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A Diamond in the Rough

Lakefront cottage with kitchen and balcony

Photo gallery for A Diamond in the Rough

Morning sunrise
Cottage
Living area
Living room with fireplace for those chilly evenings
Interior

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 680.7 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Parking available
  • Fireplace
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

View map
  • Place, Jet Funn
  • Place, Chain 'O Lakes State Park
  • Place, Volo Auto Museum
  • Airport, Chicago, IL (PWK-Chicago Executive)

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Dining area

About this property

A Diamond in the Rough

This diamond in the rough is a cozy 2 bedroom cottage perfect for a weekend getaway, family vacation or a romantic retreat. This great escape will provide you with a little piece of paradise while giving you the feeling and comfort of home! And because pets are family too, we welcome them; but must be cleared with the owners first. No cats please, as the owners are allergic.
This adorable cottage is nestled on a quiet residential street behind the main home. Water, pier and boat slip access are only steps away by walking down the lighted path on the side of the main home where you can enjoy breathtaking sunsets, fishing, swimming, canoeing, boating; and in winter snowmobiling, ice fishing and skiing at Wilmot Mountain Ski Resort. A boat slip to dock your boat and 3-person canoe & 2 paddle boards are available at no extra charge your use. The cottage is fully air conditioned and heated with ceiling fans in bedrooms, kitchen and living room; making it perfect for year-round suitability.
When staying in this home away from home, you can start off your morning soaking up a little fresh air out on the front porch enjoying a cup of freshly brewed Starbucks Verona coffee. After an eventful day exploring all the Chain of Lakes has to offer, both bedrooms have queen size beds with 700 thread count linens and overstuffed pillows for your sleeping comfort. For those less than stellar weather days, cozy on the oversized leather sofa or kick up your feet on the reclining chair in the living room where you can also partake in some viewing enjoyment on the 40” LED television equipped with Xfinity TV or enjoy your favorite DVD by popping it into the DVD player. Feeling a little competitive? Stroll on over the utility closet where you can find several different board and card games to partake in. Secured WiFi internet access is also available. A little hungry? Quickly whip something up on the gas stove in the kitchen that is furnished with all appliances, utensils and dinnerware for your convenience, including an expandable kitchen island. Want make it a BBQ instead? Head outside to your own private patio to access the gas grill.

Your home away from home oasis is:
30 minutes to Six Flags Great America Amusement Park, where you can also make a stop into Gurnee Mall for some shopping
Walking distance to Fams for an ice cold beer and great steak or fish tacos or El Puerto restaurant for an awesome Margarita.
A Thursday night away from watching some thrilling drag boat racing at Blarney’s Island
A Sunday morning away from having an award winning Bloody Mary at Studio Roadhouse.
A click away from access to seeing some amazing live bands

*Staying with us again? Ask about our Preferred Guest Benefits. *
Ask about our discount for Great Lakes Naval Base boot camp graduations.
We look forward to sharing a little piece of paradise with you soon. Cheers!

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Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Young children must be properly supervised.
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs less than 23 kg per pet (limit one pet total)
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Smoking

Smoking allowed: in designated areas
Do not throw butts on ground or in lake.

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

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

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Fox Lake

Located in Fox Lake, this cottage is near theme parks and on a lake. Hunter Country Club and Steeple Chase are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit Six Flags Great America and Jet Funn. Volo Bog State Natural Area and William E. Brook Entertainment Center are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
View more Cottages in Fox LakeOpens in a new window
Map
Fox Lake, IL

What's nearby

  • Jet Funn - 11 min walk - 1.0 km
  • Chain 'O Lakes State Park - 9 min drive - 8.8 km
  • Volo Auto Museum - 11 min drive - 11.9 km
  • Wilmot Mountain - 18 min drive - 16.4 km
  • Six Flags Great America - 26 min drive - 28.4 km

Getting around

  • Fox Lake Station - 3 min drive
  • Kenosha, WI (ENW-Kenosha Regional) - 43 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Antioch Pizza Shop - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Whistle Stop Cafe - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Carlos's Mexican Grill - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Black Lung Brewing Company Fox Lake - ‬12 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is A Diamond in the Rough pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

How much is parking at A Diamond in the Rough?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at A Diamond in the Rough?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at A Diamond in the Rough?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is A Diamond in the Rough located?

