Entire home

Spacious 5 Bed 2 Bath Sleeps 10

Lakefront cottage with kitchen and patio

Photo gallery for Spacious 5 Bed 2 Bath Sleeps 10

July 4th boat parade and fireworks
Living room with large screen tv and electric fireplace
Kitchen and dining area (seating for 8+)
First floor master, access to deck, hot tub and master bath
Master Bath

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
5 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 10

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Parking available
  • Washer
  • Kitchen
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

View map
Effingham, IL
  • Place, Cardinal Golf Course
    ‪15 min drive‬
  • Place, Lake Sara
    ‪16 min drive‬
  • Place, Effingham Performance Center
    ‪17 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

5 bedrooms (sleeps 10)

Master Downstairs

1 Queen Bed

Upstairs Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds

Upstairs Bedroom 3

2 Single Beds

Upstairs Bedroom 4

2 Single Beds

Upstairs Bedroom 5

2 Single Beds

2 bathrooms

Bathroom Downstairs

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shampoo

Guest

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden

About this property

Spacious 5 Bed 2 Bath Sleeps 10

Perfect for a family and friends getaway whatever the season. Quiet wooded neighborhood with beautiful views of one of Lake Sara's deepest coves. This 5 bedroom 1-3/4 bath two story home features 4 spacious rooms on the second floor with king beds (or can be split to 2 twins) with room to add a full blow up mattress. Each offer a view of the lake or the many trees well away from the road. The master is on the first floor with access to a full bath and the lakeside deck with a hot tub just out the sliding doors. The dining area can seat 8 comfortably and is open to the kitchen which is fully equipped with electric stove, fridge, wine fridge, microwave, dishwasher and washer and dryer. The living area opens to an enormous wraparound deck with a firepit, hot tub, gas grill and room to seat more than 10 comfortably. From the deck is access to the lake cove with good deep water and offers plenty of room to float, paddleboard, canoe and enjoy views of the main lake. And the fishing is great, both in the cove or on the main lake!
The back yard (street side) is very shaded with many pin oaks and a perfect space to throw frisbees or play yard games, and build a giant bonfire. When you walk out to the quiet street you have many easy paths to choose from for biking or walking.
Minutes away is a wooded park with a play area and interpretive nature trail, and is also open to public fishing (with an Illinois fishing license). Also on the lake are two golf courses: the Foreway 9 hole and Cardinal 18 hole, a 5 minute drive from the house.
The main park on Lake Sara has a small beach and picnic and shelter areas, and also offers a disc golf course. On the same park roads you can casually dine at the lake's recent establishment Pinky's Restaurant.
When you enter Lake Sara road, you can stop at the Dollar General or the gas station which has a well stocked liquor store.
The city of Effingham features most major retailers including Menards, Walmart, Hobby Lobby and many other brand name stores.
Within minutes you can access Highway 40, the first National Road built in the United States, where you can visit quaint towns and an abundance of flea markets.


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Amenities

Hot tub
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Air conditioning

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House Rules

Check in after 1:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Lots of indoors space for games and crafts.
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Events

Events allowed
Add $10 per night for each additional guest.
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Pets

Pets allowed
An extra deposit will be required to be refunded
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Smoking

Smoking allowed: in designated areas
Outdoor spaces only.

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
Parties and events are allowed on site
Note from host: Add $10 per night for each additional guest.
Host has indicated that there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property

About the area

Effingham

Located in Effingham, this cottage is in the city centre and on the waterfront. Dr. Charles M. Wright Mansion and Veteran's Monument are local landmarks, and some of the area's attractions include Bliss Park and Effingham County Fairgrounds. Kayaking and water tubing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking/biking trails and hunting nearby.
Map
Effingham, IL

What's nearby

  • Cardinal Golf Course - 15 min drive - 10.0 km
  • Cross at the Crossroads - 15 min drive - 10.3 km
  • Lake Sara - 16 min drive - 11.3 km
  • Effingham Performance Center - 17 min drive - 12.4 km
  • Effingham County Courthouse - 17 min drive - 12.3 km

Getting around

  • Effingham Station - 19 min drive
  • Champaign, IL (CMI-University Of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Williard) - 77 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬19 min drive
  • ‪Golden Corral - ‬20 min drive
  • ‪Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen - ‬19 min drive
  • ‪Culver's - ‬17 min drive
  • ‪Dunkin' - ‬19 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Spacious 5 Bed 2 Bath Sleeps 10 pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

What time is check-in at Spacious 5 Bed 2 Bath Sleeps 10?

