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Family Home on Lake Sara

Photo gallery for Family Home on Lake Sara

Smart TV, DVD player, books, video library
Property grounds
Exterior
3 bedrooms, iron/ironing board, travel crib, free WiFi
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Reviews
10

Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 10

Popular amenities

  • Pet friendlyPet friendlyPet friendly
  • Free WiFiFree WiFiFree WiFi
  • KitchenKitchenKitchen
  • Barbecue grillBarbecue grillBarbecue grill
  • Outdoor SpaceOutdoor SpaceOutdoor Space
  • Air conditioningAir conditioningAir conditioning

Explore the area

Map
Effingham, IL
  • Popular LocationLake Sara19 min drive
  • Popular LocationEffingham Performance Center20 min drive
  • Popular LocationCross at the Crossroads22 min drive
  • AirportSt. Louis, MO (STL-Lambert-St. Louis Intl.)106 min drive

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Family Home on Lake Sara

The Bunkhouse is a fantastic place for families and friends to reconnect and make lasting memories. With walk-in lake access, this is the ideal spot to put in a kayak, canoe, or float. Enjoy swimming and fishing for a variety of fish including bass, crappie, catfish, or bluegill. Boat rentals and slips are available at both the Blue Gill Marina and Larson’s Landing.
The Bunkhouse is quiet and peaceful, it is located at the end of Illini cove surrounded by trees, water and wildlife. This cozy cabin was constructed in 2020 and is a wonderful place to unwind and spend time in nature. Our front deck is perfect for bird watching and animal spying while soaking up some sun. Don’t be surprised if you spot a blue heron, turtles bathing in the sun, or even an occasional bald eagle. The lower walk out area includes a grill, picnic table and beautiful views of the lake. There is a fire pit for hanging out, roasting marshmallows and enjoying the night sky.
Amenities include a washer and dryer, WIFI, 4 TVs, a dishwasher, air conditioning and heating, a full kitchen stocked with pots and pans, dishes, and everything needed to prepare your own meals. Downstairs is a kitchenette which includes a snack area and full coffee bar. Enjoy a night in by playing one of a variety of board games or simply find a quiet place to read a book. Numerous smart TV’s are available to stream your Netflix or Hulu account, as well as a DVD player for old school movie viewing. A large parking area is available for up to 6 cars. If you are bringing a pontoon or ski boat contact Blue Gill Marina for slip rental, no dock available at property.

Property manager

Diana Kirkpatrick

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Ice maker
  • Kitchen island
  • Kitchenette
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 3 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table

Entertainment

  • Books
  • DVD player
  • Smart TV
  • Video library

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill
  • Firepit

Laundry

  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • On a lake
  • On the waterfront

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property)

General

  • 1 unit

Similar properties

Property grounds
The Redbud Cottage--Beach & Quiet. Lake Sara Waterfront & Wood Fires.
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (399)
The Redbud Cottage--Beach & Quiet. Lake Sara Waterfront & Wood Fires.

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 25

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Restrictions apply; for more information contact the property at the number on the booking confirmation
Note from host: 1 small dog, extra charge

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

Property is also known as

Family Home On Sara Effingham
Family Home on Lake Sara Effingham
Family Home on Lake Sara Private vacation home
Family Home on Lake Sara Private vacation home Effingham

About the neighborhood

Effingham

Located in Effingham, this vacation home is on the waterfront. Ballard Nature Center and Lake Sara reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Bliss Park and Effingham County Fairgrounds.
Visit our Effingham travel guideOpens in a new window
View more Vacation Homes in EffinghamOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Lake Sara - 19 min drive
  • Effingham Performance Center - 20 min drive
  • Effingham County Courthouse - 21 min drive
  • Cross at the Crossroads - 22 min drive
  • Mid America Motorworks, My Garage Museum - 24 min drive

Getting around

  • Effingham Station - 21 min drive
  • Champaign, IL (CMI-University Of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Williard) - 80 min drive

Restaurants

  • McDonald's - 20 min drive
  • Casey's General Store - 21 min drive
  • Popeye's Louisiana Kitchen - 20 min drive
  • Dunkin' - 20 min drive
  • Culver's - 19 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Family Home on Lake Sara pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Family Home on Lake Sara?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Family Home on Lake Sara?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Family Home on Lake Sara located?

