Location: Algonquin, Illinois, USA (Algonquin 1 hr Northwest of Chicago, 40 Minutes from O'Hare)
Accommodations: Craftsman Cottage, 2 Bedrooms + Sleeping Porch, 1 Bath (Sleeps 2-4)
Located on nearly 2 acres of woodlands, it is hard to believe this craftsman style cottage is an hour drive from Chicago. Stop at Ikea on the way out, drive past Barrington horse farms... even the journey is a pleasant experience.
Set back amongst mature oaks and shag bark hickory trees, this secluded treasure has long been a refuge for fox, deer, and woodland creatures. One awakens to the sounds of cardinals, woodpeckers, and a chorus of songbirds. At night, millions of stars light up the sky, and hoot owls can be heard in the far off distance. Every room has a door that opens up to nature. The original gardens, designed by Helen Courtney in 1944, co-mingle with wildflowers and edible mushrooms, providing year round visual wonders.
Built in 1926 by Chicago architect Alfred F. Schimek, this house has been passed down through generations of artists who have preserved the architectural integrity and original knotty pine charm. Cathedral ceilings, mission furniture, and handcrafted details make this a unique vacation home. Every room provides an unobstructed view of woodland landscapes or the rolling hills unique to the Fox Valley area. Located in walking distance of the Fox River, guests have private access the river front, hiking paths, and a boat launch.
The house has been a source of creative inspiration for many years and continues to be an artist's retreat and work place. Whether you're planning a short weekend getaway or an extended stay, we're confident your visit will be a magical, restful, and delightful experience you'll remember for years to come.
Some interesting facts:
Our water comes from underground springs and is remarkably pure.
Between 6-10 types of wild mushrooms grow on our property. Our Puffballs, chanterelles, and oysters are prized by local gourmands.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Air Conditioning: Central AC
- Linens Provided: Plenty of down comforters and fine cotton bedding. White towels, white sheets. Dried outdoors. Sun Bleached.
- Off Street Parking: 1/2 mile of private road for parking. Winter requires 4x4 during heavy snowfall.
- Parking for RV/Boat/Trailer
- Wood Fireplace: Radiates heat.Wood supplied.
- Beds
- Double Bed: Exceptional comfort. Raised platform.
- Twin/Single Bed: Trundle. Opens to king size ( 2 twins)
- Convertible Bed
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV: Expanded cable
- DVD
- Video Library: Constantly updating library with current releases
- Video Game Console: Playstation 3 / Harmon Kardon Surround sound system. Must bring own games.
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Music Library: Let me know what type of music you like. I'll pull personalized selections.
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen: All new electric appliances.Stainless. Cherry cabinets. Above stove microwave. Granite counter tops. Espresso machine, juicer, blender.
- Cooking Utensils Provided: Every imaginable coffee maker... garlic press, decent cutlery.
- Refrigerator: Stainless. Ice cube maker.
- Dishwasher: No dishwasher. House is well and septic.
- Microwave
- Ice Maker
- Outdoor Features
- Charcoal BBQ Grill
- Deck/Patio: Screen porch
- Communications
- Telephone
- Computer: Macintosh
- Broadband Internet: DSL
- WiFi (Wireless Internet)
- Other Amenities
- 1.5 acres of woods, natural landscaping provides serene privacy, historic landmark, Artist Studio, Screened Patio, security system
- Suitability
- Pet Friendly: Upon approval.
- Kid Friendly
- Minimum Age Limit for Renters: 25+
- Smoking Allowed: Designated areas
- Activities (on site and nearby)
- Shopping
- Sightseeing
- Restaurants
- Boating
- Waterskiing
- Jet Skiing
- Swimming
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Cross Country Skiing
- Snowboarding
- Snowmobiling
- Wildlife Viewing
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Fitness Center/Gym
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Antiquing
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Live Theatre
- Miniature golf
- Horseback Riding
- Hot Air Ballooning
- Other Activities
- The area is known for cycling, cross country skiing, snowboarding, hiking, boating, birding, wild mushrooms, ballooning. A perfect location for holistic, creative, spiritual retreats.
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
Standard .. $150/night (3 night min)
Oct-Apr .............. $ 900/week
May-Sep .............. $1500/week
Refundable Deposit 1 week after checkout $200
Cleaning Fee $50
Paypal Accepted. We do not accept 3rd party checks.
Rates are non-negotiable.
6.75% IL sales tax
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Credit Cards Accepted:
Owner's Profile
Owner Description
Year Purchased: 1926
The current owner is a working artist and educator. The house has been a family retreat for over 70 years. In 1993, we decided to make this our full-time residence and focus on creative endeavors. Today our time is equally divided between renovations and restorations at two locations: Algonquin and one in Chicago that we hope to have available for vacation rentals in December: Fisher Studios (photo).
We have been avid collectors of fine art, photography, first editions, emphemera and vintage memoribillia for over 30 years.
Why the Owner Chose Algonquin
Algonquin is known as "The Gem of the Fox River Valley", and is long known as a small river community with quiet, small town charm. Located in unincorporated Algonquin Township, the area remains untouched by suburban development.
Some photo's around the property:
http://tinyurl.com/ydxtydb
The Unique Benefits of this Craftsman Cottage
Located on a private road and set back on gentle hill, one feels as if they are in a secluded cabin in the north woods. An 8ft. tall picture window provides a spectacular, unobstructed view of valley's picturesque hills.
Property Photos
- Front view in fall - Algonquin Vacation Cottage near Skiing, Boating, and Hiking
- Master bedroom doors open to a path to art studio - Algonquin Vacation Cottage near Skiing, Boating, and Hiking
- side view of artist's studio in early spring - Algonquin Vacation Cottage near Skiing, Boating, and Hiking
- Three season screened porch
- Entryway provides easy access
Guest Comments (2)
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #269763
There have been 624 visitors to this page since the counter was last reset in 2009.
This listing was first published here in 2009.
Date last modified - November 20, 2009
Positive Rating
Marcia Norman , Mount Prospect, Illinois
Homeowner Response:
Great having you as a guest. Come back soon!
Positive Rating
Homeowner Response:
Glad you had a great time. Your the second person who told me about their romantic visit. Another couple conceived their first child here. I swear it's not the water!