Check-in begins at 1:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Spacious 5 Bed 2 Bath Sleeps 10?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Spacious 5 Bed 2 Bath Sleeps 10 located?

Located in the heart of Effingham, this golf cottage is within 9 miles (15 km) of Cardinal Golf Course, Lake Sara and Effingham Performance Center. Bliss Park and Ballard Nature Center are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

8.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy
Rating 10 - Excellent. 52 out of 75 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 18 out of 75 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 4 out of 75 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 75 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 75 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Holli S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It was relaxing and quiet. Had a great time swimming and hanging out in the hot tub.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ken W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It was an adventure meandering through the "corn maze" to get to the house and worth it. Beautiful setting above the lake if you want peace, quiet and nice surroundings of trees and birds and the occasional white-tailed deer.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tina N.

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

Fun Hasty retreat

We had a great time!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joe R.

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

Great time

We had a wonderful.time, as always. This was our groups third time staying here. The new upstairs shower is a great upgrade.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kelly M.

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

Lake Sara house

We had a great time. The house and property are perfect and in great condition, perfect for a family get together. The host was very easy to get in contact with and had quick response times with communication. So much was provided by the host which made for less planning concerns so we could spend more quality family time.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Angie L.

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

Great location

Owners were very responsive in messaging & provided detailed information about the house & the area. We were in town for a family reunion nearby so we did not use the lake or the hot tub but those were bonuses that the house possessed. House was clean & had ample space for 10 adults to sleep. The only downside was that the house is a little older & outdated & did smell like mothballs.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

LEAnn W.

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

Host was amazing

Host was great location was awesome!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Angie L.

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

Family reunion

The house was just right for our large group! Everything was very clean. The house is in a lovely spot on the lake, wish we could have stayed longer!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kristie S.

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

Always grwat

This is our 3rd year and it is always great.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jeanie W., Florida, USA

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

Family funeral

Perfect # if bedrooms and location. Owners very flexible.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Casidy B., Indiana

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

VERY BEAUTIFUL HOME

This house is gorgeous! It had everything we needed, seriously. My family and I would highly recommend.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Catherine S.

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

Great Family Retreat

We had a wonderful stay at your home! The fishing was excellent off the dock. Plenty of space to barbecue and relax outside. Communication with the owner was fast and they were very accommodating. Thank you for opening your home to our family!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Laura S.

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

Easter Weekend

We had a great stay at the Hasty Retreat! Check-in was extremely easy and the rooms were set up according to our request (King beds vs twin). We were also able to bring our dogs with us, which was a huge benefit when looking for a property in Effingham. The kitchen was well-supplied with everything we needed, and the hot tub was by far the best part!!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Patty D.

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

Great 5 Bedroom Lake House

We loved being right on the lake and we loved the size of the beds in each room. I have a very tall family (so they did have to duck their heads when coming downstairs.). The place was well-stocked. We loved that they had a paddle board available too. We had a very relaxing time.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie R.

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

Super Cute House

Perfect for our small family gathering for dinner and sitting out on the deck. We loved the charm and cuteness of the house. The hot tub was an added bonus. I would recommend this place. Lake Sara and the cove location were perfect. Thank you for allowing us to stay there. The neighbors were also nice. (:
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Joe R.

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

Lake Sara retreat

My friends and i have an annual crappie tournament on lake sara. This home is able to accomodate our entire group. I appreciate Gail going out of her way to make sure we had ample dock space for our boats. The home is clean and everything was in working order. Gail responds quickly and is great to work with. We will stay here again.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kathy K.

