Lake Tenkiller Family Friendly Estate on the Illinois River - Summer Getaway!
Discover Bending Waters
Nestled on five private wooded acres at the threshold of Lake Tenkiller, Bending Waters is a serene escape just steps from the beautiful Illinois River. This modern, 3,800-square-foot home blends nature with contemporary elegance, comfortably accommodating up to 13 guests.
Luxurious Living Spaces
Bending Waters boasts four bedrooms, two and a half baths, and two family rooms with wood-burning fireplaces that open onto a deck with breathtaking river views. The primary suite features a private two-person Jacuzzi, a spacious walk-in shower with body sprays and a rain-head, and a gas fireplace. It also offers direct access to the upper deck, where you can enjoy the soothing sights and sounds of the river below.
Gourmet Kitchen and Dining
The fully equipped kitchen features a cozy eating area with stunning river views, a hearth room with a fireplace and television, and access to an upper deck with a gas grill for perfect outdoor dining. Adjacent to the kitchen is a formal dining room, ideal for special gatherings.
Nature at Your Doorstep
Large windows throughout the home provide stunning views of the river and wooded acreage. The property is equipped with a security system for your peace of mind. Wildlife abounds here; you’ll spot hummingbirds, eagles, deer, turkeys, and more. The Illinois River offers exceptional fishing right in your backyard, with species like crappie, trout, bass, and catfish.
A True Escape
Bending Waters is surrounded by thousands of acres of Corps of Engineers land, accessible via a paved road and a solid rock drive. A pond with a waterfall and lilies welcomes you to this tranquil retreat, nestled in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains and surrounded by dogwood forests and beautiful foliage.
Endless Adventures
Illinois River: Enjoy kayaking, canoeing, or rafting on 70 miles of scenic waters with outfitters providing rental equipment and shuttle services.
Fishing: Year-round fishing for black bass, white bass, striped bass, crappie, catfish, and more. Fly-fishing classes and guided trips are available.
Lake Tenkiller: Just 0.5 miles away, offering clear waters for boating, sailing, water skiing, wakeboarding, and more. Marinas provide rentals, supplies, and floating restaurants.
Scuba Diving: Explore sunken vehicles, planes, boats, and historical artifacts in waters up to 165 feet deep.
Hunting and Wildlife: Enjoy state game management areas and wildlife observation opportunities, including migratory geese, ducks, bald eagles, and more.
Golfing: Scenic championship courses are nearby for a relaxing round of golf.
Nature and Hiking: Explore trails and parks, observing diverse wildlife and stunning rock formations.
Whether you're seeking tranquility on the back deck, adventure on the river, or fun on Lake Tenkiller, Bending Waters offers an unforgettable retreat in nature. Come and create lasting memories at this beautiful home!
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Near everything Tahlequah and Northeastern State University - NSU have to offer
Tahlequah
Near everything Tahlequah and Northeastern State University - NSU have to offer
Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
Events Fee $1500.00 ($500.00 Refundable) 40 Guest
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Pets
Pets allowed: dogs (limit 3 total)
Fee covers 3 dogs, extra dogs per request + fee
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Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Turning off/disconnecting the WiFi that connects the exterior security cameras can result in a cancelled booking with no refund.
Date Changes require $50 Change Fee
Early checkin/out require $50 +/- 2 hours
Check-in will require an accurate guest/pet count any additional un-reported guest/pets will be considered a breach of contract
Important information
You need to know
Property # 468139vb
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 (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 40
Note from host: Events Fee $1500.00 ($500.00 Refundable) 40 Guest
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
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
About the area
Tahlequah
Located in Tahlequah, this holiday home is in a rural area and on the waterfront. George M. Murrell Home and Tsa La Gi Ancient Village - Cherokee Heritage Center are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Gruber State Game Management Area and Cherokee Landing State Park. Enjoy the area's slopes with skiing, and don't miss out on the ice skating.
Cherokee Casino Tahlequah - 14 min drive - 15.2 km
Getting around
Tulsa International Airport (TUL) - 79 min drive
Restaurants
Subway - 15 min drive
Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers - 15 min drive
Fish's Bar B Que - 15 min drive
Red Moon - 17 min drive
White Wolf Steakhouse - 14 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Lake Tenkiller Family Friendly Estate on the Illinois River - Summer Getaway! pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 3 total). Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.