Situated on the waterfront, this vacation home is within 9 mi (15 km) of Cardinal Golf Course, Lake Sara, and Effingham Performance Center. Bliss Park and Ballard Nature Center are also within 9 mi (15 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 106 out of 107 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 107 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 107 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 107 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 107 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Betty G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect
Amazing atmosphere, comfortable and secluded, very clean. Could not have been more perfect! Recommend 100%
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mary K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Absolutely Amazing Lake House
Beautifully designed and decorated lake house on Lake Sara in Effingham; with plenty of room for a large family. The beautiful property is very secluded and peaceful (follow the host’s directions carefully)! This house had to have been designed by someone who grew up with a family lake house, because everything you need is here!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer O.

Liked: Cleanliness
The Bunk House Exceeded All Expectations
I rented The Bunk House for a girls weekend to celebrate my birthday - and it exceeded ALL expectations! The home is beautiful, and the wooded setting, nestled at the end of cove, is private and so peaceful. The views from the wrap-around upper deck are spectacular. There is an upstairs living room and kitchen, plus an additional downstairs living room and kitchen, with a walkout to the patio, backyard and fire pit. The home is stocked with everything a renter needs - and more! The owners are helpful and kind. I could not have asked for a better place to celebrate with my best girlfriends!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ben B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wow!!!
This house is a must see!! We were in town to celebrate my graduation from U of I. The house was spacious enough to accommodate our group of 10. The house is stunning , the pictures do not show just how glorious this house is. This was easily the most well stocked house we’ve ever rented. You can tell the owners put a lot of thought into every detail. Diane was wonderful to work with and extremely accommodating. We just left today and I’m already looking at dates to come back again so we can stay longer!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lori R., Libertyville

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful
Beautiful property and Diana was great. Highly recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Crystal J.

Liked: Cleanliness
Girl/Kid Trip
I can not begin to say how the pictures of this property do it no justice. Absolutely beautiful home. Still smelled new! The amenities were over and above any other house I have ever rented. We very much enjoyed our stay, even in "off season". We can not wait to come back in the summer, so we can utilize the lake. I would give this property a 10+!!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Chasity B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fantastic family location
We loved this place! Perfect for our two families with children. Well stocked, lots of room and a beautiful private lakefront view. Will definitely stay again!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kathy S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great place
The house was beautiful! We had everything we needed! Would definitely stay here again!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Amy B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Scrapbooking weekend
Our stay was amazing. We stay in a number of Places each year and this has been moved to top of list. House was perfect and fully stocked. Location is beautiful and host was great to communicate with.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Janet T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Bunkhouse @ Lake Sara is Wonderful
Don't tell anyone but this location exceeded my expectations. There are thoughtful things everywhere. The space to relax, the views, the quiet were wonderful. This property owner/manager knows what it takes to entertain guests. There wasn't a thing we needed. Being there in person, is the only way to experience this property, my family was so happy! Thank you for sharing this property.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Darren G., Macon IL

Liked: Cleanliness
Tournament time
Group of 5 visiting the lake for a bass tournament. House was clean and comfortable, well stocked with most things you would need for a weekend. Plenty of parking for trucks and trailers. Had a dock but with water levels where they were it wasn’t usable, Normal levels not would be fine. I’d stay again for sure.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jason S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Peaceful
Very clean, quiet and relaxing.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Rhonda B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing house
Do not miss this house!!! We had extended family visit for the weekend and needed space for them. This house is so much more than advertised. It is beautifully and tastefully decorated, has tons of comon spaces to relax and gather, both upstairs and down, a huge wrap around deck to watch the sunset--and sunrise.The kitchen is fully stocked with everything you could want as was the bathroom with shampoo, toothpaste, etc.It is easy to get too and was impeccably clean. Diana is an absolute doll and very responsive and accommodating. My daughter and son in law, as well as my nephew and niece, stayed and loved it. We had a total group of 9 and had two great meals at the house as it had more room than our house. I cannot say enough good things about the house--you will not be dissapointed!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Eric M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Family time get together
Second time we have stayed at this property. Great location. Quiet. Enjoyed using the kayaks. Perfect set up for our families to come together. Only thing that would have been better is if the fish were biting more! Will stay here again for family get togethers.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