Situated on a lake, this cottage is 1 mi (1.5 km) from Jet Funn and within 6 miles (10 km) of Chain 'O Lakes State Park and Spring Grove Fen Nature Preserve. Turner Lake Fen Nature Preserve and Thomas Memorial County Park are also within 6 miles (10 km). Fox Lake Station is 20 minutes by foot.

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

9.4/10

Cleanliness

8.0/10

Amenities

7.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.8/10

Check-in

9.2/10

Communication

9.4/10

Location

9.2/10

Listing accuracy
Rating 10 - Excellent. 74 out of 93 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 12 out of 93 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 93 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 4 out of 93 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 93 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Linda M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very nice and cozy cabin on the lake. Neighborhood quiet and peaceful, a perfect home away from home for a couple days.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joe M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Check in was easy and the host had birthday wishes for my wife. Great touch.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Terry M.

Great location! Beautiful home! Super nice people

The rental home was the best kept and cleanest I've seen so far using VBRO. The owners left a hand written note for us and a welcome gift! Wonderful place to stay, highly recommend it to anyone looking in the Fox Lake area!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2016

10/10 Excellent

Linda F.

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

Great get away!

We enjoyed a great get away with our daughter & family and our son! Such a warm welcome with fresh flowers & champagne! And we loved the dock area, fire pit & the fact that there were hardly any steps to the lake for our toddler grandkids! Lots of fun to be had here!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2019
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Cassandra M.

Enjoyable Stay

My two sisters and myself rented this great cottage for 4 nights. We had a great relaxing enjoyable time! The cottage is very comfortable and accommodated the three of us very nicely. It's very spacious for the size of it. Jim and Rosemarie were great hosts welcoming us with a bottle of champagne and a nice card. They also left a beautiful bouquet of fresh flowers on the dining room table which was a great added touch. We recommend this vacation rental highly and look forward to future visits ourselves!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2017

10/10 Excellent

Janet

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
The hosts Jim and Rose were friendly and helpful. The place suited our needs perfectly. We were attending a wedding in the area that my daughter was matron of honor for, so it was me and my husband, my daughter and son in law. The bedrooms are small but adequate, the kitchen and living areas are very nice. We also had full use of an outdoor gas grill, outdoor seating areas in front and back of the cottage. We also had access to the lake, with nice outdoor seating around a fire pit. The lake is scenic and there are stores, restaurants and bars nearby. Boats, kayaks, etc are available for rent nearby. It was a wonderful long weekend stay.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Cindy K., La Crosse, Wisconsin

Well-equipped, comfortable

We were there on the hottest days of the summer, and the cottage was a nice retreat. It was cool and cozy. The kitchen is very well-equipped for cooking, the beds are comfortable and the outdoor space is nice although you do have to walk through the parking lot and around the host home to get to the lake. The lake view is nice and would be a comfortable place to spend watching the sun set, although we didn't do so because it was so hot. The host is very responsive to requests. We locked ourselves from the cabin (when leaving, do NOT lock the lower lock!) but gained entrance within 10 minutes. The grill was dirty when we arrived but the host cleaned it nicely for us. We enjoyed our stay!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2016

10/10 Excellent

Isabelle M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The place has a nice large living area. The hosts are very kind. Also, Fox Lake has a fantastic playground that our grandchild, who lives near there, enjoyed.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Eileen J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This was a perfect location for our visit with family while in town.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth R.

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

Great place to see fireworks!

Jim and Rosemarie were wonderful hosts and we had such a nice time!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lisa T.

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

Diamond in the Rough

Very cosy & nice. The backyard was wonderful. We enjoyed the privacy. The location was convenient to restaurants, etc.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Aimee C.

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

Great cottage!

Water was high so no beach.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

8/10 Good

Matt C.

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

Private/Quiet Guest House

The rental is the guest home behind the A-frame home pictured at the end of the road. Very private and quiet! Although there are no water views, the water is just on the other side of the main home with complete access to the backyard, dock, and water. Everything was in great shape and it has everything you need and all the comforts of home. Definitely recommend getting a deep dish from Rosati's and checking out the boat races at Blarney Island!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Susan L.

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

PIR Boot Camp Graduation

Great time celebrating with our grandson and our daughter. Convenient to hiking, restaurants and the beautiful chain of lakes.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Janice M.

