Almost Heaven - Relaxing Getaway On Serene Rice Lake
Location:
Our remodeled lakehouse retreat is on Rice Lake in Walworth County – 6 miles outside of the town of Whitewater in the Southern Kettle Moraine State forest. Rice Lake is approx 150 acres, 10 feet deep, and more than half of the shoreline is uninhabited state forest. Property is located on 75 ft of lake frontage in a protected bay with pier perfect for swimming, fishing, or sunbathing.
Our Home: Two-level, 2400 square foot home with 4 bedrooms/3 baths, sleeps 8. Both floors have been completely remodeled and have central air conditioning and heat. 1100+ sq ft wrap around deck surrounding the open floor plan of the kitchen, dining room, and living room provides a beautiful view of the bay.
Upstairs Kitchen: granite counter tops and island, all new appliances including dishwasher, trash compactor, double oven, microwave, refrigerator/freezer with ice maker. Small appliances include a blender, mixer, griddle, coffee maker, Keurig one-cup coffee maker, toaster, and more. Dining table seats 8 comfortably.
Living room: large flat screen TV with Dish Network and DVD/VHS player. Comfy reclining couch and love seat--perfect for a mid-day vacation nap. Entertainment closet filled with DVDs, books, puzzles, and board games.
Master Bedroom: King bed, plenty of dresser and closet space, and attached master bathroom.
Master bathroom: Kohler steam shower with dual shower heads and a built-in tile bench for 2-3. Cabinet stocked with towels and a convenient laundry chute to the basement laundry room.
Bedroom #2: King bed, TV with Dish Network and VCR/DVD player, and a large dresser and closet space.
Bedroom #3: Queen pillow-top bed with dresser and closet.
Bathroom #2: Full bathroom with shower/tub stocked with towels and toiletries for your needs.
Downstairs: Family room: TV with Dish Network and a DVD/VHS player, wood-burning fireplace, sliding glass doors to lakefront, 2 couches with recliners, and a very comfortable double high queen air mattress with bedding provided. May bring one additional air mattress to utilize in the basement family room space.
Bathroom #3: large whirlpool bath tub with jets (seats 2 comfortably) and shower.
Bedroom #4: one full bed and one twin bed with dresser and closet.
Laundry room: washer and dryer with detergent provided, beach towels, extra bath towels, cleaning supplies, and extra paper products.
2nd refrigerator/freezer.
Outside: Huge wrap-around deck with comfortable deck furniture including swivel chairs and a table for 4, 2 stationary chairs, and a chaise lounge with a side table. Gas grill with propane and utensils. 17 gently sloping stairs down a winding staircase lead to a lower deck area with a fire pit, chairs, and prongs for cooking over the fire. 20’ x 10’ pier with ladder. Water is approximately 6’ deep at end of pier.
Whitewater is a college town with a branch of the University of Wisconsin. Population is about 15,000. There are plenty of sit-down and fast-food restaurants, bars, small-town and chain stores, and a Super Walmart for all your vacation needs.
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Pets allowed: dogs less than 23 kg per pet (limit one pet total)
Small to medium well-trained dogs are 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 and a first aid kit
About the area
Whitewater
Located in Whitewater, this holiday home is on a lake. Staller Estate Winery and Apple Barn Orchard and Winery are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Whitewater Effigy Mounds Preserve and Natureland Park. Kettle Moraine Ranch and Walworth County Fairgrounds are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Whitewater Historical Society - 11 min drive - 13.1 km
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater - 12 min drive - 13.5 km
Getting around
Waukesha, WI (UES-Waukesha County) - 56 min drive
Restaurants
River Jacks - 15 min drive
Food for Thought - 15 min drive
Grilling Out - 14 min drive
Second Salem Brewing Company - 13 min drive
Rick's Eastside Pub & Grill - 12 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Almost Heaven - Relaxing Getaway On Serene Rice Lake pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.
How much does it cost to stay at Almost Heaven - Relaxing Getaway On Serene Rice Lake?
As of 4 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Almost Heaven - Relaxing Getaway On Serene Rice Lake on 30 Apr 2026 start from AU$574, 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 Almost Heaven - Relaxing Getaway On Serene Rice Lake?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Almost Heaven - Relaxing Getaway On Serene Rice Lake?
Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Almost Heaven - Relaxing Getaway On Serene Rice Lake?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Almost Heaven - Relaxing Getaway On Serene Rice Lake located?
Situated on a lake, this holiday home is 2.3 mi (3.8 km) from Natureland Park and within 9 miles (15 km) of Staller Estate Winery and Whitewater Historical Society. Cravath Lakefront Park and University of Wisconsin-Whitewater 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.
