Entire home

Relaxing Private Estate at Tenkiller Ferry Lake on The Illinois River

Photo gallery for Relaxing Private Estate at Tenkiller Ferry Lake on The Illinois River

Exterior
Property grounds
4 bedrooms, desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi
Interior
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Reviews
9.6

Exceptional

Entire home

4 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 13353 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Hot TubHot TubHot Tub
  • FireplaceFireplaceFireplace
  • Pet friendlyPet friendlyPet friendly
  • Free WiFiFree WiFiFree WiFi
  • WasherWasherWasher
  • DryerDryerDryer

Check out the area

Map
OK, Park Hill
  • Popular LocationCherokee Casino Tahlequah14 min drive
  • Popular LocationCherokee Landing State Park17 min drive
  • Popular LocationNortheastern State University19 min drive
  • AirportTulsa, OK (RVS-Richard Lloyd Jones Jr)85 min drive

Most relevant reviews

About this property

Entire place

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

Relaxing Private Estate at Tenkiller Ferry Lake on The Illinois River

Bending Waters is located on five private wooded acres just step away from the beautiful Illinois River at the threshold of Lake Tenkiller. This beautiful modern home is 3800 square feet where rustic charm is combined with contemporary elegance that comfortably sleeps 13 people. It comes complete with 4 bedrooms, 2 and 1/2 baths, and 2 family rooms with wood burning fireplaces that overlook the river with walk out to a deck. The master bedroom comes complete with a private 2 person Jacuzzi, large walk in shower with body sprays and large rain-head, gas fire place and deck with sights and sounds of the river below. The kitchen is fully equipped with an eating area that has a fabulous view of the river complete with hearth room, fireplace and television. A formal dining room is adjacent to the living room on the main floor. A gas grill is just off the kitchen on a 2-level deck. Every room has large windows that overlook the river and the privatel wooded acreage with an outside security system that monitors the property constantly.

This peaceful home is a true retreat with wildlife such as humming birds, eagles, deer, turkey, squirrel and lots of fish such as crappie, trout, bass, catfish and more. The best sand bass fishing in the area is right in your back yard!

This quiet home sits in the midst of thousands of acres of corps of engineers land. The road is paved all the way to the house with 900 feet solid rock drive to the home. A koi pond with water fall and lilies welcome you to a place of serenity, relaxation and peace.

This beautiful home I call, Bending Waters, is nestled in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains, surrounded with dogwood forests, hilly terrain and beautiful foliage from spring through fall with the Illinois River coming through the back yard of the wooded acreage. I know you will enjoy your stay as you soak in as much of the relaxation and fun that you have time for while remembering what else there is to offer that can be experienced in your next trip to our home, Bending Waters!

Illinois River:
Our back yard is on the scenic clear waters of the Illinois River providing opportunity for fun, adventure and photography! There are many outfitters along the river that provide (or you may bring your own) kayak, canoe or raft to enjoy 70 miles of floating where you will observe scenery of the Ozark hills, high bluffs, rocky islands, medley of wildlife and dense forests by way of the river. shuttle services are available through most of the outfitters.

Fishing:
Year-round fishing is good with black bass, white bass, striped bass, crappie, channel and flathead catfish, bream and walleye, with rainbow and brown trout stocked in the Illinois River below the dam. Three heated fishing docks offer winter fun for crappie fishing. Lake Tenkiller is popular for fishing tournaments. Fishing is a year-round activity with each season producing its own fun! More than 70 species of fish have been found in the waters. Classes are available for fly-fishing, lure tying and guided fishing trips.

Lake Tenkiller:
This peaceful home is just 0.5 mile from Lake Tenkiller which is the clearest body of water in Oklahoma. It is nearly 13,000 acres of water and over 130 miles of shoreline. This beautiful lake provides a wide variety of boating activities that cover sailing, water skiing, wakeboarding, inner tubing, and cruising, lounging, fishing and jet skiing. There are many secluded coves to anchor into and enjoy a day on the lake. The sunsets and clear night skies are perfect for stargazing and romance. There are full service marinas on the lake that provide fuel, snacks, and swimwear and water toys. Several marinas rent pontoons, ski boats and wave runners. Four of the marinas serve as floating restaurants.

