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Serene Estate Amid Nature & Wildlife at Tenkiller Ferry Lake on Illinois River

Photo gallery for Serene Estate Amid Nature & Wildlife at Tenkiller Ferry Lake on Illinois River

Front View Bending Waters
Breakfast Nook
Kitchen W/ Double Ovens
Master Bedroom
Living Room

Reviews

9.6 out of 10

Exceptional

4 bedrooms2+ bathroomsSleeps 133800 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Hot Tub
    Hot Tub
  • Barbecue grill
    Barbecue grill
  • Washer
    Washer
  • Parking available
    Parking available
  • Pet friendly
    Pet friendly
  • Outdoor Space
    Outdoor Space

Explore the area

Map
Park Hill, OK
  • Tenkiller Ferry Lake
    8 min walk
  • John Ross Museum
    6 min drive
  • Cherokee Heritage Center
    10 min drive

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 13)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Twin Beds

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Bed

Bedroom 4

1 Twin Bed and 1 Queen Bed

Living Room 1

1 Twin Bunk Bed

2 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Jetted bathtub

Bathroom 3

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Separate dining area
Garden
Dining Area

About this property

Serene Estate Amid Nature & Wildlife at Tenkiller Ferry Lake on Illinois River

Discover Bending Waters

Nestled on five private wooded acres at the threshold of Lake Tenkiller, Bending Waters is a serene escape just steps from the beautiful Illinois River. This modern, 3,800-square-foot home blends nature with contemporary elegance, comfortably accommodating up to 13 guests.

Luxurious Living Spaces

Bending Waters boasts four bedrooms, two and a half baths, and two family rooms with wood-burning fireplaces that open onto a deck with breathtaking river views. The primary suite features a private two-person Jacuzzi, a spacious walk-in shower with body sprays and a rain-head, and a gas fireplace. It also offers direct access to the upper deck, where you can enjoy the soothing sights and sounds of the river below.

Gourmet Kitchen and Dining

The fully equipped kitchen features a cozy eating area with stunning river views, a hearth room with a fireplace and television, and access to an upper deck with a gas grill for perfect outdoor dining. Adjacent to the kitchen is a formal dining room, ideal for special gatherings.

Nature at Your Doorstep

Large windows throughout the home provide stunning views of the river and wooded acreage. The property is equipped with a security system for your peace of mind. Wildlife abounds here; you’ll spot hummingbirds, eagles, deer, turkeys, and more. The Illinois River offers exceptional fishing right in your backyard, with species like crappie, trout, bass, and catfish.

A True Escape

Bending Waters is surrounded by thousands of acres of Corps of Engineers land, accessible via a paved road and a solid rock drive. A pond with a waterfall and lilies welcomes you to this tranquil retreat, nestled in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains and surrounded by dogwood forests and beautiful foliage.

Endless Adventures

Illinois River: Enjoy kayaking, canoeing, or rafting on 70 miles of scenic waters with outfitters providing rental equipment and shuttle services.
Fishing: Year-round fishing for black bass, white bass, striped bass, crappie, catfish, and more. Fly-fishing classes and guided trips are available.
Lake Tenkiller: Just 0.5 miles away, offering clear waters for boating, sailing, water skiing, wakeboarding, and more. Marinas provide rentals, supplies, and floating restaurants.
Scuba Diving: Explore sunken vehicles, planes, boats, and historical artifacts in waters up to 165 feet deep.
Hunting and Wildlife: Enjoy state game management areas and wildlife observation opportunities, including migratory geese, ducks, bald eagles, and more.
Golfing: Scenic championship courses are nearby for a relaxing round of golf.
Nature and Hiking: Explore trails and parks, observing diverse wildlife and stunning rock formations.
Whether you're seeking tranquility on the back deck, adventure on the river, or fun on Lake Tenkiller, Bending Waters offers an unforgettable retreat in nature. Come and create lasting memories at this beautiful home!

Property manager

Ken Lightcap
Premier Host

Languages

English

Amenities

Hot Tub
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet friendly
Free WiFi

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Property grounds
Illinois River House!
Hot Tub
Kitchen
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10.0 out of 10, (14 reviews)
Illinois River House!

House Rules

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

Children

Children allowed: ages 0-17

Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
Events Fee $1500.00 ($500.00 Refundable) 40 Guest

Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 3 total)
Fee covers 3 dogs, extra dogs per request + fee

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Check in time is 4:00 PM on the date of your arrival Check out time is 10:00 AM on the date of your departure No Smoking allowed in the House
Date Changes require $50 Change Fee
Check-in will require an accurate guest/pet count any additional un-reported guest/pets will be considered a breach of contract

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

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.
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Map
Park Hill, OK

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
  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬17 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Serene Estate Amid Nature & Wildlife at Tenkiller Ferry Lake on Illinois River pet-friendly?