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

It was a great 2 bedroom cabin. Everything you would need was provided plus extra great things !!

Easily found and easily rented
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie S.

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

Girls weekend retreat!

We had an excellent experience with this VRBO! Jim and Rosemarie were wonderful hosts. They offered local fish fry recommendations as well as nearby spots with live music! This was a very nice, quiet little house on a dead end street with beautiful lakefront outdoor space.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Lee K.

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

We had a great time

We had a lovely short weekend getaway at this cottage and would love to stay again
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022

4/10 Poor

christina w., Yorkville

Disliked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy

Trailer does not fit

Upon review of the pictures of the subject in question the home was farther away from the lake than shown on pictures discussed truck and trailer size in regards to parking situation when arrived the truck was was centimeters away from the garage the house and the trailer was too wide as discussed with the owner they stated it would fit but it wouldn't no available parking for trailer or boat anywhere so we had to stay at a hotel and keep our boat elsewhere we were not able to use the facilities called the owner right away They did not return our calls to 4 hours later that day we did not go into the property or use the facilities we requested a refund they were not cooperated with us
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Matt D.

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

Great Place!

Great place!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022

8/10 Good

zach k.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location
Disliked: Communication

Nice little house, no parking

Clean cute little house, Small bedrooms but everything needed was there except parking, on our stay there was only one parking space. We moved the gazebo to fit a second car. We were supposed to be bringing 2 cars and a truck w boat trailer. We were told there was parking for it, there was not. We ended up storing our vehicles up the street for an additional cost. I would stay again as long as I only need to bring one vehicle. The owners are actually very nice but did not answer the phone on check in to try to fix the problem.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Joanne R., Fort Worth, Texas

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

Dimond in the Rough fits perfectly.

We truly enjoyed our stay at this adorable, clean well stocked cottage. Easy access to home and to communicate with the owners. It had everything we needed for our stay. We would love to return and I would recommend to stay here.
Stayed 6 nights in May 2022

8/10 Good

Ed M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication
Disliked: Listing accuracy

Our Stay

The property was clean, well kept, had all the amenities, and the property managers were very responsive. The parking was tight for a large truck, and the yard for dogs was the yard of the property manager across the driveway in the back of their home.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

Tisha W.

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

Very nice

The host was very kind, property was clean and well kept and had a nice quiet stay.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2021

4/10 Poor

Evan G.

Disliked: Cleanliness, communication, location

Great getaway BUT

The property was nice and it was a lovely get away for a week. However 3 weeks after our stay we received a message saying that we were being charged for $300 for our dog defacating and an uncleaned oven. This was weird to us as we didn’t use the oven and we vaccumed and cleaned the whole place prior to exiting and no sign of any. The place was nice but this tarnished the experience.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

Doo L.

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

Nice!

Everything was very nice except fishing.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2021

About the host

Hosted by Jim & Rosemarie Nilson

Host profile image
A love of boating, fishing and the outdoors has been embedded in us from our youth. I spent my teenage years on the Chain water skiing and boating with my family. Jim and I opted to live where we had many happy memories, where people are friendly and life is exciting and fun -- the Chain O’Lakes. We feel truly blessed to be able to live in a vibrant and historic community and most importantly, to be close to those that matter most – our family and friends.

Why they chose this property

Why Escape to Fox Lake?
The Village of Fox Lake is a vibrant community rich with history, wonderful people and just a short distance from many delightful attractions, such as:
• Chain O’Lakes State Park
• Downtown Chicago
• Great America
• Gurnee Mills
• Pleasant Prairie Premium Outlets
• Volo Auto Museum
• Wilmot Mountain
Fox Lake is part of the Chain O’Lakes that is comprised of 10 connecting lakes – Bluff, Catherine, Channel, Fox, Grass, Marie, Nippersink, Petite, Pistakee, Redhead as well as the Fox River. The Chain O’Lakes provides year round enjoyment for boating, fishing, snowmobiling, bird watching and ice fishing. In addition, the Chain O'Lakes allows for a wide range of outdoor recreational activities with special events throughout the summer sponsored by local businesses, including boat races, fishing tournaments, Venetian night, fireworks and live musical performances. Your Great Escape is just minutes from downtown Fox Lake – and moments from great memories.

Languages:

English

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