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

Sisters get away

With 5 separate bedrooms (comfortable king beds!) this was perfect for us. The upstairs shower is very small but one on the first floor was good. Home was stocked with everything we could need and plenty of it. It was very warm while we were there so we didn’t get to enjoy outside features but there is a beautiful view from the large back deck. Would recommend and would definitely stay again!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Leslie W.

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

Lake Sara

We used this house to celebrate a birthday with family and friends. The house had plenty of room for 8 adults, kitchen was well stocked and outdoor areas had room for everyone. We brought a boat-but the lake is better for smaller boats (we have a 20ft cabin cuddy) Otherwise it was a great stay and did everything we needed the house to do for our weekend
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tamara O.

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

Peaceful retreat

This property on Lake Sara was perfect for our adult siblings’ get-together. The deck overlooking the water was lovely and the birdsongs…incredible! Plenty of grassy space for yard games. Had a deer pass within 30 yards of us while we were playing kubb, and saw one while out taking a walk as well. Kitchen and livingroom are not huge, but provided enough space to accommodate the 8 of us without feeling crowded. Very quiet and peaceful neighborhood.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

8/10 Good

Lawrence F.

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

Family trip- 6 adults

House was great. Everything you need was there. Only downside was it only had one TV and could use another bathroom. It sleeps 10 so if you have that many, I don't believe 2 bathrooms are enough. I would rent it again, but I will bring a TV or 2. We are a sport watching family. It pets friendly so that was a plus. Alot of room to park. Boat dock was ok. Easy to get to from the boat launch. The owner left great instructions for everything. Answered email very quickly. Thank you
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Todd S.

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

It was ok

This was an ok VRBO. There are things that need to be done. The house was not really that clean. For instance, we found some dirty plasticware next to a bedside table in one of the upstairs room. The light fixtures in the bedrooms are hanging on for dear life. There are lots of beds, but they are not that comfortable (upstairs). If you like to cook, bring your own knives. Those knives were extremely dull. No sharpening stone was provided. The kitchen appliances, along with the washer and dryer, need to be updated. The small refrigerator had a lot of things in there already when we arrived. There was not enough room for the food that we brought. The grill was nice. The fire table is also quite nice. The whole outside patio is great. I just wish the weather was nicer during our stay (three days of rain).
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Tamyra H.

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

Had everything we needed!

Our group of 8 was 2 couples, my son and his friend, 2 widows (60) (70). This house gave us all our own bedrooms and plenty of room to relax. Plenty of towels, toilet paper, kitchen utensils, coffee pot, etc…we enjoyed sitting outside on back deck early in morning. We enjoyed eating at Pinky’s on the lake one night and Firefly in Effingham another evening…played cards, watched movies, had a nice relaxing time!
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Cheryl G.

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

Gebben 2025

There was a group of 8, bathrooms was a challenge because of a wedding event. Hot tub was the highlight of the evening
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Leslie W.

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

Weekend stay

This is our second time at this property. Plenty of room for our three adult (20s) children and their person. Close to effingham for dinner, grocery, etc but quiet neighborhood. Greet neighborhood to walk the dog and just relax. Will definitely stay again
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ronald B.

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

Fishing trip

Overall nice outside deck perfect for a large group but the living area is a little cramped with a larger group .
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

About the host

Hosted by GAIL STARKWEATHER

Host profile image
In 2004, we were looking for a vacation home to rent for our large family, kids, grandkids and friends, scattered around the country. We came upon this listing right on Lake Sara in the southern Illinois town of Effingham, Illinois. It was a 4 hour drive for us and most of our family. So instead of renting, we purchased the property immediately and have been so grateful for being able to comfortably accommodate so many people and make so many memories.

Why they chose this property

Lake Sara is a quiet 800 acre lake with many amenities, easy travel from St Louis (1 1/2 hrs), Chicago (3 hrs), Indianapolis (4 hrs), Nashville (5 hrs). Established in the 70's, Lake Sara is very well maintained by the Water Authority. We have city water and electricity, and a newly built wi fi tower nearby. Because it is the southern portion of the state, the warm weather season is extended, from late May through September, we are able to enjoy the water much earlier than northern areas of the midwest.