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

What time is check-in at Serene Estate Amid Nature & Wildlife at Tenkiller Ferry Lake on Illinois River?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Serene Estate Amid Nature & Wildlife at Tenkiller Ferry Lake on Illinois River?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Serene Estate Amid Nature & Wildlife at Tenkiller Ferry Lake on 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

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. 121 out of 142 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 15 out of 142 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 142 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 142 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 142 reviews" "

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Jeffrey C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nice Spot Near Tahlequah
Nice property. Lots of space and beds. Close to the access for the river (2 minute drive/15 minute walk). Communicative host. And great location. I think the only thing I'd say I wish was out of their control. The river was pretty low. Where you walk down to get to the river from the property was really just stagnant water followed by super high weeds/grass area so you couldn't really get to water whereas I thought I'd be able to sit and fish or something. I'm sure it's better when the river is higher but that was the only thing that bummed me out. It was still sweet because we just hopped over to the access area which has a ton of space to park and fish. Again, out of their control and still an extremely great place and I wouldn't drop any stars.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Genevieve F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Long weekend!
House is nice. The trail down to the water is steep, but views from the house are terrific!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Scott D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing River Views
Great home for our family stay! Enjoyed the views of the river, wildlife, and birds! We even caught a glimpse of a Bald Eagle soaring over the river!!!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Trina H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely home!
The property is beautiful and the deer come right up in the yard! The house is very spacious and cleverly built plenty of places to relax, will definitely be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nate P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nice getaway
Beautiful views, very quiet, pet friendly.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

8/10 Good

Courtney S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Right on the River
The House ia very spacious and just a short hike to the river. Very secluded and wildlife everywhere including snakes and a Bald Eagle!! View is great! The manager Debbie is very helpful!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Julie W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Summer vacay
We had a very relaxing time. The house was very comfy! Thanks
Stayed 6 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Barbara L.

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

10/10 Excellent

Adelle B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful place for a family vacation
Bending Waters was an immaculate home to stay in for our family vacation. The lower level was perfect for our adult children and their significant others. The main floor made me feel at home. With 6 adults and one child, I never felt cramped, and I didn't have to wait in line to use the bathroom. The little one wanted to spend all the time down at the river, and though the hike was a little tricky, we were able to get down & back up again pretty well. The location feels very secluded, & that is what we were looking for. We were able to tow our boat & jet ski onto the property using a little caution on the one switchback like turn. A boat larger than 20ft, may be more difficult if you're not experienced. There's a gas station & Dollar General right down the road, and Lake Tenkiller was a relatively quick drive away. I don't have anything negative to say about this property, managers, or communication. The managers were very proactive with letting us know they were available if we had any questions or problems.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

6/10 Okay

Carla B.

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location
Access to river
The house was nice but getting down to the river with small children was not easy at all. You are basically walking down a cliff. The water is very nice once you get to it. The kayaks were great and the accessibility of the boat ramp was convienent.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

6/10 Okay

Nolan B.

River stay
House was as advertised. Very communicative owner and the property manager was very nice.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Eva T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great stay!!!
We stayed here for our daughter's graduation from NSU. We had a great stay! We hope to come back in the future to enjoy the river!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Charlotte B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fantastic stay!
Very enjoyable vacation! Owner was very helpful with getting us geared up to kayak and showed us the perfect area to launch for a fantastic trip on the Illinois River!
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Brenda D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
magnificent location
The property was super nice and the owner and manager were so nice to us. Had a great time with my family and I would love to stay there again. I highly recommend this VRBO
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Chelsea C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely friend getaway
We had a wonderful time staying at this property! It was absolutely beautiful and provided everything we needed.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Wendy S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nature lovers paradise
Very private and lots of wildlife! Hummingbirds everywhere, squirrels, deer, lizards, frogs, and we saw a few eagles too!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2022

About the host

Hosted by Ken Lightcap

Host profile image
I love coming and literally smelling the roses of our Bending Waters Estate. I live very busy and demanding live that I truly love. For me, there is nothing like coming here because this is a beautiful serene place where the stresses of life just seem to float away down the river. The majestic views from our beautiful home inspire my creativity and romance while rejuvenating my souls. Living on the land and enjoying the scenic clear waters is refreshing and exhilarating, while providing lots of fun and adventure for me and my entire family. As I leave this safe harbor, I am always strengthened and rejuvenated to face the stormy sea of life once again!

Why they chose this property

I discovered this sublime secluded piece of property that inspired me to personally design, build and furnish my dream home to complement the beauty of God's majestic handiwork in this place of serenity. This elegant 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 scenic crystal clear waters of the Illinois River boarding the back of the wooded acreage.

What makes this property unique

Bending Waters is a private retreat of vegetation and wildlife where you can enjoy the beauty and sounds of nature. This is a place of refreshing tranquility and peace! We like taking our kayaks to the water's edge of our back acreage for a brisk ride down the river to Lake Tenkiller, just 1/2 mile away. The lake provides lots of fun, adventure and excitement for the whole family! 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 there is more to offer that can be experienced in your next trip to our amazing home, Bending Waters!

Languages:

English

Premier Host

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