Entire home
Lake Tenkiller Family Friendly Estate on the Illinois River - Making Memories!
Photo gallery for Lake Tenkiller Family Friendly Estate on the Illinois River - Making Memories!





Reviews
9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms 2+ bathrooms Sleeps 13 353.0 sq m
Popular amenities
Explore the area

Park Hill, OK
- Place, Cherokee Casino Tahlequah15 min drive
- Place, Cherokee National Capitol20 min drive
- Place, Northeastern State University21 min drive
Rooms & beds
4 bedrooms (sleeps 13)
Bedroom 1
1 King Bed
Bedroom 2
2 Single Beds
Bedroom 3
1 Queen Bed and 1 Single Bed
Bedroom 4
1 Single Bed and 1 Queen Bed
Living Room 1
1 Single Bunk Bed
2 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom
Bathroom 1
Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only
Bathroom 2
Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Jetted bathtub
Bathroom 3
Soap · Towels provided · Toilet
Spaces
Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Separate dining area
Garden
Dining area
About this property
Lake Tenkiller Family Friendly Estate on the Illinois River - Making Memories!
Discover Bending Waters
Nestled on five private wooded acres at the threshold of Lake Tenkiller, Bending Waters is a serene escape just steps from the beautiful Illinois River. This modern, 3,800-square-foot home blends nature with contemporary elegance, comfortably accommodating up to 13 guests.
Luxurious Living Spaces
Bending Waters boasts four bedrooms, two and a half baths, and two family rooms with wood-burning fireplaces that open onto a deck with breathtaking river views. The primary suite features a private two-person Jacuzzi, a spacious walk-in shower with body sprays and a rain-head, and a gas fireplace. It also offers direct access to the upper deck, where you can enjoy the soothing sights and sounds of the river below.
Gourmet Kitchen and Dining
The fully equipped kitchen features a cozy eating area with stunning river views, a hearth room with a fireplace and television, and access to an upper deck with a gas grill for perfect outdoor dining. Adjacent to the kitchen is a formal dining room, ideal for special gatherings.
Nature at Your Doorstep
Large windows throughout the home provide stunning views of the river and wooded acreage. The property is equipped with a security system for your peace of mind. Wildlife abounds here; you’ll spot hummingbirds, eagles, deer, turkeys, and more. The Illinois River offers exceptional fishing right in your backyard, with species like crappie, trout, bass, and catfish.
A True Escape
Bending Waters is surrounded by thousands of acres of Corps of Engineers land, accessible via a paved road and a solid rock drive. A pond with a waterfall and lilies welcomes you to this tranquil retreat, nestled in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains and surrounded by dogwood forests and beautiful foliage.
Endless Adventures
Illinois River: Enjoy kayaking, canoeing, or rafting on 70 miles of scenic waters with outfitters providing rental equipment and shuttle services.
Fishing: Year-round fishing for black bass, white bass, striped bass, crappie, catfish, and more. Fly-fishing classes and guided trips are available.
Lake Tenkiller: Just 0.5 miles away, offering clear waters for boating, sailing, water skiing, wakeboarding, and more. Marinas provide rentals, supplies, and floating restaurants.
Scuba Diving: Explore sunken vehicles, planes, boats, and historical artifacts in waters up to 165 feet deep.
Hunting and Wildlife: Enjoy state game management areas and wildlife observation opportunities, including migratory geese, ducks, bald eagles, and more.
Golfing: Scenic championship courses are nearby for a relaxing round of golf.
Nature and Hiking: Explore trails and parks, observing diverse wildlife and stunning rock formations.
Whether you're seeking tranquility on the back deck, adventure on the river, or fun on Lake Tenkiller, Bending Waters offers an unforgettable retreat in nature. Come and create lasting memories at this beautiful home!
Nestled on five private wooded acres at the threshold of Lake Tenkiller, Bending Waters is a serene escape just steps from the beautiful Illinois River. This modern, 3,800-square-foot home blends nature with contemporary elegance, comfortably accommodating up to 13 guests.
Luxurious Living Spaces
Bending Waters boasts four bedrooms, two and a half baths, and two family rooms with wood-burning fireplaces that open onto a deck with breathtaking river views. The primary suite features a private two-person Jacuzzi, a spacious walk-in shower with body sprays and a rain-head, and a gas fireplace. It also offers direct access to the upper deck, where you can enjoy the soothing sights and sounds of the river below.
Gourmet Kitchen and Dining
The fully equipped kitchen features a cozy eating area with stunning river views, a hearth room with a fireplace and television, and access to an upper deck with a gas grill for perfect outdoor dining. Adjacent to the kitchen is a formal dining room, ideal for special gatherings.
Nature at Your Doorstep
Large windows throughout the home provide stunning views of the river and wooded acreage. The property is equipped with a security system for your peace of mind. Wildlife abounds here; you’ll spot hummingbirds, eagles, deer, turkeys, and more. The Illinois River offers exceptional fishing right in your backyard, with species like crappie, trout, bass, and catfish.
A True Escape
Bending Waters is surrounded by thousands of acres of Corps of Engineers land, accessible via a paved road and a solid rock drive. A pond with a waterfall and lilies welcomes you to this tranquil retreat, nestled in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains and surrounded by dogwood forests and beautiful foliage.
Endless Adventures
Illinois River: Enjoy kayaking, canoeing, or rafting on 70 miles of scenic waters with outfitters providing rental equipment and shuttle services.
Fishing: Year-round fishing for black bass, white bass, striped bass, crappie, catfish, and more. Fly-fishing classes and guided trips are available.
Lake Tenkiller: Just 0.5 miles away, offering clear waters for boating, sailing, water skiing, wakeboarding, and more. Marinas provide rentals, supplies, and floating restaurants.
Scuba Diving: Explore sunken vehicles, planes, boats, and historical artifacts in waters up to 165 feet deep.
Hunting and Wildlife: Enjoy state game management areas and wildlife observation opportunities, including migratory geese, ducks, bald eagles, and more.
Golfing: Scenic championship courses are nearby for a relaxing round of golf.
Nature and Hiking: Explore trails and parks, observing diverse wildlife and stunning rock formations.
Whether you're seeking tranquility on the back deck, adventure on the river, or fun on Lake Tenkiller, Bending Waters offers an unforgettable retreat in nature. Come and create lasting memories at this beautiful home!
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
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House Rules
Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM
Children
Children allowed: ages 0–17
Events
Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
Events Fee $1500.00 ($500.00 Refundable) 40 Guest
Pets
Pets allowed: dogs (limit 3 total)
Fee covers 3 dogs, extra dogs per request + fee
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
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 40
Note from host: Events Fee $1500.00 ($500.00 Refundable) 40 Guest
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
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
We should mention
A car is required for transport to and from this property
About the area
Tahlequah
Located in Tahlequah, this holiday home is in a rural area and on the waterfront. George M. Murrell Home and Tsa La Gi Ancient Village - Cherokee Heritage Center are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Gruber State Game Management Area and Cherokee Landing State Park. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

