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The Redbud Cottage--Beach & Quiet. Lake Sara Waterfront & Wood Fires.

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Property grounds
Property grounds
Exterior
3 bedrooms, iron/ironing board, travel cot, free WiFi
Smart TV, fireplace, DVD player, books
Reviews
9.8

Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 12139 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Washer
    WasherWasher
  • Barbecue grill
    Barbecue grillBarbecue grill
  • Outdoor space
    Outdoor spaceOutdoor space
  • Kitchen
    KitchenKitchen
  • Air conditioning
    Air conditioningAir conditioning
  • Fireplace
    FireplaceFireplace

Explore the area

Map
Effingham, IL
  • Popular LocationCardinal Golf Course13 min drive
  • Popular LocationLake Sara21 min drive
  • Popular LocationEffingham Performance Center21 min drive
  • AirportSt. Louis, MO (STL-Lambert-St. Louis Intl.)106 min drive

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About the area

Effingham

A family-friendly stay in Effingham awaits you at this cottage. You'll be 6.6 km (4.1 mi) from Cardinal Golf Course and 12.9 km (8 mi) from Lake Sara. .You can enjoy Smart televisions with a DVD player, and accommodation features a washing machine, free WiFi and 2 bathrooms. In-room dining is easy with a kitchen that comes equipped with a fridge, a microwave and a stovetop. A fireplace, a patio and a living room are also available.
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What's nearby

  • Cardinal Golf Course - 13 min drive
  • Lake Sara - 21 min drive
  • Effingham Performance Center - 21 min drive
  • Effingham County Courthouse - 23 min drive
  • Cross at the Crossroads - 24 min drive

Getting around

  • Effingham Station - 23 min drive
  • Champaign, IL (CMI-University Of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Williard) - 80 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬22 min drive
  • ‪Casey's General Store - ‬23 min drive
  • ‪Popeye's Louisiana Kitchen - ‬22 min drive
  • ‪Dunkin' - ‬22 min drive
  • ‪Culver's - ‬21 min drive

About this property

Entire place

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

The Redbud Cottage--Beach & Quiet. Lake Sara Waterfront & Wood Fires.

Located in the heart of central Illinois, the Redbud Cottage at Lake Sara is a great destination for families or friends, or a perfect stopover for a trip through the Great Midwest. With your own swimming beach, a floating dock to play on, a beautiful wood-burning fireplace, a dock for fishing, and a large deck for sitting in the sun, enjoy the peace and quiet of our little wooded cottage on the lake.

Our beach is SHARED by the Hartmann's grandchildren a few days each Summer. But our grandchildren are still young, will be supervised by adults, and won't use the beach while guests are using the beach or the dock (for example while fishing).

Every season is beautiful on Lake Sara, with Spring and Fall being particularly pretty and quiet. The Summer water is wonderful for swimming, and warm from May through September. Enjoy eating on our old family picnic table by the water. Watch the kids swim or play on the beach, or have fun taking a lovely float yourself in Lake Sara's clean, warm water.

Wake boarding, tubing, and water skiing are local favorites. There is good fishing for bass, crappie, catfish, and blue gill, especially in the Spring and Fall. Lake Sara sets aside special quiet hours for fishermen. Winter is a great time for crisp woodsy walks and warming fires.

Our 3 bedroom, 2 bath cottage sleeps ONLY 6 adults (per local regulations) and a "reasonable amount" of children. We have 3 "very comfortable" [Guest reviews] king size beds and a couple of wonderful wide sleeping couches in front of the fireplace. We have sleeping bags for children and a crib for babies. Our kitchen and downstairs were completely remodeled in early 2021. We have a Keurig Coffemaker, a French coffee press, a dishwasher, and all new dishes and pots and pans. Our washer and dryer and two-car garage make this a perfect spot for an extended stay. A canoe and 5 kayaks are available for the use of our guests.

Inside, enjoy the separation of a master suite upstairs, as well as the two-and-a-half story, book-filled living room with its massive stone fireplace. You can burn local wood that you'll find stacked at your door. One of our favorite sports is sitting with a book in front of the fire--wine and s'mores are optional.