Scuba Diving:
Scuba Park is a diver’s dream with clear waters from 8-30 feet. You will see sunken vehicles, planes, boats, remains of homesteads and artifacts left behind before the lake was formed that give divers a glimpse of history. The lakes underwater terrain ranges from sloping hills to rock cliffs, and the water goes up to 165 feet in places. Some divers go spearfishing! Two diving pro shops are located on the lake offering training, certification and equipment rental.

Hunting:
Approximately 2,590 acres of project land are licensed to the Oklahoma Dept. of Wildlife conservation for a State Game Management Area. Principal game species include whitetail deer, bobwhite quail, wild turkey, mourning dove, duck, geese, cottontail rabbit and squirrel.

Golfing:
Cherry Springs Golf Club, a scenic championship course, is located north of Tenkiller Lake on the southern edge of Tahlequah. Tenkiller Golf Club’s championship course plays through a hardwood forest on the southeast corner of Tenkiller Lake.

Nature and Hiking:
There is a wide variety of outdoor recreational opportunities for bird watching and wildlife observation. You will see migratory geese, ducks and other waterfowl. Winter time is an excellent time to view bald eagles, bobcats and whitetail deer. White pelicans come in the fall. Elk, deer, turkeys, bobcats, squirrels, bald eagles, rabbits and owls can be seen. Spectacular rock formations, huge boulders, high bluffs and natural springs are enjoyed. Programs from bird watching to tree identification to animal habitat are scheduled activities. The following places can be accessed by foot and some by horse or mountain bike: Tenkiller Valley Recreational Area, Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, Cookson Game Refuge, Tenkiller State Park Nature Center, Standing Rock Nature Trail, Buzzard Roost Trail at Cato Creek Landing and Overlook Nature Trail located at the Tenkiller Dam Overlook.

Whether you are coming for the tranquility of sitting on the back deck overlooking the beautiful river below. What about hiking, biking, or four wheeling the property & connected Horseshoe Bend Park Area; or, having big fun kayaking, swimming, or fishing in the lower Illinois River below? How about launching a boat and jet ski just two minutes from the house on Beautiful Lake Tenkiller or taking the short drive to join the hundreds and hundreds of people that party on the upper Illinois River every weekend?

Property manager

Ken Lightcap

Languages

English

Property amenities

Ski

  • Close to skiing

Pool/Spa

  • Spa tub

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Car required
  • Onsite parking options include a garage

Kitchen

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

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 4 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

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

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Living room
  • Separate dining area

Entertainment

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

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • Gas grill
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Yard

Laundry

  • Laundromat nearby
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Desk

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • Welcoming dogs only
  • 3 pets total

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Concierge services
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • Near a hospital
  • Near the marina
  • On a river
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Arcade/game room on site
  • Bicycles on site
  • Boat on site
  • Golf on site
  • Kayak on site
  • Optional golf privileges on site
  • Water park on site
  • Water sports equipment on site
  • Basketball nearby
  • Birdwatching 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
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Rafting nearby
  • Rock climbing nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Scuba diving nearby
  • Snorkeling nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Water skiing nearby
  • Water tubing nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby
  • Windsurfing 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

  • 1 unit
  • Bicycles
  • Garden
  • Unit size: 3,800 square feet

Similar properties

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

Pets

Pets allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
3 total pets
Restrictions apply; for more information contact the property at the number on the booking confirmation
Note from host: Fee covers 3 dogs, extra dogs per request + fee

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

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
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site; maximum attendees: 40
Note from host: Events Fee $1500.00 ($500.00 Refundable) 40 Guest
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

We should mention

A car is required for transportation to and from this property

About the neighborhood

Tahlequah

Located in Tahlequah, this vacation home is in a rural area and on the waterfront. John Ross Museum and George M. Murrell Home are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Cherokee Springs Golf Club and Tenkiller Golf Club. Be sure to check out the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

What's nearby

  • Cherokee Casino Tahlequah - 14 min drive
  • Cherokee Landing State Park - 17 min drive
  • Tahlequah City Hospital - 19 min drive
  • Northeastern State University - 19 min drive
  • Cherokee National Capitol - 19 min drive

Getting around

  • Tulsa International Airport (TUL) - 79 min drive

Restaurants

  • Subway - 15 min drive
  • White Wolf Steakhouse - 14 min drive
  • Casey's General Store - 14 min drive
  • Sonic Drive-In - 14 min drive
  • Big Red Drive In Restaurant - 12 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Relaxing Private Estate at Tenkiller Ferry Lake on The Illinois River pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 3 total).