Park Hill, OK
What's nearby
- Cherokee Heritage Center - 12 min drive - 10.1 km
- Cherokee Casino Tahlequah - 15 min drive - 12.7 km
- Cherokee National Capitol - 20 min drive - 16.7 km
- Northeastern State University - 21 min drive - 18.8 km
- Tsa La Gi Ancient Village - Cherokee Heritage Center - 21 min drive - 16.6 km
Getting around
Restaurants
- Subway - 15 min drive
- White Wolf Steakhouse - 14 min drive
- Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers - 15 min drive
- Fish's Bar B Que - 15 min drive
- Red Moon - 17 min drive
Frequently asked questions
About the host
Hosted by Ken Lightcap

I love coming and literally smelling the roses of our Bending Waters Estate. I live very busy and demanding live that I truly love. For me, there is nothing like coming here because this is a beautiful serene place where the stresses of life just seem to float away down the river. The majestic views from our beautiful home inspire my creativity and romance while rejuvenating my souls. Living on the land and enjoying the scenic clear waters is refreshing and exhilarating, while providing lots of fun and adventure for me and my entire family. As I leave this safe harbor, I am always strengthened and rejuvenated to face the stormy sea of life once again!
Why they chose this property
I discovered this sublime secluded piece of property that inspired me to personally design, build and furnish my dream home to complement the beauty of God's majestic handiwork in this place of serenity. This elegant home I call, Bending Waters, is nestled in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains, surrounded with dogwood forests, hilly terrain and beautiful foliage from spring through fall with the scenic crystal clear waters of the Illinois River boarding the back of the wooded acreage.
What makes this property unique
Bending Waters is a private retreat of vegetation and wildlife where you can enjoy the beauty and sounds of nature. This is a place of refreshing tranquility and peace! We like taking our kayaks to the water's edge of our back acreage for a brisk ride down the river to Lake Tenkiller, just 1/2 mile away. The lake provides lots of fun, adventure and excitement for the whole family! I know you will enjoy your stay as you soak in as much of the relaxation and fun that you have time for while remembering there is more to offer that can be experienced in your next trip to our amazing home, Bending Waters!
Languages:
English
Premier Host
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