Entire home

The Redbud Cottage--Beach & Quiet. Lake Sara Waterfront & Wood Fires.

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Where to?

Dates

August 2025

September 2025

Enjoy lakeside dining and scenic views from the dock, where you can relax and unwind in a tranquil atmosphere.

Enjoy cooking in this well-equipped kitchen with a central island, stainless steel appliances, and a wooden countertop.

Enjoy cooking in this well-equipped kitchen with a central island, dark cabinetry, and a large window offering a view of the outdoors.

Relax in this inviting living room with a sofa, chairs, and bookshelf, offering a view of the outdoors through large windows.

Escape to a serene cabin surrounded by lush greenery and a tranquil atmosphere.

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

Entire home

3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 121500 sq ft

Popular amenities

Dryer
Washer
Fireplace
Parking available
Kitchen
Barbecue grill

Explore the area

Effingham, IL

Cardinal Golf Course
‪14 min drive‬
Lake Sara
‪22 min drive‬
Effingham Performance Center
‪23 min drive‬

Room options

About the neighborhood

Effingham

This cottage places you 4.1 mi (6.6 km) from Cardinal Golf Course and 8 mi (12.9 km) from Lake Sara. The cottage includes a kitchen, a fireplace, and a patio.

View more Cottages in Effingham

What's nearby

Cardinal Golf Course - 14 min drive - 5.4 miles
Cross at the Crossroads - 21 min drive - 7.7 miles
Lake Sara - 22 min drive - 8.5 miles
Effingham Performance Center - 23 min drive - 9.0 miles
Effingham County Courthouse - 24 min drive - 8.9 miles

Getting around

Effingham Station - 23 min drive
Champaign, IL (CMI-University Of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Williard) - 80 min drive

Restaurants

‪Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen - ‬22 min drive
‪McDonald's - ‬22 min drive
‪Casey's General Store - ‬23 min drive
‪Culver's - ‬21 min drive
‪Burger King - ‬23 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.

The Redbud Cottage--Beach & Quiet. Lake Sara Waterfront & Wood Fires.

Located in the heart of central Illinois, the Redbud Cottage at Lake Sara is a great destination for families or friends, or a perfect stopover for a trip through the Great Midwest. With your own swimming beach, a floating dock to play on, a beautiful wood-burning fireplace, a dock for fishing, and a large deck for sitting in the sun, enjoy the peace and quiet of our little wooded cottage on the lake.

Our beach is SHARED by the Hartmann's grandchildren a few days each Summer. But our grandchildren are still young, will be supervised by adults, and won't use the beach while guests are using the beach or the dock (for example while fishing).

Every season is beautiful on Lake Sara, with Spring and Fall being particularly pretty and quiet. The Summer water is wonderful for swimming, and warm from May through September. Enjoy eating on our old family picnic table by the water. Watch the kids swim or play on the beach, or have fun taking a lovely float yourself in Lake Sara's clean, warm water.

Wake boarding, tubing, and water skiing are local favorites. There is good fishing for bass, crappie, catfish, and blue gill, especially in the Spring and Fall. Lake Sara sets aside special quiet hours for fishermen. Winter is a great time for crisp woodsy walks and warming fires.

Our 3 bedroom, 2 bath cottage sleeps ONLY 6 adults (per local regulations) and a "reasonable amount" of children. We have 3 "very comfortable" [Guest reviews] king size beds and a couple of wonderful wide sleeping couches in front of the fireplace. We have sleeping bags for children and a crib for babies. Our kitchen and downstairs were completely remodeled in early 2021. We have a Keurig Coffemaker, a French coffee press, a dishwasher, and all new dishes and pots and pans. Our washer and dryer and two-car garage make this a perfect spot for an extended stay. A canoe and 5 kayaks are available for the use of our guests.

Inside, enjoy the separation of a master suite upstairs, as well as the two-and-a-half story, book-filled living room with its massive stone fireplace. You can burn local wood that you'll find stacked at your door. One of our favorite sports is sitting with a book in front of the fire--wine and s'mores are optional.

Our lot is full of tall, beautiful oaks and maples, and is in a pretty neighborhood on the quiet western end of Lake Sara. Redbud trees line Lorton road and are being planted among our woods, bringing their vivid purple/pink flowers in Spring. Views from our huge deck are all water and trees--you can only see one other house. The Lake is surrounded by good Illinois farmland, so it's a wonderful spot for long flat bike rides and walks.

The cottage 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 free WiFi and a Smart TV with a DVD player. Other standard amenities include a washing machine, a fireplace, and a coffee maker.

Property manager

David Hartmann

Languages

French, Spanish

Similar properties

Relax in a serene outdoor space surrounded by lush greenery and framed by large windows.

Kitchen
Pet friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

Relax in this open-plan living area with a high ceiling, exposed brick walls, and large windows offering views of the surrounding buildings.

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet friendly

$266 nightly

Aug 3 - Aug 4

Total includes taxes and fees

Property amenities

Beach

Beach nearby
Beach loungers

Internet

Available in the cottage: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

Car required
Onsite parking options include a garage

Kitchen

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

Dining

Dining table

Bedrooms

3 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

2 bathrooms
Bathtub or shower
Hair dryer
Shampoo
Shower
Soap
Toilet paper
Towels provided

Living spaces

Dining table
Fireplace
Living room

Entertainment

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

Outdoor areas

Barbecue grill
Firepit
Garden
Outdoor furniture
Patio

Laundry

Laundry facilities
Washing machine

Comfort

Air conditioning
Heating

Pets

No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
Wheelchair accessibility
Smoking not allowed
Note from host: Smoking allowed out in our yard and by the lake.

Services and conveniences

Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

In a rural location
Near a hospital
Near an outlet shopping mall
Near the marina
On a lake
On the waterfront

Things to do

Bicycles
Boat
Golf
Kayak
Water sports equipment
Basketball nearby
Birdwatching nearby
Cycling nearby
Fishing nearby
Golfing nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Kayaking nearby
Motor boating nearby
Swimming nearby
Water skiing nearby
Water tubing 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)
Fire extinguisher

General

Bicycles
Garden
Unit size: 1,500 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM

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

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

Please leave the kitchen as clean as you found it, as far as possible. Our housekeeper has plenty of work to do without doing dishes. Also, please make sure all trash is bagged & in tall garage can.

Please leave all linens on the beds, and all towels hanging in the bathrooms. Our housekeeper will deal with them – – and it is not always clear if she will arrive quickly after your departure!

Please moderate heat or air conditioning on departing. And leave house door unlocked, and depart using the large garage door. Travel safely!

Pets

This property doesn't allow pets
Note from host: Sorry. We are always a No Pets property.

Children and extra beds

Note from host: On lake--Lifejackets needed! We have many sizes.

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

Note from host: Renters having loud parties will be ejected.

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

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.
Note from host: Renters having loud parties will be ejected.
Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, and a smoke detector.

Property is also known as

Redbud Cottage--beach Quiet. Lake Sara Waterfront Wood Fires

The Redbud Cottage beach Quiet. Lake Sara Waterfront Wood Fires

The Redbud Cottage Beach Quiet. Lake Sara Waterfront Wood Fires.

Frequently asked questions

What can I see close to this cottage?

This cottage is located in Effingham, close to Effingham Performance Center, Lake Sara, and Effingham County Courthouse. Cardinal Golf Course is also within a driving distance of 4.1 mi.

Is parking available on site at this cottage?

Yes, there is a garage.

Is this cottage adjacent to 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.

Is The Redbud Cottage--Beach & Quiet. Lake Sara Waterfront & Wood Fires. good for couples?

Amenities that appeal to couples at this lakeside cottage include a fireplace, a kitchen, and a smart TV.

Are there hot tubs at The Redbud Cottage--Beach & Quiet. Lake Sara Waterfront & Wood Fires.?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this cottage.

Does this cottage provide breakfast?

No, this cottage doesn't offer breakfast.

Will this cottage allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets aren't allowed at this cottage.

