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A Diamond in the Rough

Photo gallery for A Diamond in the Rough

Morning sunrise
Cottage
Living area
Living room with fireplace for those chilly evenings
Interior

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 6869 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Air conditioning
  • Outdoor Space

Explore the area

View in a map
Fox Lake, IL
  • Place, Jet Funn
    ‪11 min walk‬
  • Place, Six Flags Great America
    ‪26 min drive‬
  • Place, Naval Base Great Lakes
    ‪31 min drive‬
  • Airport, Chicago, IL (PWK-Chicago Executive)
    ‪46 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Dining area

About this property

A Diamond in the Rough

This diamond in the rough is a cozy 2 bedroom cottage perfect for a weekend getaway, family vacation or a romantic retreat. This great escape will provide you with a little piece of paradise while giving you the feeling and comfort of home! And because pets are family too, we welcome them; but must be cleared with the owners first. No cats please, as the owners are allergic.
This adorable cottage is nestled on a quiet residential street behind the main home. Water, pier and boat slip access are only steps away by walking down the lighted path on the side of the main home where you can enjoy breathtaking sunsets, fishing, swimming, canoeing, boating; and in winter snowmobiling, ice fishing and skiing at Wilmot Mountain Ski Resort. A boat slip to dock your boat and 3-person canoe & 2 paddle boards are available at no extra charge your use. The cottage is fully air conditioned and heated with ceiling fans in bedrooms, kitchen and living room; making it perfect for year-round suitability.
When staying in this home away from home, you can start off your morning soaking up a little fresh air out on the front porch enjoying a cup of freshly brewed Starbucks Verona coffee. After an eventful day exploring all the Chain of Lakes has to offer, both bedrooms have queen size beds with 700 thread count linens and overstuffed pillows for your sleeping comfort. For those less than stellar weather days, cozy on the oversized leather sofa or kick up your feet on the reclining chair in the living room where you can also partake in some viewing enjoyment on the 40” LED television equipped with Xfinity TV or enjoy your favorite DVD by popping it into the DVD player. Feeling a little competitive? Stroll on over the utility closet where you can find several different board and card games to partake in. Secured WiFi internet access is also available. A little hungry? Quickly whip something up on the gas stove in the kitchen that is furnished with all appliances, utensils and dinnerware for your convenience, including an expandable kitchen island. Want make it a BBQ instead? Head outside to your own private patio to access the gas grill.

Your home away from home oasis is:
30 minutes to Six Flags Great America Amusement Park, where you can also make a stop into Gurnee Mall for some shopping
Walking distance to Fams for an ice cold beer and great steak or fish tacos or El Puerto restaurant for an awesome Margarita.
A Thursday night away from watching some thrilling drag boat racing at Blarney’s Island
A Sunday morning away from having an award winning Bloody Mary at Studio Roadhouse.
A click away from access to seeing some amazing live bands

*Staying with us again? Ask about our Preferred Guest Benefits. *
Ask about our discount for Great Lakes Naval Base boot camp graduations.
We look forward to sharing a little piece of paradise with you soon. Cheers!
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

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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
Young children must be properly supervised.
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs less than 50 lbs per pet (limit one pet total)
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Smoking

Smoking allowed: in designated areas
Do not throw butts on ground or in lake.

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 and lock the doors
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

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 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

About the neighborhood

Fox Lake

Located in Fox Lake, this cottage is near theme parks and on a lake. Parrot's Cove Marina and Hunter Country Club are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit Six Flags Great America and Jet Funn. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Wilmot Raceway or Tempel Lipizzans. Be sure to check out the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
View more Cottages in Fox LakeOpens in a new window
Map
Fox Lake, IL

What's nearby

  • Jet Funn - 11 min walk - 1.0 km
  • Six Flags Great America - 26 min drive - 28.4 km
  • Naval Base Great Lakes - 31 min drive - 39.6 km
  • Schaumburg Convention Center - 43 min drive - 55.6 km
  • Woodfield Mall - 45 min drive - 57.0 km

Getting around

  • Fox Lake Station - 3 min drive
  • Kenosha, WI (ENW-Kenosha Regional) - 43 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Culver's - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Antioch Pizza Shop - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Whistle Stop Cafe - ‬3 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is A Diamond in the Rough pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 50 lbs per pet. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

How much does it cost to stay at A Diamond in the Rough?

As of Apr 4, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at A Diamond in the Rough on May 10, 2026 start from $197, 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 A Diamond in the Rough?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at A Diamond in the Rough?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is A Diamond in the Rough located?

Situated on a lake, this cottage is 1 mi (1.5 km) from Jet Funn and within 6 mi (10 km) of Chain 'O Lakes State Park and Thomas Memorial County Park. Volo Bog State Natural Area and Horse Fair Park are also within 6 mi (10 km). Fox Lake Station is 20 minutes by foot.

