Entire home

Family Home on Lake Sara

Photo gallery for Family Home on Lake Sara

Outside view of the Bunkhouse, upper deck and lower patio.
Side view from Drive
Outside view of the Bunkhouse, upper deck and lower patio.
View from close to water
Easy access upper deck to lower patio

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 10

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Pet-friendly
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

Map
Effingham, IL
  • Lake Sara
    ‪19 min drive‬
  • Effingham Performance Center
    ‪20 min drive‬
  • Cardinal Golf Course
    ‪20 min drive‬
  • Vandalia, IL (VLA-Vandalia Municipal)
    ‪52 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 10)

Bedroom 2 upstairs

1 Queen Bed

BunkRoom

2 Double Bunk Beds

Master Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

3 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 3

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Kitchenette
Balcony
Dining area

About this property

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
Premier Host

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

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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
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed
1 small dog, extra charge
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
All guests must park at rear of property, which is the back of house where you enter.
Boats can be docked at Bluegill Marina or Larson's Landing. A copy of lake rules will be available at the BunkHouse.

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 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

About the area

Effingham

Located in Effingham, this holiday 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.
Map
Effingham, IL

What's nearby

  • Lake Sara - 19 min drive - 11.8 km
  • Effingham Performance Center - 20 min drive - 12.2 km
  • Cardinal Golf Course - 20 min drive - 9.8 km
  • Effingham County Courthouse - 21 min drive - 13.2 km
  • Cross at the Crossroads - 22 min drive - 13.6 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen - ‬20 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬20 min drive
  • ‪Casey's General Store - ‬21 min drive
  • ‪Culver's - ‬19 min drive
  • ‪Burger King - ‬22 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?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Family Home on Lake Sara located?

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

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 119 out of 121 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 121 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 121 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 121 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 121 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca M.

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

Spotless. Very roomy! Quiet. Wonderful property

Wonderful stay for the past three years for family get together.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

kathy p.

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

Great family gathering

The home is beautiful and spacious. The main level and walk out basement areas were both set up with everything we needed.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Crystal J.

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

Girls Trip

2nd time renting. House still amazing as the 1st time. Exactly what we needed for a long weekend away with our kids!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

BETH H.

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

Another great stay!

Another great stay! Beautiful home, lots of room. We’ve already booked for again for next year. Thanks so much!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tara S.

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

Family time at the Bunkhouse

We absolutely love the Bunkhouse. It's well-appointed and maintained. It has plenty of space and much to offer adults and active kids. Thank you for the wonderful stay!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tony H.

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

Bunkhouse

This is our second stay at this property and we thoroughly enjoy it
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Very nice place to vacation

Great place to spend a relaxing vacation. Beautiful house and property.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Jane D.

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

It was just what we needed. What a wonderful trip.

Gorgeous ! Well cared for lake home. Highly recommended. Great persons to work with.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Janice O.

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

70th birthday

It started with 6 friends to celebrate my 70th birthday. 2 friends from out of state surprised me and slso a surprise party. This house was perfect! Very well stocked, comfortable and enough room to spread out to play cards or visit. I would definitely book again! And the host responded very quickly. We loved the scenery with the snow and watching the wildlife.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Chasity B.

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

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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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

Gwen a.

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

Peaceful

The property was truly a jewel and we loved it!!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lori R.

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

Wonderful

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

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie P.

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

Beautiful house with a view

This is a gorgeous and spacious house with tons of thoughtful details! Would be perfect for a group wanting to hang out on the deck. We drove over to the public beach for the kids to swim & fish since it's a pretty shallow spot, but they did get to enjoy the paddle boat!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lynnann C.

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

Great getaway!

The house and property were awesome! The house was very clean and had everything we needed for our stay. We had so much fun swimming in the lake, going on the paddle boat and kayaks. Made some great memories with our family. Would highly recommend this place. Thanks for the memories.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

BETH H.

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

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

Chris H., Collierville, TN

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

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

Jason S.

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

Peaceful

Very clean, quiet and relaxing.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Betty G.

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

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

Amy B.

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

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

Brad G.

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

Fishing Trip

The House was just what were looking for .Very Quiet, Very Clear , Everything you would need was there, the fishing was great, what a great place to set back and take in the nature around us. We had no complaints.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca M., Champaign, IL

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

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

Mary K.

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

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

Kelsey M.

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

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

8/10 Good

Dena H.

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

Mother/Daughter trip

Comfortable and peaceful. A little off the beaten path so needed to be better prepared with meals and food. A little better clarification in regards to trash and recycling. The nature sounds as well as the wildlife was amazing!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

About the host

Hosted by Diana Kirkpatrick

Host profile image

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests