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Lake Sara cottage: 3BR/2BA, hot tub, swim dock, firepit, kayaks, & lake views!

Effingham vacation home with kitchen

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Property grounds
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Property grounds
Smart TV, fireplace, stereo, printers
Interior

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub
  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

View in a map
Effingham, IL
  • Place, Lake Sara
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Cardinal Golf Course
    ‪18 min walk‬
  • Place, Effingham Performance Center
    ‪10 min drive‬

Room options

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About the neighborhood

Effingham

On lake.You'll be within half a mile (1 km) of Lake Sara and 2 miles (3 km) of Cardinal Golf Course with a stay here. Effingham Performance Center is within 6 miles (10 km) and HSHS St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital is within 9 miles (15 km).
View more Vacation Homes in EffinghamOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Lake Sara - 1 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Cardinal Golf Course - 18 min walk - 1.0 mile
  • Effingham Performance Center - 10 min drive - 6.7 miles
  • Effingham County Courthouse - 14 min drive - 9.7 miles
  • Lake Shelbyville - 43 min drive - 33.7 miles

Getting around

  • Effingham Station - 15 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Casey's General Store - ‬17 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Golden Corral - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Niemerg's Steakhouse - ‬13 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.

Lake Sara cottage: 3BR/2BA, hot tub, swim dock, firepit, kayaks, & lake views!

Welcome to The Cottage on Cardinal Lane in Effingham, Illinois, on beautiful Lake Sara!

This charming 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom lake house offers the perfect blend of comfort and adventure year-round. Enjoy breathtaking lake views from the spacious living areas and cozy bedrooms. Unwind in the private hot tub, gather around the firepit for memorable evenings under the stars, or take advantage of the swimming dock for a refreshing swim. Explore Lake Sara with our complimentary kayaks. The property also features a boathouse with an available boat slip, making it easy for you to bring your own boat or rent one locally. Ideal for families and friends, The Cottage on Cardinal Lane is your perfect vacation rental for relaxation, recreation, and fun, with a selection of games to keep everyone entertained.

At the cottage, you'll find a variety of amenities designed to enhance your stay. Prepare meals in the fully equipped kitchen, enjoy outdoor cooking with the gas grill, and unwind with a variety of games for family fun. Relax on the water with our provided rafts and floats, or explore Lake Sara using our complimentary kayaks. Stay connected with Wi-Fi, watch your favorite shows on the TV, and make the most of your downtime. Beach towels are provided for your convenience. Whether you’re cooking, staying connected, or simply relaxing, we’ve got everything you need for a memorable stay.

When you’re ready to explore beyond the property, Effingham, Illinois, offers a variety of local attractions and activities. Rent a boat to discover the scenic beauty of Lake Sara, or enjoy a day at the nearby public beach and park. Golf enthusiasts can enjoy a round at the nearby course, while food lovers can savor delicious meals at local restaurants. Nature lovers will appreciate the walking trails that highlight the tranquility of the countryside. With so much to see and do, Effingham enhances your stay at The Cottage on Cardinal Lane with both leisure and adventure.

For the safety and security of our guests, our property is equipped with two Ring doorbells, in compliance with Vrbo’s policy on security devices.

***For your safety, please supervise any children near the water at all times and use the provided standard life jackets. We also recommend that guests bring life vests that properly fit their little ones to ensure maximum safety. We’re dedicated to ensuring that everyone has a safe and enjoyable stay.

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Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach loungers
  • Beach towels

Pool/Spa

  • Hot tub
  • Sauna

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
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Games
  • Smart TV
  • Stereo

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill
  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Printer

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • 4 steps to reach entrance
  • Area rugs in public areas
  • No elevator (single-level property)
  • Single level property
  • Smooth flooring in public areas
  • Smoking not allowed

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • Near a hospital
  • Near the marina
  • On a lake
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Golf
  • Kayak
  • Pickleball
  • Tennis
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Water skiing nearby
  • Water tubing nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Garden

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

Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Note from host: Bring child life vests; standard vests provided

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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 indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock in each accommodation.

Frequently asked questions

Does Lake Sara cottage: 3BR/2BA, hot tub, swim dock, firepit, kayaks, & lake views! have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at this vacation home.

Does Lake Sara cottage: 3BR/2BA, hot tub, swim dock, firepit, kayaks, & lake views! offer free breakfast?

This vacation home does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at Lake Sara cottage: 3BR/2BA, hot tub, swim dock, firepit, kayaks, & lake views!?

No, there is no casino at this vacation home.

