10/10 Excellent
Ihor H.
12 June 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Best lake and location
Ihor H.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
Entire home
The Redbud Cottage--Beach & Quiet. Lake Sara Waterfront & Wood Fires.
Photo gallery for The Redbud Cottage--Beach & Quiet. Lake Sara Waterfront & Wood Fires.
Reviews
9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 12139 sq m
Popular amenities
Explore the area
Effingham, IL
- Cardinal Golf Course14 min drive
- Lake Sara22 min drive
- Effingham Performance Center23 min drive
Rooms & beds
3 bedrooms (sleeps 12)
Glenna's Room
1 King Bed
Master Bedroom
1 King Bed
Redbud Room
1 King Bed
2 bathrooms
Main Bathroom
Bathtub or shower · Toilet
Master Bathroom
Toilet · Shower only
Spaces
Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area
About this property
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.
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
Premier Host
Languages
French, Spanish
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
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House Rules
Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM
Children
Children allowed: ages 0–17
On lake--Lifejackets needed! We have many sizes.
Events
No events allowed
Renters having loud parties will be ejected.
Pets
No pets allowed
Sorry. We are always a No Pets property.
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Smoking allowed out in our yard and by the lake.
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
We should mention
A car is required for transport to and from this property
About the area
Effingham
Located in Effingham, this cottage is in a rural area and on the waterfront. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Ballard Nature Center and Lake Sara, while Effingham Performance Center and Mid America Motorworks, My Garage Museum are cultural highlights. Travelling with kids? Consider Bliss Park and Effingham County Fairgrounds. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Effingham, IL
What's nearby
- Cardinal Golf Course - 14 min drive - 8.6 km
- Lake Sara - 22 min drive - 13.7 km
- Effingham Performance Center - 23 min drive - 14.4 km
- HSHS St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital - 23 min drive - 14.4 km
- Effingham County Courthouse - 24 min drive - 14.3 km
Getting around
Restaurants
- Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen - 22 min drive
- McDonald's - 22 min drive
- Casey's General Store - 23 min drive
- Culver's - 21 min drive
- Burger King - 23 min drive
Frequently asked questions
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 window9.8/10
Cleanliness
10/10
Amenities
10/10
Property conditions & facilities
10/10
Check-in
10/10
Communication
10/10
Location
10/10
Listing accuracy
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
barb c.
18 May 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Family Get Away
barb c.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
10/10 Excellent
Christi S.
28 May 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fantastic Mother's Day
Christi S.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
10/10 Excellent
Tim F.
10 May 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fishing
Tim F.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2025
10/10 Excellent
Debbie G.
13 June 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Excellent sister get away
Debbie G.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2025
10/10 Excellent
Laura H.
17 April 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Relaxing!
Laura H.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025
10/10 Excellent
Ashley C.
19 March 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wedding weekend
Ashley C.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025
10/10 Excellent
Mike S.
11 March 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Quiet and Comfortable
Mike S.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2025
10/10 Excellent
Kara U.
31 March 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful little retreat
Kara U.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025
10/10 Excellent
Angela J.
9 April 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Dads 79th birthday
Angela J.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025
10/10 Excellent
Gail H.
20 February 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect!
Gail H.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025
10/10 Excellent
Erika B.
24 January 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Redbud Cottage
Erika B.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025
10/10 Excellent
Christin N.
21 December 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Home
Christin N.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2024
10/10 Excellent
Andrew S.
2 June 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cozy and Relaxing Stay for our fishing trip
Andrew S.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025
10/10 Excellent
Jennifer F.
16 December 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Best kept Secret for a winter getaway
Jennifer F.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024
10/10 Excellent
Terri G.
11 August 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Relaxing family time
Terri G.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
10/10 Excellent
Mary S.
29 October 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Relaxing 20th Birthday
Mary S.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
10/10 Excellent
Roy L.
30 October 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Peace & Quiet
Roy L.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2024
8/10 Good
Merrie G.
21 September 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lake
Merrie G.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024
10/10 Excellent
Linda P.
