Hitching Post Trailhead - 16 min drive - 8.8 miles
Harrisburg Township Park District - 19 min drive - 12.1 miles
Garden of the Gods Recreation Area - 27 min drive - 15.0 miles
Garden of the Gods Trailhead - 31 min drive - 16.3 miles
Getting around
Marion, IL (MWA-Williamson County Regional) - 46 min drive
Restaurants
Krispy Krunchy Chicken - 5 min drive
Derel's Bar-B-Que - 11 min drive
The Gap Bar & Grill - 10 min drive
Harbisons Country Market - 20 min drive
Long John Silver's - 12 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.
Charming cottage on 6 acres with private hot tub, cozy deck & firepit
Getaway of the Gods
Our calendar is updated in real-time & our nightly rates are accurately displayed. Simply enter your desired dates and click 'Book Now!'
Outdoor Midwest adventures await! This charming cottage sits on six acres, located just down the road from the Shawnee National Forest. Drive 12 miles to enjoy the scenic beauty of the Garden of the Gods Recreation Area.
A cozy, covered deck offers outdoor seating, creating a tranquil spot to sip a glass of wine during sunset. The private hot tub is perfect for unwinding and releasing your cares and worries. As evening falls, gather around the firepit and swap stories under the stars.
Inside, an updated interior offers plenty of space to unwind with a welcoming living area. The well-equipped kitchen is detailed with stainless steel appliances, providing everything you’ll need for home-cooked meals after a hearty day of hiking.
Things to Know Check-in time: 4:00 PM Check-out time: 10:00 AM All guests shall abide by Vacasa's good neighbor policy and shall not engage in illegal activity. Quiet hours are from 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM No smoking is permitted anywhere .on the premises. Firewood is not provided. Netflix is provided and other streaming services available with guest accounts.
This Vacasa Guestworks vacation rental is operated and managed locally by an independent host. Prior to your arrival, you will receive local host contact information, who will manage your guest reservation. Your local host will provide in-stay support, secure entry, and arrange pre- and post-stay housekeeping services. If you need anything during your stay, the home’s independent local host is ready to help 24/7! Guestworks is a service offering of Vacasa that allows homeowners to smoothly and efficiently manage their own properties.
Parking notes: There is free parking available for 3 vehicles.
Security camera details: Security cameras: one outside that points to street, one in parking area pointing to house, another on side that points down side
Damage waiver: The total cost of your reservation for this Property includes a nightly damage waiver fee, plus tax if applicable (the “Damage Waiver”). (A discount may be applied for stays of 28 nights or longer, if permitted.) The Damage Waiver covers you for up to $3,000 of accidental damage to the Property or its contents (such as furniture, fixtures, and appliances) as long as you report the incident to the host prior to checking out. The Damage Waiver fee eliminates the need for a traditional security deposit. More information can be downloaded from the "Rental Agreement" on the checkout page.
Due to local laws or HOA requirements, guests must be at least 25 years of age to book. Guests under 25 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian for the duration of the reservation.
The vacation home is air-conditioned and features a kitchen, 2 bathrooms, and a patio, and there's space to spread out with 3 bedrooms. Guests can expect to find a TV with Netflix. Other standard amenities include a washing machine and a coffee maker.
Property manager
Vacasa of Illinois
Languages
English, French, German, Italian, Spanish
Similar properties
The Pine Ridge Home by Garden of the Gods in the Shawnee National Forest
The Pine Ridge Home by Garden of the Gods in the Shawnee National Forest
Note from host: Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the premises.
Location highlights
In a rural location
In the mountains
Things to do
Birdwatching nearby
Ecotours nearby
Fishing nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Horseback riding nearby
Hunting nearby
Kayaking nearby
Motor boating nearby
Mountain biking nearby
Rock climbing 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)
Security system
Fire extinguisher
General
Unit size: 1,200 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 10:00 AM
Special check-in instructions
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Pets
Service animals exempt from fees
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 and a security system
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: 10:00 AM
Minimum check-in age: 25
Driving? This property offers parking (fees apply).
We should mention
Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:
This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
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, and a security system.
Property is also known as
79698
Frequently asked questions
What's there to see close to this vacation home?
This vacation home is located in Herod, just steps from Shawnee National Forest. You'll also find Garden of the Gods Trailhead and Hitching Post Trailhead nearby.
Is there parking available at this vacation home?
Yes, self parking is available for a surcharge. You'll find a max of 3 spaces.
Is this vacation home adjacent to a casino?
No, this vacation home is not connected to a casino.
Is there an indoor pool at this vacation home?
No, this vacation home doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there is a hot tub.
What will couples enjoy most about a stay at Charming cottage on 6 acres with private hot tub, cozy deck & firepit?
Couples staying at this vacation home will appreciate amenities like a kitchen and Netflix as well as a firepit.
Does Charming cottage on 6 acres with private hot tub, cozy deck & firepit have a hot tub?
Yes, this vacation home has a spa tub.
Does this vacation home include breakfast service?
No, this vacation home doesn't offer breakfast.
Does this vacation home allow pets to stay free of charge?
No, pets aren't allowed at this vacation home though service animals are welcome.
