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The Redbud Cottage--Beach & Quiet. Lake Sara Waterfront & Wood Fires.

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Property grounds
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Property grounds
Interior
Exterior

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 121500 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Outdoor Space

Explore the area

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Effingham, IL
  • Place, Lake Sara
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Place, Effingham Performance Center
    ‪20 min drive‬
  • Place, Lake Shelbyville
    ‪52 min drive‬

Room options

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Exterior
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Effingham by IHG
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  • Pool
  • Hot tub
  • Breakfast included
  • Free WiFi
4.7 out of 5, Exceptional, 1,004 reviews
$132 nightly
The price is $148
Jun 21 - Jun 22
Total with taxes and fees
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Effingham by IHG

About the neighborhood

Effingham

Located in Effingham, this cottage is on the waterfront, within a 15-minute drive of Lake Sara and Cardinal Golf Course. .This family-friendly cottage is 8.3 mi (13.4 km) from Effingham Performance Center and 8.4 mi (13.5 km) from Bliss Park.
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What's nearby

  • Lake Sara - 6 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Cardinal Golf Course - 13 min drive - 5.8 miles
  • Effingham Performance Center - 20 min drive - 10.9 miles
  • Mid America Motorworks, My Garage Museum - 24 min drive - 15.3 miles
  • Lake Shelbyville - 52 min drive - 37.9 miles

Getting around

  • Effingham Station - 23 min drive
  • Champaign, IL (CMI-University Of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Williard) - 80 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Casey's General Store - ‬23 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬18 min drive
  • ‪Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen - ‬19 min drive
  • ‪Golden Corral - ‬20 min drive
  • ‪Niemerg's Steakhouse - ‬21 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.

The Redbud Cottage--Beach & Quiet. Lake Sara Waterfront & Wood Fires.

Located in the heart of central Illinois, the Redbud Cottage at Lake Sara is a great destination for families or friends, or a perfect stopover for a trip through the Great Midwest. With your own swimming beach, a floating dock to play on, a beautiful wood-burning fireplace, a dock for fishing, and a large deck for sitting in the sun, enjoy the peace and quiet of our little wooded cottage on the lake.

Our beach is SHARED by the Hartmann's grandchildren a few days each Summer. But our grandchildren are still young, will be supervised by adults, and won't use the beach while guests are using the beach or the dock (for example while fishing).

Every season is beautiful on Lake Sara, with Spring and Fall being particularly pretty and quiet. The Summer water is wonderful for swimming, and warm from May through September. Enjoy eating on our old family picnic table by the water. Watch the kids swim or play on the beach, or have fun taking a lovely float yourself in Lake Sara's clean, warm water.

Wake boarding, tubing, and water skiing are local favorites. There is good fishing for bass, crappie, catfish, and blue gill, especially in the Spring and Fall. Lake Sara sets aside special quiet hours for fishermen. Winter is a great time for crisp woodsy walks and warming fires.

Our 3 bedroom, 2 bath cottage sleeps ONLY 6 adults (per local regulations) and a "reasonable amount" of children. We have 3 "very comfortable" [Guest reviews] king size beds and a couple of wonderful wide sleeping couches in front of the fireplace. We have sleeping bags for children and a crib for babies. Our kitchen and downstairs were completely remodeled in early 2021. We have a Keurig Coffemaker, a French coffee press, a dishwasher, and all new dishes and pots and pans. Our washer and dryer and two-car garage make this a perfect spot for an extended stay. A canoe and 5 kayaks are available for the use of our guests.

Inside, enjoy the separation of a master suite upstairs, as well as the two-and-a-half story, book-filled living room with its massive stone fireplace. You can burn local wood that you'll find stacked at your door. One of our favorite sports is sitting with a book in front of the fire--wine and s'mores are optional.

Our lot is full of tall, beautiful oaks and maples, and is in a pretty neighborhood on the quiet western end of Lake Sara. Redbud trees line Lorton road and are being planted among our woods, bringing their vivid purple/pink flowers in Spring. Views from our huge deck are all water and trees--you can only see one other house. The Lake is surrounded by good Illinois farmland, so it's a wonderful spot for long flat bike rides and walks.
Make yourself comfortable in this air-conditioned cottage, 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 keeps you connected, and a DVD player is provided for your entertainment.
Take in the views from a garden and make use of amenities such as barbecue grills.
Guests will find features like internet access and onsite parking.

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach nearby
  • Beach loungers

Internet

  • Available in the cottage: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Car required
  • Onsite parking options include a garage

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee grinder
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Ice maker
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

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

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Books
  • DVD player
  • Games
  • Smart TV with cable/satellite channels
  • Stereo
  • Video library

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

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.
  • Wheelchair accessibility
  • Smoking not allowed
  • Note from host: Smoking allowed out in our yard and by the lake.