Our lot is full of tall, beautiful oaks and maples, and is in a pretty neighborhood on the quiet western end of Lake Sara. Redbud trees line Lorton road and are being planted among our woods, bringing their vivid purple/pink flowers in Spring. Views from our huge deck are all water and trees--you can only see one other house. The Lake is surrounded by good Illinois farmland, so it's a wonderful spot for long flat bike rides and walks.

Property manager

David Hartmann

Languages

French, Spanish

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach nearby
  • Beach loungers

Internet

  • Available in the cottage: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Car required
  • Onsite parking options include a garage

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee grinder
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Hob
  • Ice maker
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Books
  • DVD player
  • Games
  • Smart TV with cable/satellite channels
  • Stereo
  • Video library

Outdoor areas

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

Laundry

  • Laundromat nearby
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • In-room accessibility
  • Smoke-free property
  • Note from host: Smoking allowed out in our yard and by the lake.

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • Near a hospital
  • Near an outlet shopping centre
  • Near the marina
  • On a lake
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Bicycles on site
  • Boat on site
  • Golf on site
  • Kayak on site
  • Water sports equipment on site
  • Basketball nearby
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Water skiing nearby
  • Water tubing nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby
  • Winery tours nearby

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)
  • Fire extinguisher

General

  • 1 unit
  • Bicycles
  • Garden
  • Unit size: 1,500 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age - 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out

Special check-in instructions

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

Pets

  • No pets allowed
  • Note from host: Sorry. We are always a No Pets property.

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Note from host: On lake--Lifejackets needed! We have many sizes.

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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Note from host: Renters having loud parties will be ejected.
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business. On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited. Note from host: Renters having loud parties will be ejected. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector in all accommodation. Contactless check-out is available.

Property is also known as

Redbud Cottage--beach Quiet. Lake Sara Waterfront Wood Fires
Redbud Cottage--beach Quiet. Lake Sara Waterfront Wood Fires
The Redbud Cottage beach Quiet. Lake Sara Waterfront Wood Fires
The Redbud Cottage beach Quiet. Lake Sara Waterfront Wood Fires
The Redbud Cottage beach Quiet. Lake Sara Waterfront Wood Fires
The Redbud Cottage Beach Quiet. Lake Sara Waterfront Wood Fires.

Frequently asked questions

Are there any beaches close to The Redbud Cottage--Beach & Quiet. Lake Sara Waterfront & Wood Fires.?

The closest beach to The Redbud Cottage--Beach & Quiet. Lake Sara Waterfront & Wood Fires. is Lake Shelbyville Beach (32.6 km).

Does The Redbud Cottage--Beach & Quiet. Lake Sara Waterfront & Wood Fires. have a pool?

No, this cottage doesn't have a pool.

Is The Redbud Cottage--Beach & Quiet. Lake Sara Waterfront & Wood Fires. family-friendly?

You bet! With amenities such as a playground and a BBQ, as well as highchairs and children's dinnerware, it's no surprise that The Redbud Cottage--Beach & Quiet. Lake Sara Waterfront & Wood Fires. is a winner with our family travellers.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at The Redbud Cottage--Beach & Quiet. Lake Sara Waterfront & Wood Fires.?

No, The Redbud Cottage--Beach & Quiet. Lake Sara Waterfront & Wood Fires. does not offer an airport shuttle service.

What time are check-in & check-out at The Redbud Cottage--Beach & Quiet. Lake Sara Waterfront & Wood Fires.?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM. Check-out time is 11:00 AM.

Are pets allowed at The Redbud Cottage--Beach & Quiet. Lake Sara Waterfront & Wood Fires.?

No, pets are not allowed.

