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Entire home

Family Home on Lake Sara

Lakefront vacation home with kitchen and balcony

Photo gallery for Family Home on Lake Sara

Smart TV, DVD player, books, video library
Property grounds
Terrace/patio
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Dining
Nestled in a peaceful cove surrounded by trees, water, and wildlife, The Bunkhouse offers the ultimate retreat for families and friends. Enjoy swimming, fishing, or kayaking on the lake with walk-in access. Unwind on the front deck perfect for bird watching or roast marshmallows at the fire pit while taking in beautiful views of the lake.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 10

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Washer
  • Kitchen

Add dates for prices

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Family Home on Lake Sara

The Bunkhouse is a fantastic place for families and friends to reconnect and make lasting memories. With walk-in lake access, this is the ideal spot to put in a kayak, canoe, or float. Enjoy swimming and fishing for a variety of fish including bass, crappie, catfish, or bluegill. Boat rentals and slips are available at both the Blue Gill Marina and Larson’s Landing.
The Bunkhouse is quiet and peaceful, it is located at the end of Illini cove surrounded by trees, water and wildlife. This cozy cabin was constructed in 2020 and is a wonderful place to unwind and spend time in nature. Our front deck is perfect for bird watching and animal spying while soaking up some sun. Don’t be surprised if you spot a blue heron, turtles bathing in the sun, or even an occasional bald eagle. The lower walk out area includes a grill, picnic table and beautiful views of the lake. There is a fire pit for hanging out, roasting marshmallows and enjoying the night sky.
Amenities include a washer and dryer, WIFI, 4 TVs, a dishwasher, air conditioning and heating, a full kitchen stocked with pots and pans, dishes, and everything needed to prepare your own meals. Downstairs is a kitchenette which includes a snack area and full coffee bar. Enjoy a night in by playing one of a variety of board games or simply find a quiet place to read a book. Numerous smart TV’s are available to stream your Netflix or Hulu account, as well as a DVD player for old school movie viewing. A large parking area is available for up to 6 cars. If you are bringing a pontoon or ski boat contact Blue Gill Marina for slip rental, no dock available at property.

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Ice maker
  • Kitchen island
  • Kitchenette
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 3 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table

Entertainment

  • Books
  • DVD player
  • Games
  • Smart TV
  • Video library

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill
  • Firepit

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoking not allowed

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • On a lake
  • On the waterfront

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property)

Similar properties

Property grounds

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

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Free WiFi
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, 467 reviews
The Redbud Cottage--Beach & Quiet. Lake Sara Waterfront & Wood Fires.

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
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

Rules

All guests must park at rear of property, which is the back of house where you enter.
Boats can be docked at Bluegill Marina or Larson's Landing. A copy of lake rules will be available at the BunkHouse.

Pets

Pets allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Restrictions apply; for more information contact the property at the number on the booking confirmation
Note from host: 1 small dog, extra charge

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

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 not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
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

Property is also known as

Family Home On Sara Effingham
Family Home on Lake Sara Effingham
Family Home on Lake Sara Private vacation home
Family Home on Lake Sara Private vacation home Effingham

About the neighborhood

Map
IL, Effingham

What's nearby

  • Cardinal Golf Course - 14 min drive - 9.3 km
  • Lake Sara - 17 min drive - 11.9 km
  • Effingham Performance Center - 18 min drive - 13.0 km
  • HSHS St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital - 18 min drive - 12.6 km
  • Effingham County Courthouse - 19 min drive - 12.9 km

Getting around

  • Effingham Station - 21 min drive
  • Champaign, IL (CMI-University Of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Williard) - 80 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬21 min drive
  • ‪Culver's - ‬19 min drive
  • ‪Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen - ‬21 min drive
  • ‪Dunkin' - ‬21 min drive
  • ‪Golden Corral - ‬22 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Family Home on Lake Sara pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

How much is parking?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Family Home on Lake Sara?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Family Home on Lake Sara?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Family Home on Lake Sara located?

Situated on the waterfront, this vacation home is within 9 mi (15 km) of Cardinal Golf Course, Lake Sara, and Effingham Performance Center. Bliss Park and Ballard Nature Center are also within 9 mi (15 km).

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Family Home on Lake Sara Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 131 out of 134 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 134 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 134 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 134 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 134 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Amy J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The Bunkhouse continues to be a family favorite for us. The many different spaces make a large group comfortable, and the kitchen is well equipped. We will be back again!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gwen a.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful

The property was truly a jewel and we loved it!!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alexia B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family Holiday weekend

Stayed at this property to see family near by and attend the Indy 500. It was the perfect place! There is lots of space. It is decorated very cute and has everything you need to make your stay enjoyable. It was private and secluded in the woods. It’s a quiet and peaceful place, wish we could’ve stayed longer, but hope to come back again!!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

kathy p.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great family gathering

The home is beautiful and spacious. The main level and walk out basement areas were both set up with everything we needed.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Crystal J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Girls Trip

2nd time renting. House still amazing as the 1st time. Exactly what we needed for a long weekend away with our kids!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Betty G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect

Amazing atmosphere, comfortable and secluded, very clean. Could not have been more perfect! Recommend 100%
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lois D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing Getaway Spot

The pictures don’t accurately depict the beautiful attributes of this home. The detail and design are beyond amazing! We had a great time.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2021

8/10 Good

Ann P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Bunco group

This is a great property but I would recommend it for four adult and four children only. The bunk beds really don’t serve adults well. It is beautifully decorated and well stocked kitchen and lots of gathering space. The bedding is not great and the pillows need replacing
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brad G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fishing Trip

The House was just what were looking for .Very Quiet, Very Clear , Everything you would need was there, the fishing was great, what a great place to set back and take in the nature around us. We had no complaints.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michelle E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The Bunk house was great!

