Entire home

A Diamond in the Rough

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Where to?

Dates

July 2025

August 2025

LED TV, fireplace, DVD player, video library

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 6869 sq ft

Popular amenities

Dryer
Washer
Fireplace
Parking available
Barbecue grill

Explore the area

Fox Lake, IL

Jet Funn
‪11 min walk‬
Chain 'O Lakes State Park
‪11 min drive‬
Volo Auto Museum
‪13 min drive‬
Chicago, IL (PWK-Chicago Executive)
‪51 min drive‬

Room options

About the neighborhood

Fox Lake

This cottage is located 1 mi (1.5 km) from Jet Funn and within a 10-minute drive of Spring Grove Fen Nature Preserve. The cottage includes a kitchen, a fireplace, and a balcony.

View more Cottages in Fox Lake

What's nearby

Jet Funn - 11 min walk - 0.6 miles
Chain 'O Lakes State Park - 11 min drive - 5.5 miles
Volo Auto Museum - 13 min drive - 7.4 miles
Gurnee Mills - 27 min drive - 15.7 miles
Six Flags Great America - 30 min drive - 17.6 miles

Getting around

Fox Lake Station - 3 min drive
Kenosha, WI (ENW-Kenosha Regional) - 43 min drive

Restaurants

‪McDonald's - ‬4 min drive
‪Culver's - ‬5 min drive
‪Antioch Pizza Shop - ‬4 min drive
‪Captain's Quarters - ‬15 min drive
‪Taco Bell - ‬4 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.

A Diamond in the Rough

This diamond in the rough is a cozy 2 bedroom cottage perfect for a weekend getaway, family vacation or a romantic retreat. This great escape will provide you with a little piece of paradise while giving you the feeling and comfort of home! And because pets are family too, we welcome them; but must be cleared with the owners first. No cats please, as the owners are allergic.
This adorable cottage is nestled on a quiet residential street behind the main home. Water, pier and boat slip access are only steps away by walking down the lighted path on the side of the main home where you can enjoy breathtaking sunsets, fishing, swimming, canoeing, boating; and in winter snowmobiling, ice fishing and skiing at Wilmot Mountain Ski Resort. A boat slip to dock your boat and 3-person canoe & 2 paddle boards are available at no extra charge your use. The cottage is fully air conditioned and heated with ceiling fans in bedrooms, kitchen and living room; making it perfect for year-round suitability.
When staying in this home away from home, you can start off your morning soaking up a little fresh air out on the front porch enjoying a cup of freshly brewed Starbucks Verona coffee. After an eventful day exploring all the Chain of Lakes has to offer, both bedrooms have queen size beds with 700 thread count linens and overstuffed pillows for your sleeping comfort. For those less than stellar weather days, cozy on the oversized leather sofa or kick up your feet on the reclining chair in the living room where you can also partake in some viewing enjoyment on the 40” LED television equipped with Xfinity TV or enjoy your favorite DVD by popping it into the DVD player. Feeling a little competitive? Stroll on over the utility closet where you can find several different board and card games to partake in. Secured WiFi internet access is also available. A little hungry? Quickly whip something up on the gas stove in the kitchen that is furnished with all appliances, utensils and dinnerware for your convenience, including an expandable kitchen island. Want make it a BBQ instead? Head outside to your own private patio to access the gas grill.

Your home away from home oasis is:
30 minutes to Six Flags Great America Amusement Park, where you can also make a stop into Gurnee Mall for some shopping
Walking distance to Fams for an ice cold beer and great steak or fish tacos or El Puerto restaurant for an awesome Margarita.
A Thursday night away from watching some thrilling drag boat racing at Blarney’s Island
A Sunday morning away from having an award winning Bloody Mary at Studio Roadhouse.
A click away from access to seeing some amazing live bands

*Staying with us again? Ask about our Preferred Guest Benefits. *
Ask about our discount for Great Lakes Naval Base boot camp graduations.
We look forward to sharing a little piece of paradise with you soon. Cheers!

The cottage is air-conditioned and features a kitchen and a balcony or patio, and there's space to spread out with 2 bedrooms. Guests can expect to find an LED TV with a DVD player. Other standard amenities include a washing machine, a fireplace, and a coffee maker.

Property manager

Jim & Rosemarie Nilson

Languages

English

Similar properties

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet friendly

Property amenities

Beach

Beach loungers

Ski

Close to skiing
Ski lift privileges
Snowboarding nearby

Internet

Available in the cottage: WiFi

Parking and transportation

Car recommended
Parking on site

Kitchen

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

Bedrooms

2 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

1 bathroom
Hair dryer
Shampoo
Shower
Soap
Toilet paper
Towels provided

Living spaces

Fireplace
Living room

Entertainment

DVD player
Games
LED TV with cable/satellite channels
Stereo
Video library

Outdoor areas

Dock
Firepit
Gas grill
Outdoor furniture
Patio

Laundry

Laundry facilities
Washing machine

Comfort

Air conditioning
Heating

Pets

Pet friendly
Welcoming dogs only
One pet total (up to 50 lbs per pet)

Suitability/Accessibility

Designated smoking areas
Note from host: Do not throw butts on ground or in lake.

