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

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Relax at The Cottage on Cardinal Lane with stunning lake views.
Enjoy the spacious deck with serene lake views and comfy seating.
Cozy living room with lake views, comfy seating, and a perfect spot to unwind.
Fully equipped kitchen with modern amenities—ideal for cooking and gatherings.
Cozy bedroom with comfortable bedding

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Spa pool
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Double Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom 2

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

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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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
Bring child life vests; standard vests provided
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

About the area

Effingham

Located in Effingham, this holiday home is on the waterfront. Dr. Charles M. Wright Mansion and Veteran's Monument are local landmarks, and some of the area's attractions include Bliss Park and Effingham County Fairgrounds. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
View more Holiday homes in EffinghamOpens in a new window
Map
Effingham, IL

What's nearby

  • Lake Sara - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • Cardinal Golf Course - 11 min walk - 0.9 km
  • Effingham Performance Center - 10 min drive - 9.3 km
  • Mid America Motorworks, My Garage Museum - 14 min drive - 15.7 km
  • Lake Shelbyville - 45 min drive - 53.9 km

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
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Sbarro - ‬11 min drive

Frequently asked questions

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

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Lake Sara cottage: 3BR/2BA, hot tub, swim dock, firepit, kayaks, & lake views!?

As of 26 Mar 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Lake Sara cottage: 3BR/2BA, hot tub, swim dock, firepit, kayaks, & lake views! on 22 Apr 2026 start from AU$422, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at Lake Sara cottage: 3BR/2BA, hot tub, swim dock, firepit, kayaks, & lake views!?

On-site parking is available at the property.

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.

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

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

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

Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is steps from Lake Sara and 1.3 mi (2.1 km) from Cardinal Golf Course. Effingham Performance Center and HSHS St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital 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. 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

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sue K.

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

10/10 Excellent

Sheree H.

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

10/10 Excellent

Brooke W.

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

Fishing getaway

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

10/10 Excellent

Joelle S.

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

10/10 Excellent

Kathy B.

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

10/10 Excellent

Katherine S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A little piece of heaven! Beautiful home, beautiful property, an oasis!!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Amy P.

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

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Andrea

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Katy C.

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

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Katherine S.

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

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jeannie V.

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

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kathy B.

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

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lisa J.

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

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Katherine L.

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

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Joan K.

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

About the host

Hosted by Dean & Tana

Host profile image
Dean and Tana are the proud owners of The Cottage on Cardinal Lane, a home they’ve cherished since 2020. They fell in love with the property the moment they saw the stunning lake views and have since created many wonderful memories with friends and family here. Their favorite activities include boating, floating on the lake, and walking on the nearby trails. Their hope is that you, too, will experience the joy and tranquility they have found, and make your own special memories during your stay!

Languages:

English

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