Does this cottage have connecting rooms?

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

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at The Redbud Cottage--Beach & Quiet. Lake Sara Waterfront & Wood Fires.?

Yes, every accommodation at The Redbud Cottage--Beach & Quiet. Lake Sara Waterfront & Wood Fires. comes with a deck with some featuring water views.

The Redbud Cottage--Beach & Quiet. Lake Sara Waterfront & Wood Fires. Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10 Excellent

Heather L.

Jul 29, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness

We had a really nice time at this property. There was pretty much everything you could think of. The lake was amazing and was perfect for boating and swimming. No scum or algae or weeds. The owner was VERY responsive to any questions I had.

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

James S.

Jul 3, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness

Grandchildren vacation

Nice quiet location with many activities provided. Swimming items, fire pit, bicycles kayaks, canoe, life vests , sandy beach for swimming.

Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Jun 27, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness

Redbud Cottage

We always enjoy staying here. We've been coming every year for about five years. This is a great property on the lake with everything you need!

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dawn G., Normal, Illinois

Jun 25, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness

My Happy Place

Great property with awesome access to water

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie I.

Jun 19, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness

Our go to every summer

This was our 5th time staying at the Redbud cottage and we never leave disappointed.. maybe tired but not unhappy lolWe always appreciate the space.. we have 5 kids and having a nice kitchen and big table that’s so accommodating to our size family is wonderful. We LOVE how big and open the windows are.. at night it adds to our spooky movies and we love waking up to the sun in the morning. All around beautiful setting. Every year we go we enjoy seeing the little additions they’ve made. This year it was tvs in the rooms which was never an issue for us as we spend most our time outside but was nice of them to add.All around our family of 7 ranging from age 7 to 17 really enjoy this get away with plenty to do for everyone. There’s even been times my dad joins Looking forward to our 6th visit

Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Debbie G., Newton il

Jun 13, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness

Excellent sister get away

We had our sister get away(4 of us) . We had stayed there 10 years ago and really enjoyed it. One of our sisters sadly passed away in 2020, but we had lots of memories to talk about. We mostly played games on the deck or inside. The weather was perfect. The only negative is that there needs to be a shower pad in the upstairs bathroom. Very slick while taking a shower. The house was very nicely stocked with paper products and kitchen items .I would highly recommend the house. The owner was very nice and responsive to messages. We had a wonderful time! DG, CG, RC, KC.

Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ihor H.

Jun 12, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness

Best lake and location

3 night was perfect, and best fishing

Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Pete H.

Jun 11, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness

House was nice great location. We definitely stay there again

Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Andrew S.

Jun 2, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness

Cozy and Relaxing Stay for our fishing trip

The 4 of us life long friends picked this property for our annual fishing trip stay. Cozy house with all the amenities that we needed, the beds were comfortable. We didn’t spend much time in the house other than to eat and slept, except for the one evening that it rained. We spent most of the morning, afternoon and evening on the dock and at Newton Lake just fishing. We caught large mouth, crappie and bluegill right off the dock. I did venture through the woods to find a better fishing spot, which I wouldn’t recommend due to all the ticks I had to pull off of me. I did meet one of the owners, David, he was very friendly and helpful, we had a pleasant conversation.We did go into town for groceries, it was only a 15 minute drive to get to the Walmart. There are also several chain restaurants, gas stations and other businesses there. We also went to the downtown area of Effingham, specifically to the sports card shop but there are also a few antique shops, a few bar/restaurants, a museum, bike shop, barber shop, clothing store and other small local businesses.

Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Christi S.

May 28, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness

Fantastic Mother's Day

Everything about this property was great! The charming house was stocked with everything we needed. We caught a lot of fish off the dock and the kayaks. The deck and dock were lovely to sit and watch the lake.

Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

barb c.

May 18, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness

Family Get Away

Wonderful location on the lake. It was a perfect spot to spend our family get away. The cottage was very comfortable. When we arrived it was a downpour, we appreciated being able to park in the garage. I would definitively stay here again!

Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tim F.

May 10, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness

Fishing

Lovely quiet spot. Perfect for us. Owners next door were very gracious people

Stayed 7 nights in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Dolly P.

Apr 17, 2025

Disliked: Cleanliness

Redbud House

We pulled up to the house that was said to only have 1 house that you could see to find a whole neighborhood. At least 4 houses where in rock throwing distance. Upon entering the house, we realized it wasn’t as big as what it showed in the pictures. There was a massive table, sitting in the dining area, which took up the whole space. It was hard to sit at and play cards because it was really hard to reach to the center of the table. The kitchen cabinets have not been washed down in quite some time. The furniture in the living room was wore out really sunk in. There was throw pillows on the living room. Furniture couldn’t understand why they were smashed flat until we tried to sit at the kitchen table, and then we realized everybody was using them cushions to sit on because the chairs were so hard. Was really disappointed in this house. Attempted to watch a movie on the TV only to find out you had to have a passcode to get into anything on the TV except for the Connors. I didn’t rent a place to be in constant contact with the owners which by the way we’re staying in the house right beside the house. The mattresses on the bed were really high and for an older person. It’s just hard to get into none of the three beds were comfortable. The picture shows curtains on the windows. There was no curtains on the windows and you felt like you were being watched the whole time you were there. Not a very good experience.

Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Laura H.

Apr 17, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness

Relaxing!

Perfect cozy retreat for me and my husband, though it would have been fine to have our two pre-teen/teen kids with us. Sunrise on the lake and starry skies. The house was exceptionally clean. A nice cabin feel but with all the modern amenities you could want.

Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Angela J.

Apr 9, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness

Dads 79th birthday

Property was maintained and enough room for 5 adults to move around, utilized the fireplace which was great since it was a rainy weekend beds are great and comfy does need to add more towels towels and wash clothes rrarainy

Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kara U.

Mar 31, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness

Beautiful little retreat

This house was very nice and had great amenities. The owners left wood for you to use both inside and down by the lake in a wheelbarrow. The bedrooms were very nice and the king beds made everyone's stay comfortable. The only problem was the bed upstairs was very, very high but other then that the property was very nice, great for fishing and the little beach area was very nice. Would definitely recommend and would stay here again.

Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cainen F.

Mar 29, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness

Stay

Nice place

Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ashley C.

Mar 19, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness

Wedding weekend

We stayed at the cottage for our daughter’s wedding weekend. The owners were amazing to work with & getting ready for the wedding on the property was perfect! We are so happy with our stay!

Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mike S.

Mar 11, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness

Quiet and Comfortable

We enjoyed watching the ice form on the lake in February. We especially enjoyed reading by the fire! Great library!!

Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gail H.

Feb 20, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness

Perfect!

The Redbud Cottage was just perfect. The owners were very accommodating and helpful. The kitchen is well stocked and the beds are comfortable. The home is very clean. The lake views and sunrise were stunning.

Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Erika B.

Jan 24, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness

Redbud Cottage

Lovely lakeside cottage. I especially enjoyed perusing the many bookshelves full of wonderful books.

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Shana D.

Dec 28, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness

Perfect cozy cabin for Christmas

The home was decorated for the Christmas season and the kitchen has all the supplies we needed to cook for our entire family. Having the crib as well made it super nice to bring one less thing for some family members. The weather was yucky but at least we got to stay cozy next to the fireplace and enjoy the peacefulness. The only thing id mention is to recommend for the cleaners to double check all rooms to make sure there are no unwanted animals. We did have some surprise visitors that arrived before we got there but we were able to remove them and it didn't take away from our stay.

Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Christin N., Charlotte, NC

Dec 21, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness

Great Home

Perfect home away from home.We stayed for a work trip.Highly recommended!

Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer F., Chicago, illinois

Dec 16, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness

Best kept Secret for a winter getaway

This was our 3rd holiday visit. Just love the quiet and the house is great. Always decorated for the holiday. Great kitchen as well as we love to cook in while visiting. We will be back!

Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024