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Lake Sara Dream

Photo gallery for Lake Sara Dream

view of the back of home
Outdoor dining
Terrace/patio
Exterior
Terrace/patio

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 82000 sq ft

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

View in a map
Effingham, IL
  • Place, Lake Sara
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Effingham Performance Center
    ‪16 min drive‬
  • Place, Lake Shelbyville
    ‪55 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Bunk Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Kitchenette
Balcony
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Lake Sara Dream

This 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom renovated retreat provides you with everything you need to have fun at the lake this year! Great location on the water of Gypsy Cove where you can relax in the water or drop a line in to fish. New platform roof top dock gives you plenty of space to relax and catch some sun rays! There is space for you to bring your own boat or rent one at the local marina. The cove is the perfect place to learn how to waterski, wakeboard, or tube.

Inside the home you will find two living spaces along with a small mini kitchen downstairs, a full bathroom, and a bedroom. There is also access to the lake and outside patio areas from the downstairs living space.
The home sleeps 8 comfortably in beds and is the max for this vacation retreat. The kitchen is equipped with everything you will need during your stay. A Smart tv is located in the living room upstairs & living room downstairs. We do NOT offer Direct TV. bring your firesticks or PW for netflix, amazon, etc. A washer & dryer is available for your use as well downstairs. The home has central air conditioning & heat. We do have wi-fi...all the connection instructions will be inside the home.

Outside there is large deck off the house that is great for entertaining or eating a meal. We have a charcoal grill on the deck for your use to grill out. There is a fire pit outside for your use. We do not usually stock firewood so I would recommend getting some beforehand for your use. If there is wood provided, feel free to use some of it. A short path leads down to the boat dock from the large deck, there you will find Adirondack chairs for relaxation & floats for use in the water. The door on the left side of the boat house has floats & noodles for use. Please be respectful of the neighbors and keep noise to a minimum later in the evenings. Failure to do so will result in funds taken from deposit.

If anything is damaged during your stay PLEASE let us know so we can replace what has been broken.

We use this home as well as our home away from home retreat with our family. Anything you may find in the fridge as far as condiments or in the pantry or freezer, was food that we may have bought for use during our stay. Everyone is more than welcome to consume these items, but please do not throw anything away unless it has expired/gone bad.

We want to invite anyone who wants to enjoy Lake Sara to its fullest to come relax! We strive to make your experience the best it can be. We hope to see you soon!

A couple notes:

-The boat in the lift is not for rental use, there are a couple marinas on the lake that offer boat rentals.
-There is plenty of parking for boats on each side of dock.
-Please respect our home as you would your own.
-be respectful of the neighbors. They are within close proximity to the vacation rental and we would hate to disturb them. Failure to do this could result in issues with the neighbors and funds taken from deposit.

Thank you for understanding.

Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet friendly
Air conditioning
Outdoor Space

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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
NO PARTIES OR EVENTS AT ALL!
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Pets

Pets allowed: limit 2 total
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
NO SMOKING ALLOWED
-DO NOT FLUSH ANYTHING OTHER THAN TOILET PAPER DOWN THE TOILET -NO LOUD MUSIC AFTER 11 PM!!!! WE HAVE NEIGHBORS!!!! Be respectful!!!!

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
Note from host: NO PARTIES OR EVENTS AT ALL!
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

Effingham

Located in Effingham, this vacation home is on a lake. Dr. Charles M. Wright Mansion and Veteran's Monument are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Ballard Nature Center and Lake Sara. Bliss Park and Effingham County Fairgrounds are also worth visiting.
View more Vacation Homes in EffinghamOpens in a new window
Map
Effingham, IL

What's nearby

  • Lake Sara - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Effingham Performance Center - 16 min drive - 12.0 km
  • Effingham County Courthouse - 17 min drive - 11.9 km
  • Mid America Motorworks, My Garage Museum - 20 min drive - 18.4 km
  • Lake Shelbyville - 55 min drive - 59.1 km

Getting around

  • Effingham Station - 19 min drive
  • Champaign, IL (CMI-University Of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Williard) - 78 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Casey's General Store - ‬18 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬19 min drive
  • ‪Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen - ‬18 min drive
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬18 min drive
  • ‪Sbarro - ‬18 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Lake Sara Dream pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows pets (limit 2 total).

How much does it cost to stay at Lake Sara Dream?

As of Mar 27, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Lake Sara Dream on May 13, 2026 start from $465, 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 Lake Sara Dream?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Lake Sara Dream?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Lake Sara Dream located?

Situated on a lake, 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

9.6

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. 71 out of 86 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 11 out of 86 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 86 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 86 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 86 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lynn G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place! Second time we have stayed for a long weekend with our adult kids. Great dock for our boat, quiet cove, great views from decks and dock . Perfect relaxing getaway!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Justin S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It was a great stay! We love spending time on the lake. Memories made for a lifetime.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sarah R.