Services and conveniences

Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

Near an outlet shopping mall
Near the marina
On a lake

Things to do

Boat
Golf
Kayak
Paddleboard
Ski lift privileges
Snow sports gear
Water park
Water sports equipment
Birdwatching nearby
Canoeing nearby
Cycling nearby
Fishing nearby
Golfing nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Horseback riding nearby
Hunting nearby
Ice skating nearby
Jet skiing nearby
Kayaking nearby
Motor boating nearby
Sailing nearby
Snowmobiling nearby
Swimming nearby
Theme park nearby
Water skiing nearby
Water tubing nearby
Wildlife walks 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)
First aid kit
Fire extinguisher
Deadbolt lock

General

Unit size: 869 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM

Contactless check-in available

Minimum check-in age: 25

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

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 and lock the doors

Pets

This property welcomes pets
Dogs only
1 total (50 lbs is the maximum weight per pet)
Restrictions apply
For more information, guests can reach out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation
Service animals exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

Note from host: Young children must be properly supervised.

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

Check-in: 4:00 PM
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Minimum check-in age: 25

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business.
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock.

Property is also known as

Diamond Rough House Fox Lake

Diamond Rough Fox Lake

A Diamond in the Rough Cottage

A Diamond in the Rough Fox Lake

A Diamond in the Rough Cottage Fox Lake

Frequently asked questions

What can I see near this cottage?

This cottage is located in Fox Lake within a short 18-minute walk of Jet Funn. You'll also find Chain 'O Lakes State Park and Spring Grove Fen Nature Preserve within a short drive.

Will I be able to park at this cottage?

No, there isn't parking available at the cottage.

Is this cottage associated with a casino?

No, this cottage is not connected to a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at this cottage?

No, there is no indoor pool at this cottage.

What will couples enjoy most about a stay at A Diamond in the Rough?

Amenities that appeal to couples at this historic cottage include a fireplace and a kitchen in each accommodation with some featuring lake views.

Are there hot tubs at A Diamond in the Rough?

No, this cottage doesn't have a spa tub.

Does this cottage include breakfast service?

No, this cottage doesn't offer breakfast.

Will this cottage allow pets to stay free of charge?

Although dogs can't stay for free, they are welcome at this cottage.

Are there connecting rooms at this cottage?

No, there aren't connecting rooms at this cottage.

Where is the closest airport to this cottage?

The closest major airport to this cottage is Kenosha, WI (ENW-Kenosha Regional), which is 27.6 mi away (43 minutes by car). Another top airport is Chicago, IL (PWK-Chicago Executive), which is located 28.4 mi away (44-minute drive).

Can I book a room with a balcony at A Diamond in the Rough?

Yes, every accommodation at A Diamond in the Rough comes with a balcony with some featuring lake views.

A Diamond in the Rough Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

9.4/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth R.

Jul 13, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness

Great place to see fireworks!

Jim and Rosemarie were wonderful hosts and we had such a nice time!

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lisa T.

Sep 27, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness

Diamond in the Rough

Very cosy & nice. The backyard was wonderful. We enjoyed the privacy. The location was convenient to restaurants, etc.

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Cynthia M., Rockton,Illinois,

Aug 24, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness

Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Victoria M.

Aug 11, 2024

The property was nice and it was a lovely get away for a week. However 3 weeks after our stay we received a message saying that we were being charged for $300 for our dog defacating and an uncleaned oven. This was weird to us as we didn’t use the oven and we vaccumed and cleaned the whole place prior to exiting and no sign of any. The place was nice but this tarnished the experience.

Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

Doo L.

Oct 25, 2021

Liked: Cleanliness

Nice!

Everything was very nice except fishing.

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2021

Vicky C.

Jun 9, 2021

Pricey for the product

Although the unit was well appointed and nicely decorated, the furniture was somewhat uncomfortable and the beds terribly soft, had to find some plywood to firm up a little. All of the appliances and kitchen gear was adequate. Parking for our visit was somewhat inconvenient due to a newly arrived boat trailer. There is actually No direct view of the water, however it was nice that renters allowed onto the waterfront yard of the main home. Do not know if owners lived in main house, there was no communication offered. Overall the stay was just Okay but cost on the high side for the product.

Stayed 9 nights in May 2021