The Redbud Cottage--Beach & Quiet. Lake Sara Waterfront & Wood Fires. Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 355 out of 403 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 44 out of 403 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 4 out of 403 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 403 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 403 reviews" "

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

John S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Always a good experience
Property is clean, comfortable and quiet. Great communication with the owner.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Amanda S., Bloomington

Liked: Cleanliness
Our second year here
The house is very clean and has a well stocked kitchen. We loved our stay last year, so we came back again. David is very friendly and is quick to answer questions. We love the sandy beach spot for the kids to play and the kayaks that are available. The only bummer this year was after we saw a couple water snakes a couple times, the kids didn’t want to play on the beach area anymore.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cristy D., Wonder lake Illinois

Liked: Cleanliness
Lake Sara
Loved the views and the kayaks and canoe we all had a wonderful time fishing and relaxing
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Chad C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Relaxing Cottage Getaway
Everything was just as described by the owners. They're great communicators, and the cottage was everything we hoped it would be. This was our first VRBO stay, so we weren't sure what to expect, but everything we could have needed was provided except for the food we purchased. The beds were so comfortable it was difficult to get up and head out on the last morning there! 100% would recommend Redbud Cottage, and hope to visit again!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

6/10 Okay

Renee K.

annual family vacation
Second stay at this property. Some things to be aware of before booking. The photo of the outside of the property is an old photo. The amount of outside yard has depleted considerably. If you are expecting to be able to play games or let children play you will be disappointed. We knew this going in, but did not expect the yard to be overgrown, as if it had not been mowed yet this year. We also did not expect 2 feet of weeds to have gone uncut at the beach and boat access area. Kids had to be carried to the water instead of being able to have free access. We also came prepared this year to have to clean up and repair the kayaks before use. This is disappointing that we had to spend time getting these things ready to use safely and comfortably. Make sure to bring lawn chairs for the deck as well. The chairs around the table are well worn and uncomfortable. The hosts are very nice, but didn't seem to have the outside portion of the property ready for quests this year. Also be prepared to clean before you leave. We knew this going in, as we stayed last year, but in hindsight, we do wonder what the cleaning fee was for.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2024

6/10 Okay

Bob H.

Half and Half
House was perfect,very comfortable nice location. The yard was a little overgrown and the dock and boathouse were fine except we had carpenter bees constantly buzzing our heads when we were down there by the water.it was a distraction. Owners sons were very responsive and very nice. I would stay here again
Stayed 5 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Heather M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Repeat Visitors - Love this Cottage
Another great stay at Redbud Cottage. The accommodations are perfect for our small family get togethers and the property is lovely. Nice to see the lake as the weather is getting warmer and watching the boats go by. Very relaxing. Close enough to shopping and the owners have really been a pleasure to work with.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tracy B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Quiet area to relax
I came here for a few days of solitude. I've stayed here once before with a friend and knew this would be the perfect place for me to get the quiet time I needed. The host is always great at responding quickly. The house is very clean. Would stay again!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Teresa M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Tranquil and so relaxing sitting by the lake.
My sister and brother came with me for a family reunion, lots of cousins live near the area, we throughly enjoyed our weeks visit. Would give the place a thumbs up. Spoke with David a couple of times, very helpful and got back to us promptly.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

William B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful property
The home and property are beautiful. I would love to bring my family back here for a summer vacation
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Barb W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Red Bud Cottage
Wonderful cottage! Enjoyed our stay!!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Melinda G., Granite City