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • Near a hospital
  • Near an outlet shopping mall
  • Near the marina
  • On a lake
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Bicycles
  • Boat
  • Golf
  • Kayak
  • Water sports equipment
  • Basketball nearby
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Water skiing nearby
  • Water tubing nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby
  • Winery tours 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)
  • Fire extinguisher

General

  • Bicycles
  • Garden
  • Unit size: 1,500 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM

Minimum check-in age: 21

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

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

Check-out instructions

The host requires you complete the following before checking out:

Load and start the dishwasher

Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks, and take out the trash

Turn off the lights

Please leave the kitchen as clean as you found it, as far as possible. Our housekeeper has plenty of work to do without doing dishes. Also, please make sure all trash is bagged & in tall garage can.

Please leave all linens on the beds, and all towels hanging in the bathrooms. Our housekeeper will deal with them – – and it is not always clear if she will arrive quickly after your departure!

Please moderate heat or air conditioning on departing. And leave house door unlocked, and depart using the large garage door. Travel safely!

Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Rules

Please leave Kitchen as Clean as you found it! We'll have the rest of the cottage & laundry cleaned for you.

Please, No Outside Noise (on decks or by the water) after 10 p.m. and before 8 a.m. We live in a quiet neighborhood with mostly retired neighbors!

Please use your heads when using Cottage Linens and Blankets. Our Housekeeper has to Wash Every Item you pull out! Please use just what you need.

Pets

Pets not allowed

Note from host: Sorry. We are always a No Pets property.

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Note from host: On lake--Lifejackets needed! We have many sizes.

Events

No events allowed

Renters having loud parties will be ejected.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Smoking allowed out in our yard and by the lake.

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
Note from host: Renters having loud parties will be ejected.
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
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

We should mention

A car is required for transportation to and from this property

Property is also known as

Redbud Cottage--beach Quiet. Lake Sara Waterfront Wood Fires

Redbud Cottage--beach Quiet. Lake Sara Waterfront Wood Fires

The Redbud Cottage beach Quiet. Lake Sara Waterfront Wood Fires

The Redbud Cottage beach Quiet. Lake Sara Waterfront Wood Fires

The Redbud Cottage beach Quiet. Lake Sara Waterfront Wood Fires

The Redbud Cottage Beach Quiet. Lake Sara Waterfront Wood Fires.

The Redbud Cottage--Beach & Quiet. Lake Sara Waterfront & Wood Fires. Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 437 out of 493 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 51 out of 493 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 5 out of 493 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 493 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 493 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Angie J.

Liked: Cleanliness
This place exceeded our expectations. The cottage is beautiful with a stunning waterfront view that made the experience, especially memorable. Everything was spotless throughout, thoughtfully designed and equipped with all the comforts of home. The beds were incredibly comfortable, and the host made every thing seamless by providing clear directions and helpful information throughout our stay. We had a wonderful time and would absolutely recommend the property to others.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026

10/10 Excellent

Michael S.

Liked: Cleanliness
We had a fantastic stay Redbud Cottage and really enjoyed the lake. It was beautiful to see the morning sunrise right off of the water. Our hosts were gracious and kind and provided good instructions.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026

10/10 Excellent

Angela J.

Liked: Cleanliness
This is our second time staying art this property we enjoy the layout and space. Kitchen is well stocked for our cooking needs. We love the privacy and quiet. The owner is easy to contact and responsive. The property does have some items needing updates and repairs. The outside is nice the guys loved the fishing and easy access. The outside is in need of quite a bit of up keep. Driveway is almost not noticeable because of over growth, and house number is hard to read. Maybe a leaf blower access for the outside would help all the furniture and deck were dirty and could use a clean. But all in all just suggestions its a great stay with a great view peaceful it wouldn't stop us from staying again
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026

10/10 Excellent

Tracy D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect place to unplug and unwind ! Had everything we needed and more. Close enough to places to eat and shop but far enough out to feel like we had gotten away from the busy life for awhile . Went to Ballard nature center one morning . Beautiful trails for walking . Worth the 20 min drive !
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026

10/10 Excellent

Chloe H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing rental!! Loved it so much. Will definitely be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2026

10/10 Excellent

Dustin C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great property. We had a relaxing stay. It's kind of close to the neighbors, but also feels isolated. We would stay again if in the area.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026

8/10 Good

Teresa M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Overall we do enjoy being there its a great place to just relax and enjoy the outdoors. The weather was perfect. The cottage does need some TLC, furniture in the main family room needs to be replaced. Beds are very comfortable. Outdoor grill needed some bolts to hold the lid on, brother fixed that. Windows outside need to be cleaned more often, cobwebs all over the place. Railings inside going upstairs are wobbly. Arcadia doors are hard to open and close. Just in general more maintenance neeeds to be done.
Stayed 10 nights in Apr 2026

10/10 Excellent

Shana D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Dave's stay in Effingham has become our go-to for when our family gets together. There's plenty of space to not feel crammed and the patio is super nice to grill and be by the water. We ran into a few minor issues but nothing that took away from our stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2026

10/10 Excellent

Zhen yu O.

