This vacation home places you next to Fairfax State Recreation Area and within a 10-minute walk of Lake Monroe. The vacation home includes a kitchen, a refrigerator, and a microwave.
Fairfax State Recreation Area - 1 min walk - 0.1 miles
Lake Monroe - 8 min walk - 0.5 miles
Indiana University Bloomington - 24 min drive - 12.6 miles
Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall - 25 min drive - 19.5 miles
Oliver Winery - 25 min drive - 25.3 miles
Restaurants
The Golf Club at Eagle Pointe - 3 min drive
Holts - 13 min drive
Rusty Anchor - 2 min walk
Baldys Pizza - 11 min drive
Fairfax Inn - 1 min walk
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Historic Hideaway with Sauna near the Lake
Historic meets modern in this unique 150 year-old building located steps away from the entrance to Lake Monroe. Built in 1872, this one-room church turned romantic retreat provides a one-of-a-kind experience and has been featured as one of the best in the country by Condé Nast, Love Exploring and Indianapolis Monthly. Lake Monroe offers fantastic boating/fishing/swimming and downtown Bloomington and Indiana University are only 11 miles away with fabulous local eateries and unique shops to explore The expansive studio will provide you with plenty of room to stretch out. The decor reflects some of the history of the church, with one of the original church pews inside, as well as a collection of vintage camera equipment, as Brook previously used this as her photography studio. The property has an infrared sauna. The arcade table features 60 classic arcade games (including Ms. Pac-Man, Frogger, etc) for hours of fun. Cook a meal in the kitchen with all of the bells and whistles, or just relax with TV ( YoutubeTV). The bathroom features a walk-in tile shower. There is also a full sized washer/dryer for your convenience, as well as fire pit out back. Unlike other listings, we do not charge a standard cleaning fee. This property has been licensed by Monroe county to legally operate as a short term rental. Your health and safety are important to us, especially in this time. With this in mind, have expanded our already thorough cleaning routine and added a ultraviolet air purification system to our HVAC system which has been shown to kill 99% of viruses and bacteria in the air. We have also created a special house manual in which we provide our personal recommendations for our favorite restaurants, local attractions, hiking areas, etc. You can find this in the studio or we can send a pdf document with this information when you book, if you would like. The kitchen is stocked with coffee, tea, and various kitchen staples including spices, oil, salt/pepper, etc. if you plan to cook your own meals, although we highly recommend you try out one of Bloomington's famous eateries. The kitchen includes all of the pots, pans, tableware and silverware you will need. There is a mixer, toaster, tea kettle and drip coffee maker. Unlike a hotel, additional visitors to the home are not allowed. All visitors, even those who just come for lunch, etc, will be charged $25 each as extra guests and must be included in reservation. In the space we provide documents detailing the rich history of the church and its historic significance to our area. If you happen fall in love with the area or are looking to move here, let us know. Corey is a licensed real estate broker and would love to show you some places while you are here. This is a stand-alone building and you will have access to the entire space. We live a few doors away and can be available to help, should you need anything at all. We love to meet our guests and do in-person check-in if our schedule allows. The entrance to Fairfax State Recreation Area at Lake Monroe is literally steps away from the building (entry fees apply). There is a restaurant and bar (Fairfax Inn) right next door, so you don't even have to drive to grab a quick bite or have a drink. There area also a golf course, 3 other restaurants and two other pubs within a mile walk or drive. No public transport is available, you will need your own vehicle to get here. While fully modernized, this building was built just after the Civil War and has character to prove it. We embrace its imperfections. There is a cemetery across the street. Security cameras are located on the outside above the front door and on the house facing the parking area.
The vacation home is air-conditioned and features a kitchen and space to spread out with a separate bedroom. Guests can expect to find free WiFi and a Smart TV with a DVD player. Other standard amenities include a washing machine, a coffee maker, and an ironing board.
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
General
Garden
Property does not allow children
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: 21
Check-out
Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available
Special check-in instructions
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Rules
Visitors are not permitted in the home, only registered guests may use the property.
Pets
This property doesn't allow pets
Children and extra beds
This property doesn't allow children
Events
No events allowed
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
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 first aid kit
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: 21
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, and a first aid kit.
Frequently asked questions
What can I see around this vacation home?
This vacation home in Bloomington is within a 10-minute walk of Lake Monroe and Fairfax State Recreation Area. You'll also find The Golf Club at Eagle Pointe and Fourwinds Marina within a short drive.
How much does it cost to stay at Historic Hideaway with Sauna near the Lake?
As of May 21, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Historic Hideaway with Sauna near the Lake on May 27, 2026 start from $243, 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.
Is this vacation home associated with a casino?
No, this vacation home is not connected to a casino.
Will I find an indoor pool at this vacation home?
No, there is no indoor pool at this vacation home.
Does this vacation home provide breakfast?
No, this vacation home doesn't offer breakfast.
Will this vacation home allow pets to stay for free?
No, pets aren't allowed at this vacation home.
Historic Hideaway with Sauna near the Lake Reviews
Reviews
10
Exceptional
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