BETH H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Two thumbs up for Bunkhouse stay!
Beautiful place! Very homey. Wonderful location for a large group. Kitchen well stocked with everything thing you need to prepare meals. Will definitely book again!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Allison L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Book this place
10/10, one of the best vacation rentals I’ve ever stayed in. Our group was very happy with the space, it was perfect for our yearly get together. We had 6 adults and everyone had comfortable sleeping arrangements. The lake is pretty shallow with the locations, however we were able to launch the kayaks and float around/hang out at the dock. Definitely would come back.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jim L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Bunkhouse Extraordinare!
Year 3 for my family from Chicagoland and St. Louis area. … short drive for everyone. Love this place … Diana and Ben provide the perfect summer landing spot for my wife, kids and grandbabies.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kelsey M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great family getaway
The house was super clean and spacious. Kitchen was fully stocked with all the supplies we needed. We had plenty of room for our family gathering and the grandkids loved the bunk bed room. We used the fire pit both nights and enjoyed swimming during the day!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Diane L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Family Reunion at Lake Sara
My family is spread out from Wisconsin to Missouri and we only can get together during the summer. My sister and I each rented vacation homes on Lake Sara this year. The Bunkhouse was the perfect location on Lake Sara. We had lots of room to spread out and visit as well as enjoy fishing off the dock. We loved seeing the blue heron soar across the lake. The kitchen is large and well-equipped for preparing meals. The large living spaces on the first floor and lower level are comfortable and nicely furnished. We would love to meet family at the Bunkhouse again next summer! This is a great place!!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mia C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful Cabin in a quiet Cove
We had a wonderful time at this property. Perfect for our family of four with plenty of room to spare. Super clean and stylishly decorated. We spent every morning out on the deck having coffee and listening to the sounds of the forest - so tranquil! I wouldn't go anywhere else.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tony H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Love the Bunk House
Very nice place and well stocked. Clean and comfy. Very friendly neighbors who chatted with us during morning walks. We will be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca M., Champaign, IL

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful spacious Lake Sara home
Beautiful, spotless, wide open spaces at this property. Outdoor deck and patio are lovely, private, and very spacious. Highly recommend, we just booked our third year in a row ❤️
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Marcy M., Champaign

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful home in quiet cove
Our extended family visited Lake Sara for the second time and really enjoyed staying in this home (plus a second home on the lake less than a mile away). We enjoyed floating near the dock, kayaking, fishing, and roasting marshmallows at the fire pit. We brought our boat and the cove was easy to get in and out of. Plenty of sunshine or shade with the decks. We enjoyed watching wildlife (deer, turtle, fish, blue heron, and a friendly chipmunk) and relaxing. This home is beautiful inside and out - well-appointed with what you need to have an enjoyable stay. Updated bathrooms and comfortable beds. We will be back!!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Chris H., Collierville, TN

Liked: Cleanliness
Bunkhouse is great
Very quiet and peaceful location. Owners have thought of everything to make our stay perfect. We will be back!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Maria C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great multi family vacation
The Bunk House far exceeded our expectations. Located in the end of a cove on Lake Sara it is the perfect spot for the entire family. Children and teens can float and swim in lake, while adults fish or lauch kayaks from the shore/pier. Large open space inside and outside for entire group to gather. Plenty of space for multiple families. We brought our bikes, and biked around the area. Kitchen well stocked with all you need. The owners thought of everything. We are definitely comng back.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023