervals, signposts signal the existence of the small shoreline communities situated along the Lake Michigan shoreline. Locals will tell you each of these lakeside enclaves has its own lore, its own rhythm, and its own distinct market for real estate. They're right.
The communities trend upscale and active listings are always limited, yet the right guide can still uncover smart buys before they land on every hot‑list. A seasoned agent tracks new and off‑market inventory daily, flagging opportunities the moment they appear—so clients stay a step ahead of the summer rush.
Buckle up. In this month's “Best of the Beach” we roll from Miller Beach to Long Beach, spotlighting five homes made for day‑dreaming—or day‑tripping.
Listing office Reeders Companies (warren.reeder1@gmail.com). Information is deemed to be reliable, but is not guaranteed. © 2025 MLS and FBS.
MLS IDX Listing Disclosure © 2025
Mile 0: Miller Beach. High Dunes Meets High Style
Gracing a secluded dune ridge above sparkling waters, this 1920s cottage peels back like a panoramic postcard of Lake Michigan.
Completely reimagined and restored in 2022, the home features a modern floor plan, wide-open spaces and million dollar views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline beyond. Words alone don't do justice to the level of craftsmanship here. The light-filled chef's kitchen is especially dazzling, with fine fixtures, classy inset cabinets, and luxury finishes throughout. You'll love the impressive French doors, soaring spaces, and thoughtful amenities, like a beach shower that keeps sand in its place.
At every turn, it's obvious this stunning Miller Beach residence was designed and crafted by someone who knows how to elevate beach-living to the very highest level.
Listing office @properties | Christie's International RE (rustymerrills@atproperties.com). Information is deemed to be reliable, but is not guaranteed. © 2025 MLS and FBS.
MLS IDX Listing Disclosure © 2025
Mile 4: Ogden Dunes. Poolside Meets Lakeside
Four miles along our route, the dunes flatten and Hillcrest Drive sweeps past the newly-restored South Shore station and into the heart of Ogden Dunes.
Just a block from the beach, this cedar-shingled charmer is loaded with resort-style amenities: four sun-lit bedrooms, three baths, hardwood and tile floors, granite counters, a wood‑burning hearth for off‑season coziness, and an in-ground pool! Beyond its grounds, community trails, sports courts, and the South Shore line lie with easy reach—whisking you to Chicago is under an hour.
Morning laps, afternoon beach walks, evening cocktails as freighters drift across the horizon—discover why life in Ogden Dunes flows as effortlessly as the tide.
Listing office @properties | Christie's International RE (markhull@atproperties.com). Information is deemed to be reliable, but is not guaranteed. © 2025 MLS and FBS.
MLS IDX Listing Disclosure © 2025
Mile 10: Dune Acres. Log Cabin Time Capsule
As we continue east on Highway 12, the dunes rise again. A turn north on Mineral Springs Road leads across the expansive Cowles Bog wetland, beneath an arching oak canopy, and into tiny and secluded Dune Acres.
A mile or so along the winding roads and this heirloom 1932 log cabin rises above a sand ridge, its weathered cedar and boulder chimney effortlessly harmonizing with the surrounding landscape. Step inside and woodsmoke, pine, and lake air mingle beneath a soaring cathedral ceiling; a glass‑walled addition quietly delivers radiant‑heat floors and sunrise coffee views of Chicago’s distant skyline.
Outside, terraced gardens, elevated footbridge, and storybook gazebo invite exploring at sunset when the water blushes pink. Here, home feels less like a purchase and more like an inheritance of the region's revered coastal history.
Listing office Coldwell Banker Realty (daren.huber@cbrealty.com). Information is deemed to be reliable, but is not guaranteed. © 2025 MLS and FBS.
MLS IDX Listing Disclosure © 2025
Mile 16: Beverly Shores. Two Doors from the Shore.
Slip past the art‑deco depot and the carousel of candy‑colored dunes, and you’ll find this cedar‑sided hideaway tucked just two houses off the beach. Step inside: a Gatsby‑worthy staircase curves upward, but the mood stays barefoot‑casual—sun streaking across oak floors, lake breeze teasing the sheer drapes.
The main‑floor suite whispers spa‑day with its jetted soak and steam shower, while the open kitchen hums with post‑swim chatter and blueberry‑pancake aromas. Upstairs, dormered rooms spill into nooks perfect for sketches, stories, or secret forts. Evenings end on the deck as twilight paints the water indigo — classic Beverly Shores real estate, equal parts luxe and laid‑back.
Listing office @properties | Christie's International RE (susieyemc@atproperties.com). Information is deemed to be reliable, but is not guaranteed. © 2025 MLS and FBS.
MLS IDX Listing Disclosure © 2025
Mile 24: Long Beach. Balconies Above the Breakers.
Climb to the top‑floor balcony of this airy contemporary and the lake unfurls like an inland sea—Chicago’s skyline etched on the horizon.
This stunning beach abode feature two gracious balconies, a generous deck, and a walk‑out level that doubles your indoor‑outdoor living. Stop 21 is a flip‑flop stroll away, where sunset swims segue to stargazing from the upper deck.
As the sun dips behind the breakers at Long Beach, you’re not just a visitor—you’re next in line for your own dunes adventure.
BONNIE HAWKSWORTH
REALTOR®
@properties | Dunelife Team
219-309-7638
bonniehawksworth@atproperties.com
Bonnie Hawksworth
Real Estate Advisor | Dunelife Team
Mobile: 219-309-7638
bonniehawksworth@atproperties.com
All information provided on this website is believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. Nothing on this site constitutes legal, financial, or tax advice—visitors should consult the appropriate professionals for guidance specific to their situation. Bonnie Hawksworth, the Dunelife Team, @properties | Christie's International Real Estate and their affiliates, and website owner make no representations or warranties, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of any content for any purpose and shall not be liable for any loss arising from reliance on the information provided. This website and its owners comply with all Fair Housing Act and Equal Opportunity provisions. Equal Housing Opportunity.