Are there connecting rooms at this vacation home?
No, there aren't connecting rooms at this vacation home.
What is the closest airport to this vacation home?
The closest major airport to this vacation home is Marion, IL (MWA-Williamson County Regional), which is about 29.6 mi away.
Are there rooms with balconies at Charming cottage on 6 acres with private hot tub, cozy deck & firepit?
Yes, every accommodation at Charming cottage on 6 acres with private hot tub, cozy deck & firepit comes with a deck.
Charming cottage on 6 acres with private hot tub, cozy deck & firepit Reviews
Reviews
9.4
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Rating 10 - Excellent. 15 out of 22 reviews
10 - Excellent
15
Rating 8 - Good. 6 out of 22 reviews
8 - Good
6
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 22 reviews
6 - Okay
1
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 22 reviews
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 22 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
9.4/10
Cleanliness
Reviews
8/10 Good
Christine V.
May 21, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Christine V.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025
10/10 Excellent
Max M.
Apr 9, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Max M.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025
10/10 Excellent
Michele K.
Mar 22, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Great
Great place, very peaceful property with a lovely hot tub. Well equipped. Awesome hiking nearby!
Michele K.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025
10/10 Excellent
Laura F.
Nov 10, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Laura F.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024
10/10 Excellent
Marlo W.
Oct 6, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Fall Getaway
Cute, quiet place near Shawnee National Forest. A few neighborhood dogs came to hang out on the porch at night but they were very friendly.
Marlo W.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023
8/10 Good
Stephanie S.
Oct 4, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Stephanie S.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2024
6/10 Okay
Ronald C., Schaumburg, IL
Sep 3, 2024
You Get What You Pay For
Location and price were great. The property outside is pretty run down and needs painting and upkeep. The 3 car “circular” driveway is some loose gravel and needs definition. They have 6 acres that are going to waste. The hot tub reeked of chlorine and was cloudy, it needs cleaning and tlc.
We arrived on a very hot day and went to bed with the AC reading 74 and woke up to it being 76. The owner called someone while we were out who supposedly fixed it. We arrived home to 79 degrees, not fixed. Another repairman was called and got it working but was unsure it would hold. That was 8pm, we were without AC for roughly 28 hours. No mention of a refund or anything. We usually stay on the western side of Shaunee and the owners there gave us $100 back when a tv didn’t work even though we said it wasn’t necessary.
Inside the house, the king sized mattress is mushy and horrible. The couches sag. There are rodent traps in the open in the house. At one point we contemplated going to a hotel, because of the AC issues.
It would have been nice for the owner to have offered something but after the repair, we never heard from him again. The house and property has promise, but just needs greater upkeep. We will be back to Southern Illinois, but not to this house.
Ronald C.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024
10/10 Excellent
Cortney C., Collinsville, IL. USA
Jul 10, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Great stay!
It was a short trip for us to visit Garden of the Gods. This house was exactly what we needed! The kitchen was stocked with all the basic necessities, the house was clean and smelled great, multiple bedrooms and bathrooms make it great for group trips, the laundry room was an added bonus and great to wash our clothes after hiking! We could not beat the location either. Super close to the hiking trails but also close enough to town for dinner. We will be back for more trails!
Cortney C.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
Todd N.
Jul 7, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Nice little place
Location was central to where we were going. The hot tub was a nice perk after long days of hiking
Todd N.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024
8/10 Good
Martha L.
Apr 19, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Great location, hiking!
Minutes from Garden of the Gods and River to River Trail. Temps too hot so we tried to be on trail by 7:30. On dead end road but noisy compared where we live (not bad). Great wildflowers and birds. Loved having a full kitchen. My husband in hot every day.
Martha L.
Stayed 9 nights in Apr 2024
10/10 Excellent
Tara D.
Dec 1, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Weekend getaway
Thanks for letting us stay we had a reat time!
Tara D.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023
10/10 Excellent
Abraham F.
Nov 18, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
The farmhouse
The house was very clean. It was nice and comfortable as well. The area is very quiet and we really enjoyed our stay.
Abraham F.
Stayed 11 nights in Nov 2023
10/10 Excellent
John K.
Nov 10, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
very nicely equipped & clean
I loved that it's very rural & secluded, the hot tub was really nice after hiking Garden of the gods park. Only about a 20 minute drive away& about 1/2 hour drive to the Tunnel Hill trail head. I appreciate having a ceiling fan in the master bedroom. I will definitely stay here again!
John K.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023
8/10 Good
Paul L.
Nov 2, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Nice House Out in the Woods
It appeared like the house was newly remodeled. The appliances were new. The bathrooms were up to date and nice. The beds were comfortable. The hot tub was excellent. The place was clean, though the pots/pans and silverware tray could have been cleaner.
This place is close to places to hike in Shawnee. The house is several miles to restaurants or stores. If you are looking for something remote this is the place.
I would bring your own coffee. It would also be nice if they moved the fire pit closer to the house.
Paul L.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023
10/10 Excellent
Michael D.
Oct 19, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Nice location
We found the location clean and as described. The only issue was not enough toilet paper for our group. We would stay there again, if given the opportunity.