Reviews

9.4

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. 74 out of 94 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 12 out of 94 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 4 out of 94 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 4 out of 94 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 94 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

8.0/10

Amenities

7.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.6/10

Check-in

9.0/10

Communication

9.2/10

Location

9.2/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Eileen J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This was a perfect location for our visit with family while in town.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Linda M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very nice and cozy cabin on the lake. Neighborhood quiet and peaceful, a perfect home away from home for a couple days.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Isabelle M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The place has a nice large living area. The hosts are very kind. Also, Fox Lake has a fantastic playground that our grandchild, who lives near there, enjoyed.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth R.

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

Great place to see fireworks!

Jim and Rosemarie were wonderful hosts and we had such a nice time!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Joe M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Check in was easy and the host had birthday wishes for my wife. Great touch.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
Archival

10/10 Excellent

eric g.

Great place!

I will be staying here again in the future. Great place at a great location.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Tracy N.

Great owners, fantastic place, great location

Owners were very flexible, place was great size, extremely clean, easy access to lake, house had everything you need for weekend, owners were generous giving us water, ice, and coffee to welcome us. Highly recommended and will stay again in the future!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lisa T.

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

Diamond in the Rough

Very cosy & nice. The backyard was wonderful. We enjoyed the privacy. The location was convenient to restaurants, etc.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Terry M.

Great location! Beautiful home! Super nice people

The rental home was the best kept and cleanest I've seen so far using VBRO. The owners left a hand written note for us and a welcome gift! Wonderful place to stay, highly recommend it to anyone looking in the Fox Lake area!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2016
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Michael L.

Perfect!

Great location for a relaxing getaway. The house is perfectly set up with dock access, restaurants are close by and even a good bar is walking distance. We had a 26 foot boat which was perfect for touring the lake chain. Overall, a GREAT , well-priced cottage! Would highly recommend.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth C.

Absolute Relaxation

The property is charming, homey and full of personal touches. The town (and surrounding communities) have a bunch of shops to explore.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Aimee C.

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

Great cottage!

Water was high so no beach.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Linda F.

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

Great get away!

We enjoyed a great get away with our daughter & family and our son! Such a warm welcome with fresh flowers & champagne! And we loved the dock area, fire pit & the fact that there were hardly any steps to the lake for our toddler grandkids! Lots of fun to be had here!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michelle H.

Hidden Gem with Great Hospitality

Loved this place and had a blast! Perfect for our girls' weekend (5 of us). The cottage is very nice and seems recently renovated. Great patio area under tent. Beautiful lake. We brought a big party raft and tied it up to the pier and enjoyed hanging out in the warm water. Owners were extremely nice and welcomed us with a bottle of sparkling wine and great suggestions for things to do in the area, although we just had a great time relaxing there.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2018
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Cassandra M.

Enjoyable Stay

My two sisters and myself rented this great cottage for 4 nights. We had a great relaxing enjoyable time! The cottage is very comfortable and accommodated the three of us very nicely. It's very spacious for the size of it. Jim and Rosemarie were great hosts welcoming us with a bottle of champagne and a nice card. They also left a beautiful bouquet of fresh flowers on the dining room table which was a great added touch. We recommend this vacation rental highly and look forward to future visits ourselves!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2017
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Allison M.

Well maintained cottage with lake access, relaxing time away

The cottage is well maintained, clean, comfortable. The bedrooms are small but that wasn't an issue for my husband and me. We had our dog with us & had a wonderful, relaxing time away from the city. It is close to town (diving) which was so easy to get around for things we like groceries. Small grass yard to relax in by the water. Great recommendations from Rose on where to eat, things to do & boat rentals. Would definitely recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2017
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Rachel W.

Great place to relax for a long weekend

We enjoyed our visit very much. The cottage was well-stocked with everything we needed to cook indoors and out. Though the lake view isn't directly outside the cottage, it is indeed just steps away in Rosemarie and Jim's yard, and they gave us all the space in the world so it never felt at all weird. The cottage is a very short drive to a state park, several nature preserves, and more. We loved sitting on the lake in the evenings and drinking wine and watching the majestic blue herons.
Verified

8/10 Good

Matt C.

