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Gated Waterfront Nature Retreat 5 minutes from Starved Rock State Park

your current months are December, 2024 and January, 2025.
December 2024
January 2025

Photo gallery for Gated Waterfront Nature Retreat 5 minutes from Starved Rock State Park

Interior
Exterior
Interior
2 bedrooms, desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi
Property grounds

Reviews

10 out of 10

Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 16209 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Barbecue grill
    Barbecue grill
  • Hot tub
    Hot tub
  • Outdoor space
    Outdoor space
  • Washer
    Washer
  • Pet-friendly
    Pet-friendly
  • Kitchen
    Kitchen

Explore the area

Map
Ottawa, IL
  • Illinois Waterway Visitor Center
    6 min drive
  • Mix's Trading Post
    8 min drive
  • Illinois River Winery
    8 min drive
  • Peru, IL (VYS-Illinois Valley Regional)
    23 min drive

Room options

Similar properties

Game room
Entire Cozy Villa 2 min Near Starved Rock!
Hot tub
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
4.8 out of 5, Exceptional, (30)
The price is AU$837
for 1 night
includes taxes & fees
6 Dec - 7 Dec
Entire Cozy Villa 2 min Near Starved Rock!

About the area

Ottawa

Located in Ottawa, this vacation home is on the waterfront, within a 10-minute drive of Mix's Trading Post and Illinois River Winery. .This family-friendly vacation home is 10.4 mi (16.7 km) from Starved Rock State Park and 4.8 mi (7.7 km) from LaSalle County Historical Society & Museum.
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What's nearby

  • Illinois River Winery - 8 min drive - 7.1 km
  • Grand Bear Falls Indoor Water Park - 10 min drive - 8.8 km
  • Matthiessen State Park - 11 min drive - 9.4 km
  • Starved Rock State Park - 18 min drive - 16.8 km
  • Buffalo Rock State Park - 18 min drive - 16.4 km

Getting around

  • Mendota Station - 29 min drive
  • Peoria, IL (PIA-Greater Peoria Regional) - 87 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Casey's General Store - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Casa-Mia Lounge & Restaurant - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Back Door Lounge - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Muffy's - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Lin Garden Restaurant - ‬10 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.

Gated Waterfront Nature Retreat 5 minutes from Starved Rock State Park

Discover this estate providing the ultimate multi-purpose property. Behind the privacy gates, you will find one of the best kept secrets along the Illinois River Valley and Starved Rock State Park area.

This property has a gorgeous custom home that is 2,250 sq. ft. overlooking the water. Truly a masterpiece of design and craftsmanship with a grand 14’ double door entrance, large fully screened porch, and wall of windows showcasing a pond that provides picturesque sunsets. Inside you will find a large open concept floor plan along with tall ceilings, beautiful finishes, two large bedrooms, two full bathrooms, radiant heated bathroom floor, gas log fireplace, charcoal grill, gas grill, several custom cabinets, high-end appliances, new furnace, nest thermostat, automatic gate opener and door access keypad.

When you are not enjoying the views from the home, you will find 2 additional fishing ponds. The property has proven to be excellent for fishing, kayaking, bird watching and much more. The property is located between Dee Bennet Road and the I&M Canal Trail, creating a natural barrier to the south and north. The property creates the perfect private year-round retreat to enjoy with family and friends.

In addition to enjoying your own private ponds, you can launch your boat into the IL river at multiple nearby locations, the closest being Starved Rock Yacht Club, located directly across the road. The Wide Waters Yacht Club is also across the road with great public dining and boat rentals.

The property is adjacent to Buffalo Rock State Park and the I&M Canal National Heritage Trail.

Buffalo Rock State Park is a 298-acre park that offers bike trails, American bison, hunting, canoeing, cross country skiing, geocaching, hiking trails, baseball field, horseshoe pits, playgrounds and shelter.