We were very comfortable and had plenty of room for our family, 7 adults. The kitchen had absolutely everything you could possibly need and we did quite a bit of cooking. Joe was easy to communicate with and very responsive. There were so many water toys available! We loved watching the bird feeders every morning.
The pictures really don’t do this place justice. It was the most well stocked house I’ve ever stayed in!!! Hosts were wonderful!! And it was the cleanest as well, we enjoyed kayaks and paddle boating, bird watching, we watched a small doe in the yard and going to the lake to get a drink. I can’t say enough good about it, would definitely return. Loved the area too!!!
Our family thoroughly enjoyed our stay at this wonderful property. We all enjoyed the easy accessibility to the lake and were very thankful for the use of the kayaks, canoe, and paddleboat. We used them regularly and especially enjoyed going out to watch the sunset. We also enjoyed making s’mores at the fire pit, eating meals as a family on the deck, and playing basketball in the driveway. Our family also loved watching the birds using the bird feeders. The great views from the large windows added a sense of rest to us all. This place is great! Thank you, Joe, for being such a great host
Barbara F.
Stayed 9 nights in Aug 2024
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Kay L.
20 Sept 2016
Fantastic vaca home!
This home is a great place to share vacation time with your family. Everything is there for you!
From water 'toys' to a cozy place for outdoor fires and making s'mores, washer/dryer, lovely bathrooms, a well-equipped kitchen, large-screen TV's, a fantastic wrap-around porch, etc. etc. Also, the proximity to the state park and beach, complete with boat rentals is terrific. All you need to bring is your spirit of adventure, desire for a relaxing environment, your swim suit, and some good food and beverages. You'll be set for a great time at Joe's place. Enjoy!
We would highly recommend this vrbo property. It is exactly as described. Many amenities. The kitchen was very well stocked. I must say better than any we have rented over the years. Our family takes turn cooking all week, so this is an important factor.
the lake was beautiful. Though properties are somewhat close together, it did not seem that way. There are trees and the shoreline dividing them. What set this property apart for us was the fact that we felt very welcome. The tone was one of welcome. Mi casa es su casa. We were welcomed to use everything. Some places treat you like children that do not know how to behave! Though I am sure some owners have been burned by irresponsible renters. At any rate, it felt more like we were renting from friends or relatives. We recommend this property to all.
Spent a week here with our daughters, their husbands & our 18month old granddaughter. Ample family space, bedrooms/bathrooms. Rice Lake is a small, quiet lake-mostly pontoons & kayakers. Home was well equipped for the week with plenty of paper products, cleaning supplies, toiletries & laundry supplies. Plenty of bath and beach towels too. The kayaks/paddle boat were in good condition. Lots of games/puzzles & rafts & beach toys & yard games. The yard is small-only the front yard is useable as the back is small & slopes pretty sharply to the water. The deck is ample with lots of chairs & gas grill. The deck, as with most aging decks, requires shoes. There is no beach at this location, tho a nice small one is just a short drive. The firepit was a bit disappointing and the bugs this time of year made it unusable The house is stocked with spices & a few pantry staples. That said, the refrigerator had a large number of presumably left-over condiments from previous renters & took up too much space & most were expired. Thankfully there was another fridge on the lower lever.Joe seems to be a conscientious owner. We experienced a water alarm in the middle of the 2nd night & Joe was on his way (from the Chicago suburbs) the next morning.While it seems that everything is well maintained, the ample cob webs, plethora of bugs/spiders & our dirty sox at the end of the day gave us a reason to doubt the overall cleanliness. With a toddler, this was especially concerning.
What a wonderful place! Stocked with everything you will need (except food) for a fabulous vacation! Joe has thought of everything....tons of blankets, towels, paper products, water toys, firewood, etc. Comfy beds, linens and pillows. Very sturdy new dock. We hope to return for more wonderful memories! Thanks Joe!
We spent a week here with our family and my in laws and had a blast! The house had the perfect amount of room for all of us and was well-kept. Both the adults and kids enjoyed all the kayaks, paddle boats, etc... The owner was super easy to work with and responded quickly on all communications. Overall an awesome family vacation. We would definitely visit this home again!
We loved everything about the lake house, it was stocked with just about anything you could need. Joe was very responsive on the one very minor issue...
The house is more than loaded with lake activities. Kayak, canoe, paddle boat, lake floaties, fishing gear, nearby hiking... We rented the house to eacape our quarantine. We hit up Piggly Wiggly when we got there and stayed at the house the entire time. The kitchen has everything you need for preparing meals. Also, our dog had a great time.
What a beautiful and comfortable home. Plenty of space for everyone. The house was well stocked with everything we needed. Enjoyed the deck and dock with its peaceful view and the large windows where we could watch the birds and squirrels from inside as well. Nice hiking areas nearby. Would vacation here again anytime!