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

Private/Quiet Guest House

The rental is the guest home behind the A-frame home pictured at the end of the road. Very private and quiet! Although there are no water views, the water is just on the other side of the main home with complete access to the backyard, dock, and water. Everything was in great shape and it has everything you need and all the comforts of home. Definitely recommend getting a deep dish from Rosati's and checking out the boat races at Blarney Island!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Janet

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
The hosts Jim and Rose were friendly and helpful. The place suited our needs perfectly. We were attending a wedding in the area that my daughter was matron of honor for, so it was me and my husband, my daughter and son in law. The bedrooms are small but adequate, the kitchen and living areas are very nice. We also had full use of an outdoor gas grill, outdoor seating areas in front and back of the cottage. We also had access to the lake, with nice outdoor seating around a fire pit. The lake is scenic and there are stores, restaurants and bars nearby. Boats, kayaks, etc are available for rent nearby. It was a wonderful long weekend stay.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023
Archival

8/10 Good

Cindy K.

Well-equipped, comfortable

We were there on the hottest days of the summer, and the cottage was a nice retreat. It was cool and cozy. The kitchen is very well-equipped for cooking, the beds are comfortable and the outdoor space is nice although you do have to walk through the parking lot and around the host home to get to the lake. The lake view is nice and would be a comfortable place to spend watching the sun set, although we didn't do so because it was so hot. The host is very responsive to requests. We locked ourselves from the cabin (when leaving, do NOT lock the lower lock!) but gained entrance within 10 minutes. The grill was dirty when we arrived but the host cleaned it nicely for us. We enjoyed our stay!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2016
Verified

4/10 Poor

Gayle

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
I don’t agree with all of these high ratings. The owners live in the house on the waterfront. Don’t be mislead that you’ll be staying there. You’re actually in a little cabin behind their house. It’s not a bad set up. Could be cleaner. Especially the fridge. I was really excited to be able to spend time on the waterfront property. Unfortunately, the owner’s deck overlooks the section designated to their rental customers. In the evening, you can see them watching TV. They were entertaining as well and it felt like we were the uninvited guests. Very awkward. I was really disappointed because I wanted to spend more time by the lake, but felt too uncomfortable. Another problem was my elderly parents were with us, and it was difficult for them to navigate in the dark from the cabin to the front waterfront property. They left us a bottle of champagne and a nice note and flowers. That seems to be their MO. However, when interacting with the owner, we didn’t feel welcome.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

lnda s.

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great property

Overall, this property is great. The house was very very clean and had all the appliances, utensils etc. you need for your stay. Everything is very modern and in working condition. The cabana area that was at our disposal the whole time at the lake was very nice. The only complaint I have is the lake. For one, you can barely see the lake from the small front porch. The way you get in and out of the lake is very dangerous—you have to go down a very steep ladder onto stones. If you had children, you’d have to be in the water first to help them in from the end of the dock. One day after it rained, the water was dirty where you go in from the ladder. If there was a ladder at the end of the dock, a lot of these problems would be resolved. Overall, though, I would highly recommend this property.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Susan L.

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

PIR Boot Camp Graduation

Great time celebrating with our grandson and our daughter. Convenient to hiking, restaurants and the beautiful chain of lakes.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Janice M.

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

It was a great 2 bedroom cabin. Everything you would need was provided plus extra great things !!

Easily found and easily rented
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie S.

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

Girls weekend retreat!

We had an excellent experience with this VRBO! Jim and Rosemarie were wonderful hosts. They offered local fish fry recommendations as well as nearby spots with live music! This was a very nice, quiet little house on a dead end street with beautiful lakefront outdoor space.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022

About the host

Hosted by Jim & Rosemarie Nilson

Host profile image
A love of boating, fishing and the outdoors has been embedded in us from our youth. I spent my teenage years on the Chain water skiing and boating with my family. Jim and I opted to live where we had many happy memories, where people are friendly and life is exciting and fun -- the Chain O’Lakes. We feel truly blessed to be able to live in a vibrant and historic community and most importantly, to be close to those that matter most – our family and friends.

Why they chose this property

Why Escape to Fox Lake?
The Village of Fox Lake is a vibrant community rich with history, wonderful people and just a short distance from many delightful attractions, such as:
• Chain O’Lakes State Park
• Downtown Chicago
• Great America
• Gurnee Mills
• Pleasant Prairie Premium Outlets
• Volo Auto Museum
• Wilmot Mountain
Fox Lake is part of the Chain O’Lakes that is comprised of 10 connecting lakes – Bluff, Catherine, Channel, Fox, Grass, Marie, Nippersink, Petite, Pistakee, Redhead as well as the Fox River. The Chain O’Lakes provides year round enjoyment for boating, fishing, snowmobiling, bird watching and ice fishing. In addition, the Chain O'Lakes allows for a wide range of outdoor recreational activities with special events throughout the summer sponsored by local businesses, including boat races, fishing tournaments, Venetian night, fireworks and live musical performances. Your Great Escape is just minutes from downtown Fox Lake – and moments from great memories.

Languages:

English

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