The I&M Canal National Historic Area borders the property with private access from the property directly onto the I&M Canal Trail. Many activities are allowed on the canal’s 77+ miles of well-maintained trails. The I&M Canal offers may different experiences including boat trips, horseback riding, snowmobiling, biking, hiking, walking, canal towns, dining and many more.

Just across the river is Starved Rock State Park, one of the Illinois’ most beautiful destinations and the #1 most visited state park in Illinois. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the park’s 18 canyons featuring vertical walls of moss-covered stone formed by glacial meltwater that slice dramatically through tree-covered sandstone bluffs. More than 13 miles of trails allow access to waterfalls, fed season runoff or natural springs, sandstone overhangs, and spectacular overlooks. Recreational opportunities abound, from hiking to camping to fishing, boating, or hunting.

Just a few miles further down the road is Matthiessen State Park that offers canyons, streams, prairie, and forest. Visitors can expect to see beautiful rock formations in addition to unusual and abundant vegetation and wildlife. All of this, along with park and picnic facilities, make Matthiessen State Park a popular choice for an outing.

Vermillion River is also a local attraction that is 112 miles long offering an abundance of activities. The Vermillion River is a fisherman's paradise, with numerous eddies, slack pools, overhanging and downed trees, deep holes, and rocky shorelines. The Vermilion is a great place to go fly fishing. For a full experience, drop a pole while drifting the river in a raft or canoe. Rafts are available at the Vermilion River Rafting Company.

Utica is just minutes away and it is known as the Gateway to Starved Rock. Utica has festivals, fine and casual dining, live music, pubs, wineries, shopping, open air market, and much more.

Ottawa, IL has a deep history with several public attractions and a very active Chamber of Commerce. There are 15 Parks to choose from in Ottawa. Click to learn more about Ottawa’s downtown, dining, parks, economic development, LaSalle Speedway, golfing and bustling tourism. If you are awaiting an adventure or endless outdoor recreation, you are able to take full advantage of the thousands of public lands in the direct vicinity. As you can see, Ottawa is a very charming town in the middle of everywhere!
Make yourself comfortable in this air-conditioned vacation home, which features a fireplace and a Smart TV. There's a private patio. A kitchen is outfitted with a refrigerator, an oven, and a stovetop. Complimentary wireless internet access is available to keep you connected. The bathroom has a jetted bathtub and a hair dryer.
Take advantage of recreation opportunities including a water park and a spa tub.
Guests will find features like internet access and onsite parking.

Property manager

Tom Gibson

Languages

English

Property amenities

Pool/Spa

  • A hot tub

Internet

  • Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • On-site parking

Kitchen

  • Fridge
  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Dishwasher
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Spices
  • Blender
  • Cookware/dishes/utensils

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bed sheets provided
  • Sofa bed

Bathrooms

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Shower
  • Jetted
  • Towels provided
  • Toilet paper
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Hairdryer

Living spaces

  • Fireplace
  • Living room
  • Dining room

Entertainment

  • Smart TV with cable/satellite service
  • Games
  • Stereo

Outdoor areas

  • Patio
  • Charcoal grills
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Firepit

Laundry

  • Washing machine and dryer
  • Near a laundromat

Work spaces

  • Computer monitor
  • Printer
  • Desk

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • 2 total (up to 9 kg per pet)

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • On the lake
  • On the waterfront
  • In a rural location
  • Near a health or beauty spa
  • Near a hospital
  • Near outlet shopping
  • Near a zoo

Things to do

  • Water park
  • Fitness facilities nearby
  • Kayaking on site
  • Golf nearby
  • Theme parks nearby
  • Canoeing nearby
  • Rock climbing nearby
  • Hiking nearby
  • Wildlife and game walks nearby
  • Marina nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Jet skiing nearby

Safety features

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

General

  • Unit size: 2250 sq ft (209 sq m)

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 23

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

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
2 total (up to 20 lbs per pet)
Restrictions apply; for more information contact the property at the number on the booking confirmation

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 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