How much does it cost to stay at Lake Tenkiller Family Friendly Estate on the Illinois River - Summer Getaway!?
As of 17 June 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Lake Tenkiller Family Friendly Estate on the Illinois River - Summer Getaway! on 11 January 2027 start from NZ$796, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Lake Tenkiller Family Friendly Estate on the Illinois River - Summer Getaway!?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Lake Tenkiller Family Friendly Estate on the Illinois River - Summer Getaway!?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Lake Tenkiller Family Friendly Estate on the Illinois River - Summer Getaway!?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Lake Tenkiller Family Friendly Estate on the Illinois River - Summer Getaway! located?
Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is 0.4 mi (0.7 km) from Tenkiller Ferry Lake and within 6 miles (10 km) of John Ross Museum and George M. Murrell Home. Cherokee Heritage Center and Cherokee Casino Tahlequah are also within 9 miles (15 km).
Reviews
9.6
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
We were very happy with the home. It was clean and secluded. My family enjoyed the view and access to the beautiful clear water behind the home! Thank you!
Great spot for a relaxing getaway. Comfortable and well-equipped. Mornings and evenings spent on the deck enjoying the birds and the view. Deer out front in the morning. Great spot for the family to enjoy time together with easy day trips to hiking and sightseeing.
This house was gorgeous and the perfect place for our family to gather during my kids 3 graduation ceremonies from NSU! The hosts were wonderful, super supportive, and very accommodating after another property had cancelled on us last minute. We will definitely be staying again.
It was very nice and spacious! Communication was so easy and accommodating. The kids loved fishing off the river and the journey down and up the pathway. Was a bit of a hike but still manageable. The rooms do not have curtains or blinds so the sunrise gets you moving!
Great home for our family stay! Enjoyed the views of the river, wildlife, and birds! We even caught a glimpse of a Bald Eagle soaring over the river!!!
The property is beautiful and the deer come right up in the yard! The house is very spacious and cleverly built plenty of places to relax, will definitely be back!
We were in need of a getaway and this place was just perfect peaceful fun for the kids. Right on the water. The home was huge we each could get away to be alone or come together and hang out. We loved this location.
Erin B.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 4 September 2023
Erin so happy that you enjoyed your stay. I have traveled the world and have never found a more peaceful spot than that deck at Bending Waters. My family and friends love the safe harbor that they find there and glad now I can add you and your family to that list too!
Verified
6/10 Okay
Nolan B.
13 June 2023
River stay
House was as advertised. Very communicative owner and the property manager was very nice.
Beautiful property. A little drive to anything but that made it better. It was very secluded, like walking into a nature wonderland..
Jennifer M.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023
About the host
Hosted by Ken Lightcap
I love coming and literally smelling the roses of our Bending Waters Estate. I live very busy and demanding live that I truly love. For me, there is nothing like coming here because this is a beautiful serene place where the stresses of life just seem to float away down the river. The majestic views from our beautiful home inspire my creativity and romance while rejuvenating my souls. Living on the land and enjoying the scenic clear waters is refreshing and exhilarating, while providing lots of fun and adventure for me and my entire family. As I leave this safe harbor, I am always strengthened and rejuvenated to face the stormy sea of life once again!
Why they chose this property
I discovered this sublime secluded piece of property that inspired me to personally design, build and furnish my dream home to complement the beauty of God's majestic handiwork in this place of serenity. This elegant home I call, Bending Waters, is nestled in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains, surrounded with dogwood forests, hilly terrain and beautiful foliage from spring through fall with the scenic crystal clear waters of the Illinois River boarding the back of the wooded acreage.
What makes this property unique
Bending Waters is a private retreat of vegetation and wildlife where you can enjoy the beauty and sounds of nature. This is a place of refreshing tranquility and peace! We like taking our kayaks to the water's edge of our back acreage for a brisk ride down the river to Lake Tenkiller, just 1/2 mile away. The lake provides lots of fun, adventure and excitement for the whole family! I know you will enjoy your stay as you soak in as much of the relaxation and fun that you have time for while remembering there is more to offer that can be experienced in your next trip to our amazing home, Bending Waters!
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests