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Galena Chalet & Garden: Nature Lovers Haven - Spectacular Lakeview

Photo gallery for Galena Chalet & Garden: Nature Lovers Haven - Spectacular Lakeview

Sunlight + living room (and lake views). Photo credit: @MegMcMillin_
Enjoy sunrise at Galena Chalet, overlooking lovely Lake Galena
Welcome to Galena Chalet; have a seat by the bubbling fountain & enjoy some tea
Reclaimed wood from a Scandinavian ship turned breakfast bar, overlooks kitchen
Amazing views of Lake Galena from the back chalet deck

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 10

Popular amenities

  • Gym
  • Parking available
  • Pool
  • Dryer
  • Fireplace
  • Washer

Explore the area

Map
Galena, IL
  • Eagle Ridge Resort Golf
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Belvedere Mansion
    ‪14 min drive‬
  • Grant Park
    ‪14 min drive‬
  • Dubuque, IA (DBQ-Dubuque Regional)
    ‪50 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 10)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 King Bed

Bedroom 3

1 King Bed and 2 Single Beds

Bedroom 4

1 Queen Bed

3 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 2

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 3

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Galena Chalet & Garden: Nature Lovers Haven - Spectacular Lakeview

The Galena Chalet is one of only five homes in the Galena Territory with a full lake view of Lake Galena. The home is nestled into three acres of lakeside property with an abundance of natural forestry. The chalet has 5 bedrooms and is tastefully furnished and organized for larger groups of 8-10 people.

The beautiful Chalet is charming inside and out; nestled in the woods and located with the most scenic view Lake Galena has to offer. The chalet is made with the highest quality detail. There is a 2000 sq ft wrap around deck that over looks Lake Galena. Nap in the hammock in the woods, or watch the bald eagles soar over the Lake from the back deck. Gourmet chefs kitchen. Wonderful place for a family or group gathering.

The inside of the chalet boasts European influenced wood-working and architecture throughout. The interior design is a beautiful fusion of rustic-modern. The home has a reclaimed dining table with seating for 10 people; dueling sofas aside the stone, wood-burning fireplace; and a lower level game & billiards area surrounding a decorative wood-burning stove that can also fit up to 10 people comfortably.

We often have wild turkeys, deer, eagles and a variety of birds visit our property. There are various outdoor areas for taking in all the nature that this charming property has to offer. Sit by the front fountain listening to the trickling water and watching the hummingbirds in the chalet’s garden. There is a seasonal rotating bloom.

We have newly installed gig-speed fiber internet available and a work loft with desk. Perfect for a work-remote environment while traveling!

Please note before booking; the home is an older home, and with that comes charm that is unable to be built in modern day homes. There is no central air however there is a powerful wall unit system which keeps the home very pleasant. Feel free to read the reviews. Our previous guests have provided thorough recommendations reflecting back on the detail and enjoyment they experienced from our home. We’ve put a lot of thought and care into it to make it an extra special experience for our guests.

Book your reservation today and enjoy a relaxing and peaceful getaway at the Galena Chalet. It’s wonderful during all four seasons!

We look forward to hosting you and your guests this coming season!

Property manager

Stephanie Galambos
Premier Host

Languages

English, French, German, Italian, Spanish

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Pool
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Air conditioning
Gym

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 30
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Illegal drug use and parties are not permitted. We will call the police if we suspect there is any inappropriate or illegal behavior on the property.
No Pets.
No fireworks, water balloons, or items which would cause excessive litter or negative impact to the natural environment.

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
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, a first aid kit and a deadlock

About the area

Galena

Located on a lake, this holiday home is in The Galena Territory, a neighbourhood in Galena. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Horseshoe Mound and Casper Bluff Land and Water Reserve, while Grant Home and West Street Sculpture Park are cultural highlights. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Galena, IL

What's nearby

  • Eagle Ridge Resort Golf - 11 min drive - 5.7 km
  • Grant Home - 14 min drive - 9.5 km
  • Belvedere Mansion - 14 min drive - 9.9 km
  • Grant Park - 14 min drive - 9.9 km
  • Dowling House - 15 min drive - 10.2 km

Getting around

  • Dubuque, IA (DBQ-Dubuque Regional) - 42 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Casey's General Store - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪The Galena Territory Owners' Club - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Bread & Vine - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Galena Roasters - ‬13 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Galena Chalet & Garden: Nature Lovers Haven - Spectacular Lakeview have a pool?

Yes, this property has an indoor pool and an outdoor pool. Pool types include heated pools.

Is Galena Chalet & Garden: Nature Lovers Haven - Spectacular Lakeview pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Galena Chalet & Garden: Nature Lovers Haven - Spectacular Lakeview?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Galena Chalet & Garden: Nature Lovers Haven - Spectacular Lakeview?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Galena Chalet & Garden: Nature Lovers Haven - Spectacular Lakeview located?

Located on a lake, this family-friendly holiday home is within 6 mi (10 km) of Eagle Ridge Resort Golf, Linmar Gardens, and West Street Sculpture Park. Grant Park and Grant Home are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 106 out of 115 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 6 out of 115 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 115 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 115 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 115 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Randy M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

What a view!

From the bicycles, to the fishing poles, to the nice warm bedding and blankets, this get-away was everything my family of seven needed. I am very grateful and thankful to the very thoughtful owners.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Satya T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location & house. Very clean and very well stocked.

Stayed for a large family gathering, with teens and adults. Had a memorable experience. Host also helped us get into boating club nearby. Very clean and very well stocked to meet all needs.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lauren W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Friends at the Galena Chalet

My friends and I had an incredible time at the Galena Chalet! This property and all of the gorgeous surrounding views felt like a fairytale. The accommodations were perfect and comfortable. We all had so much fun, the only thing missing was a longer stay! Next time :)
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Allison E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect Bachelorette Getaway

I enjoyed my Bachelorette weekend with my best girls in this beautiful house. It's just outside Galena with scenic views. We even saw an air-balloon float past. It was perfect for all of us to cook together and watch movies and celebrate my upcoming marriage
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Don D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great time!

The house was clean and comfortable and the view was fantastic. The area had a lot to offer.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Danielle P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

100% recommend

We travel to Galena as a family/friend group and it was our first time staying at this property. Stephanie was an amazing property manager! She was very accommodating and a great communicator! Upon walking down the front steps, you immediately feel as if you’re walking into a French cottage. It’s straight out of a storybook! The decks were huge with gorgeous views of the lake. The home felt so quant and cozy.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Terry S.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

family reunion

beautiful setting
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Joseph P., Frankfort

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Galena Thanksgiving

Amazing property with a stunning view of Lake Galena from the house! We had a lovely Thanksgiving weekend! The town of Galena is only 10 minutes away and is a very charming town. We will be staying there again soon.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ashley B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect place for winter gathering

We knew from the photos that this place was going to be special, but we really loved visiting it so much. There were so many beds, extra pack n plays and high chairs…things that you need, but don’t need to bring. We would love to come back and stay here again!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

B F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

We had a great time!

A beautiful home in a gorgeous location! What a view! We had a great time staying here on our girls weekend. :)
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Andy S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Big chill weekend

College friends for 37 years (4 couples) - great place to relax, laugh and enjoy marvelous views and conversations. The views from the large deck are amazing and plenty of room for all of us. Large open kitchen with everything you could need and amazing dinner table. We will be back!!!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

B R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Mini family reunion

We used the Galena Chalet as a meeting place for our mini reunion. The house was prefect for our party of 6 adults and two children. The amenities were perfect. Thank you for sharing your property with us. oh and can’t forget to mention the view and the decks. BEAUTIFUL!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

4/10 Poor

Stephanie L.