Property is also known as

Private Retreat minutes from Starved Rock State Park

Gated Waterfront Nature Retreat 5 minutes from Starved Rock State Park Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 45 out of 45 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 45 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 45 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 45 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 45 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Joseph E.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great Escape
This is a really special place to escape to. The house is both contemporary and comfortable. The property is secluded, private and very well maintained.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Luis R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Relaxing
The peacefulness begins when enter front gate. Great place!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Justin K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Incredible, expansive, and private property so close to Chicagoland
This place is awesome. Private, expansive, beautiful, accommodating, comfortable, and convenient. We booked Tom and Michelle's place for a nice, chill weekend get-together. It was ideal because it was nice and close for most of us (about 1.5 hours from the suburbs and Peoria), had plenty of room, and was nearby Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Park, plus access to Ottawa for groceries, food, and all that stuff. The property is super easy to get to but is also very private. There is plenty of room and the two ponds on the property are also amazing. The house itself is beautiful and has plenty of place to spread out and sleep when that time comes around, plus plenty of space to cook and eat. We had 11 people at our peak and never felt close to uncomfortable. The internet was fast, the firewood was plentiful, the grill was spectacular, and the time we had was memorable. The hosts were super helpful and responsive as well. To top it all off, when one of our party from Colorado forgot his shoes, they mailed them back to him. Incredible. Can't recommend enough; we will be back!!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mark P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Girls Getaway
Beautiful home with huge gathering space for our big group. Very clean, beautiful scenery. Plenty of bedding and very comfortable. The owner was very responsive and kind. Grounds were kept nice. Beautiful rocking chairs on the screened in porch. Great fire pit area with plenty of comfy chairs and wood. Loved that they provided shampoo, soap, etc. A nice touch was the face mask and ear plugs for all. Also having plenty of kitchen needs and even salt and pepper. Very close to town, kayaking, hiking.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rodney B.

Liked: Cleanliness
The Return
This was our second year staying at this house and had another amazing time making memories with friends and family. Same as last year Tom made everything easy so we could concentrate on our vacation. Hoping to return here again next year!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sue G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Nature Lovers Paradise
The house was beautiful...Extremely well furnished and clean. The outside was a well-kept wonderland with many acres. The marina for renting a pontoon on the Illinois River was very close as well as Starved Rock. Michelle and Tom were terrific. We could call any time, for any reason. Their communication was always friendly and helpful. Thank you for providing a home away from home with family.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Carrie H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Relaxation
Girls trip. There had been a lot of stressful situations. So we went here to just relax! It was perfect, quiet and serene. It was great sitting on the screened porch with the dogs, a glass a wine, watching the sun set. Perfect!!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Denise B.

Liked: Cleanliness
A slice of heaven
Secluded, lovely modern lake home on expansive wooded property that feels like a slice of heaven! Peaceful and private! The screened porch was fabulous! Hosts responded quickly to questions. Loved it! Will stay again!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Donna V.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great Family Time
Home is big enough for our group of 15 with lots of outdoor space for the kids to run around. Near Utica, Ottawa and Starved Rock State Park, so lots of places to explore nearby. Would highly recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Matthew S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Just what we needed
Secluded and relaxing atmosphere. The screened in porch was fabulous as we watched the sun set. Beautiful weather. Starved Rock close by. Just an amazing time.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Joseph E.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great Private Oasis
We had two wonderful nights at this retreat. The home was clean and comfortable. One of my favorite cabins ever. Location was very private but close to hiking and shopping.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Carrie G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Girls relaxing weekend
Every year 5 of us life long friends travel for a weekend away. We seek out comfort, cleanliness, and hope for some unique finds at our VRBO’s. This checked ALL the boxes, super clean, comfortable, and bonus some really cool attributes to this house including the unique front door! Great back porch too to chill in rocking chairs and a nice walking path near the property as well. Owners very responsive.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

chad h.