Liked: Cleanliness
The lake house is beautifully situated in a peaceful and serene area. It is modern and cozy with nice rustic features. A well layout place that felt larger inside with it's grand fireplace and cathedral ceilings. It also has an attached garage for your convenience. There were plenty of amenities that will provide hours of entertainment both inside and outside. Supply depots and restaurants are just 15 minutes out. The owners were very informative and responded to questions promptly. You couldn't ask for more a pleasant and accommodating host. We look forward to staying here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026

10/10 Excellent

Melinda G., Granite City

Liked: Cleanliness
Everything was wonderful. The property clean and stocked with all we could need for our stay. Plenty for the kids to do outdoors as well as inside. The kayaks, firepit and fishing/boat dock made being outside in 60 degree weather comfy for the whole day. So much firewood. The hammock was nice and relaxing also!! We will be back again and again.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026

10/10 Excellent

Christy W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great stay!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026

10/10 Excellent

BUNNY N.

Liked: Cleanliness
Everything was great!!!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026

10/10 Excellent

Maria W., Illinois

Liked: Cleanliness
We had the BEST home away from home stay at beautiful Redbud Cottage! Host David was so kind, and great to communicate with. He let us check in early, which we really appreciated getting to start our getaway a little earlier! The cottage is very clean, the kitchen updates are beautiful, elevated, and convenient- very easy to use! We slept in the master bedroom- bed was very comfortable! Our kids are older, but the cottage is thoughtfully set up for families with young children too (crib in master, stairs are safeguarded with paneling, things we would have appreciated when ours were younger). Lake views are stunning! March weather over our stay was not as outdoor friendly (we’ll have to come back to enjoy the kayaks and fires by the lake!), so we enjoyed cozy inside activities and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. The book collection they have is fabulous and fun to peruse also! Can’t say enough great things about the hosts or the cottage. Every touch of home was here, we’re leaving with beautiful new memories made, and we appreciate it so much.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026

10/10 Excellent

Mark M.

Liked: Cleanliness
great house on the lake
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026

10/10 Excellent

Jill G.

Liked: Cleanliness
This is our third (or fourth?!) time staying at the Red Bud Cottage. The peaceful lake and cozy fireplace keep us coming back! The beds are comfortable and David is always the most gracious and accommodating host. It won’t be our last visit for sure!
An early March dusting of snow at the cottage!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Cathy W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Everything as described, very cozy!!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Heather M.

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Bkab M.

Liked: Cleanliness
The house was amazing! Everyone who stayed had nothing but good things to say when leaving. Definitely would love to come back sometime in the summer!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

ERIC A., Chicago, USA

Liked: Cleanliness
The fireplace was incredible and gave such a cozy feel in winter and the view of the lake is a thing of dreams. It is an incredibly relaxed and serene place to stay!
Stayed 8 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Marie R.

Liked: Cleanliness
I have never rented with VRBO until this visit. There is no particular reason aside from that we have Wyndham, like to cruise and other random reasons. This was EXCELLENT! The cottage was exactly as described and the owner was very responsive with my questions. Everything was in good working order and had everything that would be needed for a stay. I would 100% rent this cottage again!
We really enjoyed the fireplace
Plenty of room
Even has some water sports
Serene
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

IRMAK TAYLAN K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Greg F.

Liked: Cleanliness
We enjoyed our stay, the home is very comfortable, great view and well located. The host was extremely responsive as well.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ellie T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Oh it was just the perfect weekend!! The lake was so lovely and peaceful and the amenities were everything we needed. We had a BLAST here and hope to come again!!! 11/10!!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Laura R., St Louis, USA

Liked: Cleanliness
Such a great, relaxing stay! View from the wall of windows in the living room was stunning! Beds were comfortable and hosts were so helpful and responsive!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Peter B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful house and even better setting on the lake with all the amenities that make it perfect. Just wish more fish would bite! Enjoyed the kitchen/fireplace and hanging by the lake-even enjoyed an outing on a kayak. Great place to restore our souls!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025