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

Birthday Trip

Wonderful place to stay at Lake Sara. We had the best time. This property has everything you can need for a relaxing trip away. Our kids especially loved being able to jump off and swim at the dock. Can’t wait to come back!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jason C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had an amazing vacation at this property. The home is beautifully maintained, comfortable, and thoughtfully laid out. The setting is serene and picturesque, making it easy to unwind. Communication with the host was smooth, and the value for money was excellent. We’re already planning to return next year. Highly recommended!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sue G.

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

Perfect lake location

Perfect spot to spend a weekend with our good friends . Clean quiet and perfect for jumping in the lake for a swim. Equipped with everything you need. A/C worked great with ceiling fans and floor fans in every room. Bingo at the winery and boat rental for a tour of the lake !
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

margaret b.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The house wonderful we went up there for fishing, But unfortunately it was very hot and we did not catch to many fish. But we all really enjoyed the house. We got up there a little early and we asked Amber the host if we could get in early and she yes. This is the second time we rented her house. She is such a gracious host. I would recommend this house to stay in. Was fantastic. Thank you again Amber.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Theresa F.

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

Holiday Celebration

Our extended family has spent a fall weekend at Lake Sara Dream for the last three years. The house is so cute and it is just perfect for us to relax and visit with each other.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Damon H.

Great Weekend getaway spot!

Great property. Clean home, good privacy. Enjoyed our weekend!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2016
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Theresa F.

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

Family holiday celebration

Our second visit to Lake Sara Dream for an early Christmas celebration was terrific!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Bridget B.

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

Family Weekend

The house was just as pictured and a great place for our family weekend away. We enjoyed the lake and the dock for fishing and relaxing. We hope to visit this house again next year.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lynn G.

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

Great place!

So fun! Quick communication with owner, great spot on the lake! Only complaint I can think of is they could use a good skillet, and some more silverware. But we survived and loved it! Beds were comfy, Loved the canoe, and fishing.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Justin S.

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

The Best!

Great location on Lake Sara! Fun time with friends. Highly recommend.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Laura S.

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

Great Getaway

I grew up coming to Lake Sara. It was fun to come back with my family to see how much it has grown and changed. The house was great and the lake access was perfect. We enjoyed fishing and swimming!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Janice W.

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

Family is everthing

Home was beautiful! Location was quiet and views were spectacular! Everyone in our group found something to do. Kayaks, canoe, fishing off the dock, campfires etc. Room to dock both of our boats and to park trailers!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Debi W.

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

Will be back

Everything was just like we expected, had lots of fun in the water rain or shine. Can’t wait till next time
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jane B.

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

Dads birthday

Returned to my childhood, home to visit family for my dad’s birthday. Lake Sara has been a place where we spent many fun happy times, and so to return was very special! And the home was just perfect!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Theresa C.

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

Perfect Getaway

This is the second year my group has booked this house for our annual girls weekend. The house is a great size, enough private rooms for our different sleeping schedules, 2 tv areas for when everyone needs their space but also enough seating upstairs for everyone to hang out together, 2 fridges, several beautiful outdoor seating options and the dock and lake access are awesome.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Diane L.

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

Family reunion

At Lake Sara for a family reunion. Kitchen was well stocked and there is a large great room. Bedrooms and bathrooms are small but adequate. Porch railing in need of cleaning. Great lake access and nice grounds provides privacy. Nice lower level with room to spare. privacy.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Marcy H.

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

Met in the Middle!

We met my brother and wife at Lake Sara (mid location between our 2 cities). We met at Tuscan Hills Winery and then to the property. We were so charmed by the location and pleased with the lake house! The temperature dropped but we were so cozy cooking together, watching a Chiefs' victory, and hanging out together! Couldn't find the guest book. We will be back!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Marcy M.

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

Beautiful home in quiet cove and easily accessible boat dock!

Our extended family visited Lake Sara for the second time and really enjoyed staying in this home (plus a second home on the lake less than a mile away). We enjoyed floating near the dock, kayaking, fishing, and roasting marshmallows at the fire pit. We brought our boat and the cove was easy to get in and out of. Plenty of sunshine or shade with the decks. We enjoyed watching wildlife (deer, turtle, fish, blue heron, and a friendly chipmunk) and relaxing. This home is beautiful inside and out - well-appointed with what you need to have an enjoyable stay. Updated bathrooms and comfortable beds. We will be back!!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023
Archival

6/10 Okay

Stephen R.

The setting with the beautiful yard and lake was spectacular, but the cabin needs some work.

We were very happy with the location. The home has a fabulous deck that overlooks the lake and a beautiful backyard, and they have wonderful outdoor furniture. The home has a very musty ---maybe moldy?--odor if the doors aren't open. The stairs are very steep and do not have needed railing at the top. The bathmat was wet and dirty in the upstairs bath when we arrived, and the carpeting overall appeared to need a good shampoo. I would recommend that this home be listed as sleeping a maximum of maybe 4 people. The downstairs queen can sleep 2, one in the twin bed, and 1 in the full bed upstairs--it sinks too much in the middle to sleep more than one. I guess small children with good backs good sleep on the one roll away provided or on the very uncomfortable hide-a-bed? I also would not recommend any older folks to try to use the upstairs bedrooms and bath---very narrow treads and again, inadequate railing. The kitchen was well equipped, and in the late fall when the weather gets cool, I'd bet that the lovely fireplace would really be cozy.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2016
Verified

8/10 Good

Emily W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication

Nice to be so close to Lake Sarah!