Liked: Cleanliness
The great getaway
The property is absolutely beautiful, the water that surrounds the house is amazing. Having a privacy gate is very nice makes you feel safe and alone. The home is fully stocked with everything you need to make your stay enjoyable. Plenty of space for any occasion looking forward staying there again in the spring/ summer time!! The hosts were very professional and curtious. Thanks for a wonderful stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Birthday Weekend Getaway
This property is absolutely gorgeous! The house is spacious and beautiful inside and the grounds outside are breathtaking! Thank you - I would definitely come back again.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Myrna H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Short stay
Beautiful property, enjoyed the fire pit and star gazing, nice welcome basket of snacks
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Martin N.

Liked: Cleanliness
Enjoyable
Enjoyable, between the town of Ottawa and Utica, we enjoy the best of both towns. Spent time rocking on the porch and enjoyed a nice nighttime fire. Very good restaurants and friendly towns
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lauren M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful Weekend Away
It was great staying at this property! I wish we had more time to enjoy it. Everything matched the pictures and they were very responsive for anything we may have needed!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Andrew T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great weekend stay!
This house was one of the most well-stocked rentals we've ever seen. They've truly thought of everything. Despite only having two bedrooms, the interior is spacious and the entire property is sprawling - there's something to do around every corner. This is a great place to get away from city life and enjoy some nature.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Saul R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing
I had an amazing experience. Thank you so much for everything. We hope to come back and stay in this beautiful property.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ciro B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Big Catch
Tom and Michelle provide a relaxing, hidden retreat. They have every detail covered. Many lasting memories made.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kelly B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Very nice house with a great view!
The house was clean, spacious, and we loved the porch looking onto the pond. Had a little trouble with code to get in, but Tom and Michelle answered right away and got it fixed. Nice secluded area to relax and decompress!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sigrun

Travelled with family, Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property is absolutely amazing and just as seen in the pictures. The large room easily holds 12 adults comfortably and the open kitchen is perfect for entertaining. A very large wooden table with benches is amazing for eating all together - we were there with 6 adults and 4 teenagers and were extremely comfortable. 2 full baths make it very easy for a large group to function even after very active days. The Starved Rock State Parke with 20 miles of hiking trails is minutes from the property, and the Kayak rental is in walking distance. Everything was truly amazing; the pond has a soothing fountain that you can hear at night. Just wish there were not as many mosquitoes!! The porch is fenced in and allows for a bug free outdoor experience with a beautiful view over the pond. The owners were super nice and EXTEREMLY kind - including outstanding pizza and high end dinner recommendations right in town - we even got to meet the chef and owner of the local gem restaurant Mia Casa - highly recommended Italian restaurant that can rival any Chicago downtown place. If you are looking for an active but quiet and very private get-away with a larger group, this is your place!!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Steve G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Peaceful, Relaxing Stay
Such a unique spot! We all really enjoyed the screened-in porch, listening to the pond’s fountain. I enjoyed fishing in the ponds and being outdoors. While we were just a family of four, it is a great spot for big groups. The owner texted a lot of good suggestions for dining in the area. I would not hesitate in recommending this property.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mary U., Des Plaines, IL USA

Liked: Cleanliness
Bride's Getaway
This was the perfect location for a quiet weekend for an all ladies weekend with the bride, her family, grooms family, and bridesmaids. We grilled, played games, had a bonfire, went to town, the marina for dinner, and whatnot. Perfect location! Close to Ottawa in case you forgot anything. Close to North Utica for the great places in town. The house is absolutely perfect! The younger ladies stayed in the bunk room and bonded. The older ladies stayed in the two queen room. It was absolutely perfect! Across from Starved Rock Kayak. Next time we hope bring our own. We had the most incredible time! The bride-to-be said we hit it completely out of the park picking this incredible property! I highly recommend staying here! It is secluded yet close to everything. A+ property!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Donna V.

Liked: Cleanliness
Owner has good communication
The property is awesome and recommend for any family gathering. We had a challenge with the AC which the owner remedied ASAP. We were happy with the outcome.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023