Liked: Cleanliness
Great getaway
The house is beautiful and the lake is serene. Everything you need is supplied to have a relaxing getaway at the lake. My kids loved the kayaking and board games and my husband enjoyed the fishing. Would recommend to any couple for a romantic stay or a family that enjoys a nice retreat.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Russell W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Getaway
Beautiful spot. Everything promised was delivered. Highly recommend!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Angel S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Weekend Getaway
My sisters and I stayed here with our spouses for a long weekend. The halfway point for us to all meet up and enjoy some downtime visiting. The cabin was perfect for the 3 couples and very close to town for dinners out and shopping. The lake is beautiful, although it rained most of the weekend so we spent most our time playing card games inside. Kitchen is well equipped and everything was perfect for our stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Erik M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing cottage
Your cottage was so relaxing and such a treat to stay in. We loved the lake view, watching the squirrels from the deck, and really enjoyed the fireplace. You have a beautiful property that we would love to return to. Thank you for such a relaxing weekend!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Paul D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Anniversary
We had a wonderful stay here although it could have been longer, but that was on us as the property manager and housekeeper was willing to give us an extra day. It was worth the stay here.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ron W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Whiskey raffle get away
We enjoyed the house and its location. Hope to be able to stay again when the weather is warmer. This is a great place for a family getaway.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Heather M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect Cabin - Has it All!
Redbud Cottage really had it all. Perfect spot for a quick family weekend - spacious, cozy, holiday decorations and well equipped for everything you could possibly need. The location is beautiful, and we are already talking about what it would look like in the summer and trying to plan another gathering then! It is also in a great location as far as offset from city but close enough to a variety of shops to stock up on food and supplies. David and Dee were wonderful hosts, providing detailed information about our stay, making it easy and comfortable. Thank you so much!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer F., Chicago, illinois

Liked: Cleanliness
3 Day pre- holiday Visit
We love the Rebud Cottage. 2nd visit - Beautiful property- Clean - amazing kitchen ( I like to cook ) quiet - king size beds and just decorated for Holiday so nicely! Always booked in summer but that’s great because we love coming in December! Don’t hesitate - 3 hours from Chicago - easy to get to but secluded enough to feel far far away!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tim S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Gamecation
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I will start out by saying that we LOVED our time and the home and because of that we give 5 stars and we would absolutely come back again. 6 adults stayed comfortably (because of the 3 King Size Beds). 3 KING BEDS!!!! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!! The kitchen is wonderful, WONDERFUL, and we found everything we needed except for a measuring cup. (We could have missed it😁). The kitchen table separates easily and isn’t flat. (cards get caught when sliding them across the table) The table is a bit wide for the space but the length is good and has leaves that can be removed. (This is just being VERY nit picky and giving honest feedback incase changes are ever made an so other reader have good information) The couch / comfy seating for the guests while watching tv or the fireplace. There is one couch and one love seat only allowing for 5 to sit, but only 4 comfortably. We used 2 camping chairs for guests 5 and 6 to sit in (which worked out great) but another love seat would solve that, but space is limited. (Again, just being not picky and honest, but this was all shown In the pictures before we came, so we were prepared. But 5 STARS for sure!!!) One last thing. On check out morning, it would been nice to just make sure the dishes were all in the dishwasher and the dishwasher was started before leaving. The cleaner could put the dishes away making the checkout much easier and help with time for the guests. (Hence the cleaning fee 😁)
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Joe H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Nice Stay
The property was clean, well stocked, and had a nice view of the lake. Would definitely stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Marie D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great friends getaway
Such a beautiful home on Lake Sara. Loved having kayaks available on the property because it was the off season and we would not have been able to rent any. The weather was great for tooling around the lake. The home was clean and large with lots of natural lighting. The beds are large and comfy. The kitchen is well appointed. We had everything we needed. So grateful for the ample firewood. We enjoyed a fire every night.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jill G., Spring, TX

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful oasis in the middle of IL!
We recently visited the Redbud Cottage with our two young kids and another young family. We chose this location because it was central for our two families but we never would have guessed how beautiful it would be! This cottage is perfectly rustic yet beautifully appointed with updated appliances and the comfiest beds. I’m not sure if we loved the two story stone fireplace inside the house or the fire pit outdoors more! The sunrise over the lake with deer milling about was likely our favorite part. We came during the fall with beautiful changing leaves but will definitely be back during the summer to take advantage of the lake activities!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kris W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Hidden Gem
We so enjoyed our stay at Redbud Cottage. The house is clean and cozy, the location is beautiful and remote. We will definitely be back!
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

dawn W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lakeside fire pit is great
Nice little place! Kitchen was stocked as was the well seasoned firewood. We enjoyed watching the leaves fall at the lakeside fire pit. Comfy beds.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023