Beautiful home and setting. Very very clean. Great decor. Fully stocked in every possible way. It was very comfortable and very much a home away from home feeling. We would highly recommend! The host was wonderful to work with. This is a must stay!
Stayed 21 nights in Apr 2023

8/10 Good

Dena H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Mother/Daughter trip

Comfortable and peaceful. A little off the beaten path so needed to be better prepared with meals and food. A little better clarification in regards to trash and recycling. The nature sounds as well as the wildlife was amazing!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Terri B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Family Getaway

My family enjoyed their second visit to the Bunkhouse. We especially enjoyed relaxing on the deck. The deck was perfect for reading, eating snacks, and having long conversations. The house was as nice as it was for our visit 2 years ago. A dock had been added, which made it easier to use the kayaks. My son also caught numerous fish off the dock. We hope to return again.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Diane L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family Reunion at Lake Sara

My family is spread out from Wisconsin to Missouri and we only can get together during the summer. My sister and I each rented vacation homes on Lake Sara this year. The Bunkhouse was the perfect location on Lake Sara. We had lots of room to spread out and visit as well as enjoy fishing off the dock. We loved seeing the blue heron soar across the lake. The kitchen is large and well-equipped for preparing meals. The large living spaces on the first floor and lower level are comfortable and nicely furnished. We would love to meet family at the Bunkhouse again next summer! This is a great place!!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Terri B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful Family Getaway

The Bunkhouse was perfect for our family getaway! It was large enough to accommodate six adults, a child, and a dog. There was plenty of space for us to be together, and enough room to separate when we needed our privacy. We all enjoyed the deck area from drinking our morning coffee, to relaxing and talking,, playing games, and eating meals. We enjoyed a camp fire in the fire pit (s'mores and hot dogs included), used the kayaks, and watched and listened to the sights and sounds of nature. We rented a boat at the marina, had lunch at Pinky's, and built a sand castle at the public beach. There was truly something for everyone. Thank you to our host, we hope to return again.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Diane L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This my second stay at the Bunk House for my family's annual reunion. The home is spacious and equipped with everything you could possibly need. There is plenty of seating in the dining room and on the deck that we use when we gather for meals. My family and I will be returning next summer. Thank you for providing us with a wonderful place to make memories.A couple comments that need attention - we could not get the Keurig coffeemaker to work properly, and the home could use another full-length mirror.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Angie L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Home!

The house was amazing! It was beautifully decorated & was clean. There were ample bath/kitchen towels, cleaning supplies, toiletries etc. that allowed our stay to be comfortable. With 2 living, dining & kitchen areas, it gave our group much more space to spread out comfortably. There is plenty of parking & great outdoor space. We’ve already booked for next year!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Veronica H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful property with tons of amenities. It was clean, stocked, and as advertised which is a huge plus for VRBO properties. Owner was prompt and thorough in communications, we never had any issues at all. We stayed for a long weekend with 2 other families and we had a great time. The house had everything we needed for meals and family time. Only warning is that the downstairs bedroom bunkbeds really are for kids. If you're over 5' they will be really uncomfortable, I had to sleep on the couch in the living room being over 6'. That said you could easily sleep 4-6 kids in there so depends on your guest list. One other very minor issue is they have a 4 person peddleboat on property but it was pretty gross so we didn't try to use it. Kayaks were great and the lake was beautiful and surrounded by beautiful properties.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Janice O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

70th birthday

It started with 6 friends to celebrate my 70th birthday. 2 friends from out of state surprised me and slso a surprise party. This house was perfect! Very well stocked, comfortable and enough room to spread out to play cards or visit. I would definitely book again! And the host responded very quickly. We loved the scenery with the snow and watching the wildlife.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Chris M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing house!

We stayed 2 nights over the weekend. The house had all of the necessities needed for a great, comfortable, and relaxing stay. The only issue we had was the constant music coming from the local bar scene. It sounded like we were at a night club rave! We used the kayaks and had a big fire in the pit. The little extras made the difference between a good stay and an amazing stay. Thanks for the little things. We would highly recommend this to families and friends looking to have a great time. Make sure you check the live music schedule though!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

BETH H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Another great stay!

Another great stay! Beautiful home, lots of room. We’ve already booked for again for next year. Thanks so much!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jane D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

It was just what we needed. What a wonderful trip.

Gorgeous ! Well cared for lake home. Highly recommended. Great persons to work with.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tara S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family time at the Bunkhouse

We absolutely love the Bunkhouse. It's well-appointed and maintained. It has plenty of space and much to offer adults and active kids. Thank you for the wonderful stay!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful house with a view

This is a gorgeous and spacious house with tons of thoughtful details! Would be perfect for a group wanting to hang out on the deck. We drove over to the public beach for the kids to swim & fish since it's a pretty shallow spot, but they did get to enjoy the paddle boat!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Spotless. Very roomy! Quiet. Wonderful property

Wonderful stay for the past three years for family get together.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tony H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Bunkhouse

This is our second stay at this property and we thoroughly enjoy it
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024