What time is check-in at Lake Sara cottage: 3BR/2BA, hot tub, swim dock, firepit, kayaks, & lake views!?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

Is there free parking at Lake Sara cottage: 3BR/2BA, hot tub, swim dock, firepit, kayaks, & lake views!?

Free parking is not available at this vacation home.

Does Lake Sara cottage: 3BR/2BA, hot tub, swim dock, firepit, kayaks, & lake views! have a pool?

This vacation home does not have a pool.

Does Lake Sara cottage: 3BR/2BA, hot tub, swim dock, firepit, kayaks, & lake views! have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this vacation home.

How close is Lake Sara cottage: 3BR/2BA, hot tub, swim dock, firepit, kayaks, & lake views! to downtown Effingham?

This vacation home is 5 mi away from Effingham.

Lake Sara cottage: 3BR/2BA, hot tub, swim dock, firepit, kayaks, & lake views! Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 15 out of 15 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 15 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 15 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 15 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 15 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Sue K.

Liked: Cleanliness
We had the time of our lives! Amazing property everything was perfection!!! Excellent communications with the host! Highly recommend this property for the perfect lake getaway!!🥰
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joan K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Our family had a wonderful time in your beautiful and clean home. We really enjoyed kayaking, sitting around the fire pit each night, the hot tub, and eating our meals outside on the patio. The views were gorgeous. We also appreciated your warm welcome and having the basic necessities to work with in the kitchen, having the firewood ready to go, etc. It was easy for us to come in and work in the kitchen and outside. My whole family repeatedly said, "this house is PERFECT!" Thank you very much for sharing your warm, clean, practical, and inviting home with us. It could not have been any nicer!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joelle S., Illinois

Liked: Cleanliness
This house was absolutely amazing!! It was so well equipped with anything you could need! We felt so at home here and it was the perfect place to unwind and relax. Communication with the owners was a breeze. We can’t wait to come back!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kathy B.

Liked: Cleanliness
2nd time staying at this beautiful property. The owners provided everything we needed for our weekend stay. Easy check in and check out. The house sits right on a cove at Lake Sara and the area is quiet and peaceful. I’m know we will be coming back for sure!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Katherine S.

Liked: Cleanliness
A little piece of heaven! Beautiful home, beautiful property, an oasis!!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sheree H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Very nice property ! Definitely would stay there again! Amenities were awesome! Very clean! Hosts were a pleasure to work with!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jeannie V., Lawrenceville/IL

Liked: Cleanliness

Ladies Bible Study Retreat

Such a picturesque location for our mini friend's Bible retreat. Everything was impeccable and they offer so many thoughtful amenities. The indoor and outdoor spaces were all designed with comfort and relaxation in mind. We were even able to enjoy the hot tub one morning as it was well shaded. I would certainly recommend choosing this home for your next vacation by a body of water!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kathy B.

Liked: Cleanliness

Amazing Lake House

This property is so nice the pictures don't do it justice! The owers included everything you could possibly need for a house right on the lake (beach towels, fire for fire pit, etc.) Was immaculate and beds were really comfortable. Check in was a breeze and we had no issues while we were there. We definitely want to go back!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brooke W.

Liked: Cleanliness

Fishing getaway

House was perfect for our group!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Katy C.

Liked: Cleanliness

Fantastic Weekend!

Great location right on Lake Sara! The house is just like the pictures. Comfy beds and everything we needed, even newspaper and wood to get the fire pit going! Hot tub was incredibly clean and relaxing. Quiet neighborhood. We would definitely stay here again! Highly recommend!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Katherine S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Sisters Getaway

The cottage is one of the nicest, most well-appointed VRBOs we have stayed in. So comfortable, perfect spot, great hot tub and amenities. Can't want to come back in the summer. A perfect get away.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Katherine L.

Liked: Cleanliness

Lake House

Beautiful lake side home, very clean and comfortable. It was a bit chilly. The Host was kind and awesome. I would definitely recommend staying here, it was AMAZING! We are from Idaho and we would definitely love to enjoy this beautiful place in the summer.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Andrea

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This place is beautiful. The owners of the property did an amazing job. The hot tub was great, everything was just awesome. Will definitely go back again someday
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lisa J., Peoria IL

Liked: Cleanliness

Beautiful lake front home

The property and home are very well cared for and provides everything you need. We enjoyed fishing, the fire pit, hot tub, etc. The home is well supplied, clean, and comfortable. Would definitely recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Amy P.

Liked: Cleanliness

Excellent Get Away

This is one of the best rentals we have stayed at. The location is perfect. The views are amazing. Has everything you need for a long weekend away at the lake.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2024