17 August 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Had everything we needed in the place. This is my 5th visit to Redbud cottage and plan to book again
Linda P.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024
10/10 Excellent
Linda N.
24 September 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Denver crew
Linda N.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2024
10/10 Excellent
Miriam R.
15 August 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
3rd time staying at the Redbud Cottage
Miriam R.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
10/10 Excellent
Ashley K.
10 July 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect getaway
Ashley K.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
Amy W.
20 October 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful Weekend
Amy W.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024
10/10 Excellent
Barb W.
14 April 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Red Bud Cottage
Barb W.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024
About the host
Hosted by David Hartmann
Dee and I grew up in Effingham, and I spent all my Summers on Lake Sara from the time I was five. We love this beautiful quiet lake, and own the white brick house next door, which we purchased in 1987.
We regularly swim laps from our dock around the point to the Redbud Cottage dock and back. This quiet cove is a gem for swimming, and has beautiful views across the lake to the undeveloped public land one sees there. Many of our nights here are spent out by our fire pit overlooking the lake, where we get to watch the sun set and the stars rise over the lake's calm waters.
We live on Lake Sara full time now, though often travel so see our children and grandchildren. My extended family still owns my Mother's house--the 'famous' Green House--on the far end of the lake by the dam. So, we're very familiar with Lake Sara, with Effingham, and with our lovely Central Illinois area. We're happy to answer any of your questions, and make suggestions for dining or day trips here in the Great Midwest.
We hope you'll enjoy your stay on Lake Sara as much as we enjoy living here.
We regularly swim laps from our dock around the point to the Redbud Cottage dock and back. This quiet cove is a gem for swimming, and has beautiful views across the lake to the undeveloped public land one sees there. Many of our nights here are spent out by our fire pit overlooking the lake, where we get to watch the sun set and the stars rise over the lake's calm waters.
We live on Lake Sara full time now, though often travel so see our children and grandchildren. My extended family still owns my Mother's house--the 'famous' Green House--on the far end of the lake by the dam. So, we're very familiar with Lake Sara, with Effingham, and with our lovely Central Illinois area. We're happy to answer any of your questions, and make suggestions for dining or day trips here in the Great Midwest.
We hope you'll enjoy your stay on Lake Sara as much as we enjoy living here.
Why they chose this property
We were happy to be able to secure this pretty cottage with its stunning fireplace after our long-term neighbors decided to give it up. We admit to lusting after the pleasant little beach that is a feature of The Redbud Cottage. We are now able to play with our grandchildren on it!
Our neighborhood, in fact our whole end of the lake, is very quiet and wooded. Things are much less developed around us than they are on most of the rest of Lake Sara.
We have five grown children, all of whom are married. They spent most of their holidays and hundreds of long weekends here as they were growing up. They learned to swim like fish here, became very capable skiers and wake boarders, and built forts in our woods (you can still see the ruins).
Our neighborhood, in fact our whole end of the lake, is very quiet and wooded. Things are much less developed around us than they are on most of the rest of Lake Sara.
We have five grown children, all of whom are married. They spent most of their holidays and hundreds of long weekends here as they were growing up. They learned to swim like fish here, became very capable skiers and wake boarders, and built forts in our woods (you can still see the ruins).
What makes this property unique
I don't think you can beat the view from the cottage out to the lake. And, sitting on the dock, one has unobstructed views the full length of Shumway cove, Lake Sara's smoothest and quietest water.
Few of Lake Sara's lots have their own beach. This one has a long sloping sand entrance into the water, perfect for children or for those who want to cool off without actually swimming. This quiet cove, just off the main lake channel, is narrow enough to swim across, but wide enough to be private. The land just across from the Redbud Cottage is public land that will never have houses built on it.
Few of Lake Sara's lots have their own beach. This one has a long sloping sand entrance into the water, perfect for children or for those who want to cool off without actually swimming. This quiet cove, just off the main lake channel, is narrow enough to swim across, but wide enough to be private. The land just across from the Redbud Cottage is public land that will never have houses built on it.
Languages:
French, Spanish
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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