Liked: Check-in, location
Disliked: Cleanliness, listing accuracy

Poorly Maintained Property/Dangerous Deck

Beautiful view, nice house interior wise and has a lot of potential. However, the outdoor space is completely not maintained. The deck was dangerous with rotting deck boards, detached/ rotting safety railings, exposed nails in the deck boards/railings with mold and algae on outdoor furniture. There were rodent droppings on the deck (that we had to sweep away) as well as on the furniture inside of the sunroom. The sunroom was filthy and dusty, it was evident the tables had not been wiped down in a very long time as well as the floors. There were a lot of safety hazards from the upstairs deck to the leaking fridge, we were constantly wiping up water off the floors to ensure no one fell. The owner was aware that there was an issue with the fridge from the time we arrived and told us that the fridge is known to have issues. She said she would have someone come to maintenance the fridge the following day as it was leaking and not reaching a cool temperature; we were not followed up with and no one came to maintenance the fridge. There was a slow drain in the master bath, which my brother slipped and fell in the shower and as a result, scratched up his back on the stone wall. The outside was also full of weeds and did not overall reflect the images shown in the listing. Just overall a very disappointing experience.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Kristin H.

Simply Stunning!

There is nothing to say other than breathtaking. The detail the owners have put into this house is so thoughtful, you feel like you’re truly at someone’s home and not a rental. The views are outrageous, too! And that dining table and chandelier: gimme!! Loved our stay ❤️
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2017

10/10 Excellent

Carol B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fabulous girls trip

5 family women and 6 grandchildren spent 5 days at the Galena Chalet. The home is exactly as advertised and the location is superb! We spent time at the Owners Club outdoor pool, rode the bikes in the garage, rented kayaks at the Territory Marina went kayaking on the lake and made lots of food together. The house is very well equipped with everything we needed and allowed our large group to spread out and come together as desired! The view is fantastic and the deck is beautiful for early morning coffee and star gazing! We loved our stay!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sandy P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great views, beautiful home, even in less than great weather

The Galena Chalet is a beautiful home situated in beautiful country. Well stocked. Comfortable. Incredible views. Pool table a bonus. Short drive to Galena. Lots of amenities including tennis, pickle ball, swimming, boat rental, and hiking. We just happened to have not so ideal weather but enjoyed our stay regardless. Thank you to our hosts who were very accommodating!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Lisa B., Herrick, Illinois

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A Christmas To Remember

We had the most spectacular week ever! The Chalet is just so amazing in so many ways. Breathtaking views, immaculate inside, and everything that you can think of is there. (or at least that’s how we felt) We even brought sleds for our grandkids, but they already had them there. Stephanie responded quickly to our questions and even had people shoveling and salting the driveway and sidewalks for us the day we left after the snow. My grandson even said he would give us his Christmas money so that we can come again!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023

6/10 Okay

Tara W.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Cleanliness

Beautiful, but

The view at Galena Chalet is gorgeous every time you look at it, there’s no doubt! But we were there in August so an old home + hot weather = mustiness and a bad mix for anyone with allergies. Probably not an issue if you plan to stay in cooler months! That being said, spacious and very pretty.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Connie Z., Northbrook

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Spectacular Views

My family of 5 stayed at the Chalet and had a wonderful weekend. The view of the lake and trees was amazing. We spent a lot of time on the very large outdoor deck taking it all in. There were numerous birds and several deer wandering the property each morning. The inside is spacious and beautifully decorated while equally inviting and comfortable. We utilized the lovely downstairs family room and pool table as well. The booking process was a breeze. Stephanie was very responsive to any questions I had. If you want a place with tons of charm and character...this is it. I am already looking forward to returning in the fall!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2020

10/10 Excellent

Betsy W.

Far exceeded our expectations

Our family spent the Memorial Day weekend at the chalet. Let me start by saying Stephanie was a wonderful host. She provided rapid responses to our questions and was happy to accommodate special requests. The home is beautiful. There is nothing that feels “rental” about this house. As large as it is, it felt cozy and comfortable. We loved the open floor plan. That was very important to the cooks in our family. Of coarse our favorite part was the million dollar view, which can be seen by most rooms in the house. We would not hesitate to stay here again.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2018

10/10 Excellent

Teresa H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful views!