The pros of this property were as follows: -Nice, cozy cabin feel -Close to Lake Sarah -Had most items that you would need for your stay -Close to town, so relatively easy to run and get things you need -Awesome neighbors -Home owners usually responded to my questions quickly The cons of this property as I saw them were: -Numerous items were broken or not in working order when we arrived (lights, outlets, lawnchairs, downstairs toilet, towel rack, canoe). Owner did respond that they fixed most things that we brought to their attention after we left. -The futon that's listed as a bed is extremely uncomfortable and no one could manage to sleep on it. -In my opinion, it should not be listed as "Sleeps 12". We had 6 adults and 3 children and still needed 3 of our own air mattresses in order for everyone to have a place to sleep. It would be more accurately listed as sleeps 7, maximum, unless you bring your own air mattresses. -The deck was beautiful in the pictures, but it was pretty dirty and disheveled when we arrived and my family had to sweep it off and straighten it up. In the end, my family had a great time and made some wonderful memories, but I just felt there were a few things that could have made our experience better.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2019
Verified

6/10 Okay

Anne M.

Nice location on the lake

Nice location and quiet cove and overall a good property. We had bad weather and power outage - which is nothing against the property; but, it did keep us in the house and lead to noticing some issues that otherwise might not have been so noticeable had we been able to stay outdoors. The kayaks and canoe were a bonus and appreciated (see upcoming comment regarding boat/marina) - proper kayak paddles would work better - we tried to buy some in town and couldn't find any. The dock is small - not much room to sit in shade after swimming or for watching the kids swim. Good fishing off the dock - bluegill, small bass, catfish. Deck off house is nice sized with two tables and plenty of seating. We had brought an awning which was helpful on the deck due to the heat/sun. There is a big firepit area with lots of shady seating which we didn't utilize due to the heat. If you don't have your own boat the rental options are limited and disappointing (benches bolted to a pontoon deck at the one place and a regular pontoon whose upholstery was held together by duck tape at the other). Also, neither marina is open on Monday/Tuesday and when they do open Wednesday it's at noon - this is not on any of their websites and when I had called the week prior to talk to a guy about getting a boat on Monday - he said "we have plenty - just come by". During the week it was very quiet and relaxing - I'm sure it picks up on weekends but we were only there from Monday - Thursday. There are a few items that could use some attention - the grill is a bit rickety but useable; the seating in the living room is limited, uncomfortable and couch is somewhat smelly; the beds are very uncomfortable. Also, the staircase to the second floor is seriously steep and requires some care navigating. There is one bedroom and full bath downstairs and two bedrooms and full bath upstairs. Despite a few negatives it was still an overall good rental and in a nice cove.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2018
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Charlene K.

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

Amazing Get-Away

Not knowing where we were going (it's definitely in the woods and it takes a GPS to get there), we were so surprised and delighted when we arrived and entered the home. It was perfect for our family of 7. Beds were comfy and kitchen had everything we needed for light meals. We wondered what it would be like during the different seasons of the year since the location is so wooded and on a little inlet of the lake. Definitely would recommend staying here and if we're ever back in the area, would check if it was available.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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

Thanksgiving at the Lake

We enjoyed our stay at the Cox Cottage while we visited nearby family for Thanksgiving. The property had all items we needed and space for the kids and adults to hang out together or get some space.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2022

About the host

Hosted by The Cox Family

Host profile image
We are a family of 5 from right outside of Champaign, IL. Todd grew up coming to Lake Sara on the weekends in the Spring & Summers with his family. His family throughout the years owned two properties on the lake. One of which has now been bull dozed down to make room for a much larger lake home on a great tip point! Amber is originally from Wisconsin (Go Pack Go) but was never able to enjoy a lake as beautiful as Lake Sara.

We really enjoy continuing the tradition with our children and having our families continue to enjoy the lake as well. Our children absolutely love the lake and love bringing their friends and cousins to enjoy it with them. It gives us a chance to all be together without the use of modern day electronics! We almost didn't even get a TV at the rental!

Why they chose this property

We wanted a place that we all could enjoy, relax, sleep a good amount of family members/guests, and a place that had awesome neighbors (since the boat docks are closer than we would've originally preferred). Before we purchased we met a few of the neighbors and they just seemed to be the best. We couldn't ask for a better cove or better neighbors. With this being said, please be respectful of them when renting the home. Know your boundaries of the property and the activity level in late hours of the day.

What makes this property unique

A Quiet cove with the fishing area nearby which is an added bonus in our opinions. So much exploring to do and not a lot of activity.

Languages:

English
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