This fully equipped home has everything you need for a perfect getaway. My family felt right at home. We enjoyed watching the wildlife on the large deck. We fished, kayaked, went swimming, played games, made campfire breakfast & s'mores, and relaxed on the spacious lakeside patio dock. The bikes were perfect for a casual ride around the lake. Accommodations were plentiful. The beds were comfortable and the kitchen was well stocked. Everyone in the family said they would love to come back to this home again. The homeowners are attentive and great to work with. We LOVED this home.
We had an amazing weekend getaway only 2 hours away from Chicago. The house is incredible, very spacious and packed with fun items (paddle boat, canoes, kayaks, bikes, fishing poles, floaties, etc.). We made great use of the dock, bbq and firepit. The house was super clean and there were a lot of goodies left over from others - beers, cookies, etc. We made sure to return the favor and replenish the "community pantry". The bedrooms were comfy with great closet space. We did not use the in-house fireplace but great to know it's there. The only thing I think could be improved is that the water by the dock is very weedy so not ideal for swimming. That said I'm sure it's because COVID left the house uninhabited for a month or so until we came, and we did not let that stop us. Joe was a pleasure to interact with, very responsive and prompt. Overall I couldn't be happier with the house and plan to come back as often as we can - I think we found our little Chicago getaway spot!
We enjoyed our stay on the sleepy Rice Lake where we participated in every water sport we could! The house itself was a dream with so many things ready for us. We loved it!
Kristie V.
Stayed 13 nights in Jun 2019
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Georgine A.
28 Oct 2018
This home is absolutely beautiful!
We had a wonderful time at the house! The home is beautifully decorated. The kitchen is fully stocked with any thing you'd need. The living room is large and has comfortable furniture. The bathrooms are very good sized. The entire house was very clean and updated. We played some of the games that were in the closet. We fished on the deck quite a bit and caught fish! The best one was a good sized northern pike and there were a lot of little blue gill around the dock. We brought our boat along but it was windy the weekend we stayed so we just rode around the lake for fun. Rice Lake was beautiful with the fall colors. We all had an excellent time and would love to stay at Joe's place again! Thank you for sharing your lake house! It's awesome!
Georgine A.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2018
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Mark k.
3 Oct 2018
Great getaway.
Great location for a quiet get away. House was very clean , fully equipped & stocked for any size crowd. Large deck was great especially for any older guests that may not be to mobile. Information at house was very helpful as far as activities & restaurants in the area. Plenty of interesting history in the area if that is your thing.
A great place and highly recommended.
Mark k.
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Rachael A.
28 Aug 2018
Wonderful Family Vacation
Our family of 5 truly enjoyed our stay at this home. Our host was very responsive and accommodating. All the amenities were available along with extras such as water toys, games, etc. This beautiful home is directly on the water and easy to swim off the dock. Boat rentals are available at nearby JNT Marina.
Rachael A.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2018
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Suzanne D.
3 Aug 2018
Very Nice House
This was a well equipped nice home with plenty of space. The view was awesome. My family had a very nice time. We would highly recommend and love to go back.
The Donovan Family
Suzanne D.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2018
About the host
Hosted by Joe
Lynn and I have owned our lake home since 1988. Long ago we used to camp in the Kettle Moraine State Forest and decided that it was such a beautiful and secluded area we had to have a place here that we could call our home away from home. It has been a dream come true (but not without expense) where we have opened nature to our son and daughter whom can someday do the same with their own children. Let us provide you with the ideal lake house for your family and friends to getaway and experience all the area has to offer.
Why they chose this property
The surrounding area is truly unbelievable and offers serenity and tranquility for a perfect escape from reality. There are countless hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, and boating activities in the summer and snowmobiling, ice fishing, ice-skating, sledding, and skiing activities in the winter. Rice Lake has very little boat traffic, as there are only 40 homes on the lake with few permanent residents. There are no marinas directly on Rice Lake, which limits visitors however; there is a boat ramp located on state park property if you wish to bring your own boat but be sure to obtain proper stickers and licenses. Speedboats and jet skis are welcomed between 9am-5pm with wake-free otherwise. Mornings and evenings are set aside for quiet canoeing or fishing or just sitting outside with a cup of coffee or a glass of wine. Our property is located in a wake-free bay so peace and quiet can always be enjoyed. Furthermore, our home is on a deadend street with only 4 others.
For more action, Whitewater Lake (600+ acres) is right next door with a couple of marinas. There is no navigable access between the 2 lakes, just a spillover.
What makes this property unique
Recommended for: couples retreat, families, multiple families, women’s retreat, men’s getaway, hunters, fishermen. While we are very accommodating, we prefer families and couples who will take care of our home like their own. Teenagers looking for a party house– please do not apply.