Wonderful home in great location and amazing lake views. There are neighbors, but you cannot see them at all from the home and feel like you are in your own secluded area overlooking Lake Galena. There is plenty of room for large families to spread out to have their own space, but this stay was just my spouse and I to relax and celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary. The house had everything we needed as far as dishes, towels, soap, etc. Enjoyed the use of the proximity cards to rent a pontoon boat at a surprising low price to explore the lake. Also appreciated the owner having bikes on site for use, but we didn't use them as we rented electric bikes and rode the Galena River Trail. Wonderful communication with the owner and can't wait to come back and stay again!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2021
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Anne O., Chicago

Beautiful Home That Epitomizes Galena

This home is beautiful and exceeded our expectations. Rustic sophistication comes to mind. Four couples rented it for an October weekend, but we all said it would be perfect in any season. The view is gorgeous, and the interior is just as amazing as the outside. Everyone felt very at ease. The kitchen is well-equipped and set up in a way that made cooking and visiting with friends easy and fun. We loved the deck and the screened porch. All the bedrooms were very inviting, the beds comfortable, and the living room was perfect for a gathering. If I ever return to Galena with friends, this is the house I want to stay in. It captured every aspect of the beauty of Galena. I can't say enough about it.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2017

8/10 Good

Cynthia V.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Galena weekend

The property and views are beautiful. There is plenty of space for a large group and the back deck is wonderful for grilling and socializing. I thought the master bath was a bit odd - very tight, nowhere to put anything, and very outdated. The kitchen was large and good for cooking but we had to wash many items before using as they were just not clean. Overall, a good vacation home but a bit more dated than I was expecting, given the price and 5 stars. I will say that the owners were extremely attentive, even coming out on Father's day to put in a new air conditioner when the old one broke down and temps were hot and humid and the inside temperature was reaching 80 degrees. The pool table and TV area in the basement were a bonus for the rainy days/nights.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2020

10/10 Excellent

Amy A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Galena Girls Birthday Trip 2023

The house and views are beautiful! It’s a very unique property set down into a wooded area with views of the lake. It’s very well appointed, clean, charming and comfortable. This is a perfect house for friends and family to meet as there are many bedrooms and places to hang out together. There are only 2 and a half bathrooms but they are set up in a way that made it pretty easy for multiple women to get ready. This is an older house so with the charm also comes a couple negatives like no central air and some creaking. There are air conditioners in the main rooms which cooled everything except a couple of the back bedrooms downstairs which got a little warm. Put the morning people in those back bedrooms downstairs under the kitchen because once people are up walking around, you can really hear the creaking. But overall, this was a great place to stay and we hope to come back.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Haleigh S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect family getaway location

This is an amazing property and we felt very lucky to have gotten to stay here. The views are incredible, and the house is very spacious. Many reviews mentioned the lack of central A/C, so we were prepared to be hot during a summer weekend in the mid 80s and high humidity, but there wasn't a moment where the house temps were uncomfortable at all. The wall unit is more than sufficient. I'd recommend booking activities well in advance. If you're not familiar, Galena is super busy in the summer and there were a few things we wanted to do that we couldn't because they were booked. My only 4 star rating is for speed of communication. Most of the time Stephanie back to us within an hour or two away, but it did take a couple of days for her to reply to a question about boat rentals that we asked because online info is sparse. If we had gotten her message sooner, we may have been able to rent one during our stay. One other thing to note, if you're not an early riser and you're traveling with people that are, I would recommend being strategic about which room you're in. The basement rooms under the kitchen are *loud* in the morning because of the floors are creaking in the kitchen from people walking around. The only thing that blocked out the sound was noise-cancelling airpods with white noise playing. Overall, we loved it and would recommend the place to anyone traveling with a big group that will appreciate the views and character of the house.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

About the host

Hosted by Stephanie Galambos

Host profile image
Short Stay Chicago began renting professionally furnished rentals in 2005. We have homes in Chicago and the Galena Territory. We hope that you will rent with us - and allow us to provide you with enjoyable accommodations for your short stay.

Why they chose this property

Nestled deep in the woods, the Galena Chalet is situated on three acres overlooking spectacular vistas of Lake Galena. Perfect place for bird & eagle watching, a dinner party, snow sledding, golfing, tennis, a girls spa trip, a bridal or baby shower, birthday celebration, antiquing, or a family/friends getaway retreat.

What makes this property unique

Hammock, hiking, bird-watching, biking

Languages:

English, French, German, Italian, Spanish

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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