What time is check-in at Relaxing Private Estate at Tenkiller Ferry Lake on The Illinois River?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Relaxing Private Estate at Tenkiller Ferry Lake on The Illinois River?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Relaxing Private Estate at Tenkiller Ferry Lake on The Illinois River located?

This family-friendly Tahlequah vacation home is located on the waterfront, 0.4 mi (0.7 km) from Tenkiller Ferry Lake, and within 6 mi (10 km) of John Ross Museum and George M. Murrell Home. Cherokee Springs Golf Club and Cherokee Heritage Center are also within 9 mi (15 km).

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 116 out of 135 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 13 out of 135 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 135 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 135 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 135 reviews" "

9.8/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Barbara L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Graduation
Excellent property! Fit our needs perfectly and was a bird watchers dream!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jerry M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Very nice views of the river and wild life
Im going to stay again when i go back to oklahoma too see family.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Eileen K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing House w Amazing Views
Our host, Ken, was incredible. Very communicative and helpful. The house is beautiful and well stocked, The walk to the river from the house was difficult with all the leaves covering the steps so w drove to the river, less than 5 minutes. Packed a lunch and the dog. We have a wonderful time. We will come back again
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Angel W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful Place
We had a great time! Home was beautiful! Didn’t want to leave!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Family stay for Powwow
Beautiful property. A little drive to anything but that made it better. It was very secluded, like walking into a nature wonderland..
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Barbara K., Winter Park

Liked: Cleanliness
Respite at Lake Tenkiller
My sister, niece, and I stayed here for 4 nights. We had the best time. The set up of the home was perfect for our needs and had all the necessary amenities. I loved the setting of the house in the woods. It was beautiful and peaceful. We tried tubing one day on the Illinois River but the water was so low that it was not great tubing. One day we went to the Cherokee State Park and swam with tubes off the rocky beach. It was so much fun! Lunch at Nancy's Homemade Pies and Cafe provided us with delicious homemade pies for lunch. Ken was a super good host. The property manager was great, too, keeping up with our needs.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Debbie A.

Liked: Cleanliness
Birthday Paradise
The stay at Bending Waters for a birthday celebration was wonderful. The views were amazing. Sitting on the back deck and seeing the river and watching the birds was a treat. The kitchen was a dream-literally everything was provided to prepare meals. The additional fridge in the garage was a blessing! The open spaces made it very comfortable for ten people. The drive to the lake was very easy and convenient. All we needed was another day or two...or more. It's a trip we will all with hold dear to our hearts.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kim Q.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful location
We loved our stay here. The river was a treat that we all enjoyed even though it's not the easiest to get down to. The home was large enough to accommodate our group of 11 very comfortably. It was well stocked and the owners/property manager were very attentive.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness
Great Family Trip
We really enjoyed our stay here. It is a beautiful property - very quiet and comfortable. The owner and property manager were very responsive and helpful with any questions we had. A windstorm came through the first night, and the owner called the next morning to ensure everything was ok. There is a very nice area with easy access to the river just few minutes down the road for those that don't want to go down the steps at the house.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ward S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Overall a good experience
Met family there for a three night getaway right before the Fourth of July. That portion of the Illinois river at horseshoe bend has really low traffic compared to the northern portions of the river. House is well set up and comfortable sleeping many guests. Your own private gravel bar on the river awaits you below the house. Only disadvantage I can mention is that the walk to the river is pretty steep and hard to get the kids under 8 up and down safely carrying any gear. Overall quite satisfied and would recommend this location to anyone wanting a spot on the river that is not completely packed with partying floaters.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023