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Family Home on Lake Sara

Photo gallery for Family Home on Lake Sara

Outside view of the Bunkhouse, upper deck and lower patio.
Side view from Drive
Outside view of the Bunkhouse, upper deck and lower patio.
View from close to water
Easy access upper deck to lower patio

Reviews

10 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% of guest reviews in this area
3 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 10

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Pet-friendly
  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Air conditioning
  • Outdoor grill

Explore the area

View in a map
Effingham, IL
  • Place, Lake Sara
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Effingham Performance Center
    ‪19 min drive‬
  • Place, Lake Shelbyville
    ‪53 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 10)

Bedroom 2 upstairs

1 Queen Bed

BunkRoom

2 Double Bunk Beds

Master Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

3 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 3

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Kitchenette
Balcony
Dining area

About this property

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.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0-17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed
1 small dog, extra charge
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
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.

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

About the neighborhood

Effingham

Located in Effingham, this vacation home is on the waterfront. Ballard Nature Center and Lake Sara reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Bliss Park and Effingham County Fairgrounds.
View more Vacation Homes in EffinghamOpens in a new window
Map
Effingham, IL

What's nearby

  • Lake Sara - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Cardinal Golf Course - 14 min drive - 10.0 km
  • Effingham Performance Center - 19 min drive - 14.4 km
  • Effingham County Courthouse - 20 min drive - 13.9 km
  • Lake Shelbyville - 53 min drive - 61.7 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Casey's General Store - ‬21 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬21 min drive
  • ‪Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen - ‬21 min drive
  • ‪Dairy Queen - ‬21 min drive
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬21 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 does it cost to stay at Family Home on Lake Sara?

As of Apr 24, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Family Home on Lake Sara on Apr 27, 2026 start from $290, 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.

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 steps from Lake Sara, and within 9 mi (15 km) of Cardinal Golf Course and Effingham Performance Center. Bliss Park and Ballard Nature Center are also within 9 mi (15 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 135 out of 138 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 138 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 138 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 138 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 138 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Joe S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This place was amazing! It was clean and comfortable! We used the deck a lot and the fire pit one evening! We sat in the evening and listened to the owls hoot back and forth and then got to see one fly across the water in the morning! It’s an easy trip to town! We totally would rent this again!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Roseann H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great space to gather, make food, watch football game and appreciate Lake Sara. Kitchen one of the best I’ve ever seen in a rental house.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

John P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful house with 3 Bedrooms 3Bath, large living areas large outdoor Deck, very nice.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

bob f.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amenities were perfect. House was clean, safe and move in ready. Couldn’t have asked for more. Will definitely be back next year for a longer stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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

Very nice place to vacation

Great place to spend a relaxing vacation. Beautiful house and property.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2021
Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cindy O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a wonderful stay at The Bunkhouse! Diana went above and beyond to supply items needed for our grandchildren. Great communication. House was extremely clean set in a park like setting.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

BETH H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Another great experience. Thanks so much!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kathy S.

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

Great place

The house was beautiful! We had everything we needed! Would definitely stay here again!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Chasity B.

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

Fantastic family location

We loved this place! Perfect for our two families with children. Well stocked, lots of room and a beautiful private lakefront view. Will definitely stay again!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023
Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Peggy M. G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lots of appliances, ice. We didn't cook at all, but could have. Very clean home, lovely decor
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

C Luanne F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The Bunkhouse was the perfect place for us to gather this Christmas. Having a beautiful Christmas tree lit up in the family room was a bonus! We enjoyed throwing rocks in the lake with our two grandsons and hanging out around the campfire with everyone during the warmer than usual weather which was unexpected. The cabin was so well designed and with all the careful details which made our stay so easy and comfortable. We really appreciated the cleanliness and my 8 yr. old grandson was able to fulfill a longtime dream of sleeping on the top bunk in a room full of bunk beds! This was my 2nd stay here and we’ll be back for sure.The Freeds
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ken L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Three minutes after we arrived, our three granddaughters certified the Bunkhouse as a great place to stay. We agreed. More room than expected and a very quiet location were the first two things that we noticed. Everything was spotless and in like new condition along with being the best well stocked rental we’ve ever experienced. It well deserves the 10 rating and if you have the occasion to work with Diana, you’ll also find out why she is a 10 rated host.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lori R.

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

Wonderful

Beautiful property and Diana was great. Highly recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Chris H.

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

Bunkhouse is great

Very quiet and peaceful location. Owners have thought of everything to make our stay perfect. We will be back!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

BETH H.

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

Two thumbs up for Bunkhouse stay!

Beautiful place! Very homey. Wonderful location for a large group. Kitchen well stocked with everything thing you need to prepare meals. Will definitely book again!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jason S.

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

Peaceful

Very clean, quiet and relaxing.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

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

About the host

Hosted by Diana Kirkpatrick

Host profile image

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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