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A Victorian Sanctuary Perched on a Hill Above the Illinois River Road

(4 Reviews)

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A Charming Story Book Retreat House

A Charming Story Book Retreat House Black top approach with turn around driveway. Fall view of porch and entry way drive way, with black wrought iron door. Owner & friend sharing favorite children's book on porch. Onwer's son & friend planning a family dinner. Kitchen sink view out toward driveway. Kitchen with peek out toward the porch. Main floor bathroom with view of sink. Full bath with shower on main floor. Dining Room table seats six. Buffet serving area in dining room. Leaded window in living room, lace curtains. Living Room couch. Den with library & wine tasting table. Wine Tasting room & wet bar. Master Bedroom King size bed, Upstairs. Upstairs master bedroom, dressing table. Master bedroom chest of drawers & space heater fireplace. Upstairs master bathroom, view of sink. Master Bath Room, tub. Upstairs Guest Room; Children's & Meditation Room. Jack & Jill layout. Guest Room; sleeps only 1. Owner's son & friend outside dutch door & patio area. Garage in winter; fits a small sedan only.

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Last updated: 05/05/2017
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  • Minimum stay:2 nights
  • Sleeps:3
  • Bedrooms:1
  • Bathrooms:2
  • Property type:House
  • Internet:Yes
  • Pets considered:No
  • Wheel chair accessible:No

About the Property

One Bedroom Plus Fully Furnished Home with Charm & Solitude

This 100 year old Victorian home has a refined interior, and is fully furnished for one person or a couple. The main floor includes an enclosed porch, a living room, dining room, wine tasting room with wet bar & library, a country kitchen, and full bathroom with shower. The upstairs is a Jack & Jill design (one bedroom plus an extra sleeping or meditation room) and a full bath with tub. A front load washer & dryer are available in the basement, plus an additional shower, toilet, & room for storage if a longer term stay is desired. This is the perfect quiet get away to host an intimate family gathering or a place to stay while you visit local family or friends. It feels like a home away from home which is lovingly cared for.

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Owner

Member since: 2013

Speaks: english
Response time: Within a few hours
Response Rate: 100%
Calendar last updated: 05/05/2017

Property Type

  • House
  • 1200 sq. ft.

House Rules

  • Max. occupancy 3
  • Minimum Age Limit For Renters
  • Children Welcome:

    Perfect for one child or grandchild; the extra upstairs sleeping room has cubbies and floor space especially designed for floor play. Sleeping space is limited really to three persons. A young child would need to be supervised on stairs for safety....moreless

  • Non Smoking Only:

    Non smokers only; loss of deposit if no smoking rule not respected....moreless

  • Pets Not Allowed

Accommodation Type

  • Vacation Rental

Meals

  • Guests Provide Their Own Meals

Onsite Services

  • Massage

Suitability

  • Long-Term Renters Welcome
  • Wheelchair Inaccessible

Bedrooms: 1 Bedroom, Sleeps 3, Beds for 3

  • Bedroom 1: 1 king

    ...moreless

  • Jack & Jill bedroom upstairs (king bed), with an extra sleeping room with a twin bed. There is a twin size day bed on the porch for seasonal use, and a futon in the basement. Futon OK for a younger person who is not that concerned about comfort level....moreless

Bathrooms: 2 Bathrooms

Other Amenities

  • Massage table on site; ask about local private massage therapist recommendations. Suggest calling Natural Concepts Salon and Day Spa, 4701 N University St. 309-693-9850; or www.BalanceandHarmonyBC.com, Becky Cobb at 309-692-7834. Becky is a gifted healer and reflexologist. She has my raves and full reccommendation. She could come to the house, and offer some pampering for everyone! What a special treat....moreless

Entertainment

  • Books:

    A collection of Great Books, and a small library of self help books....moreless

  • DVD Player:

    DVD player in living room; DVD selections on site....moreless

  • Games
  • Music Library
  • Stereo
  • Television:

    Local channels only with local antennae....moreless

  • Video Library

Theme

  • Away From It All
  • Historic
  • Romantic

Attractions

  • Botanical Garden
  • Churches
  • Cinemas
  • Health/Beauty Spa
  • Library
  • Live Theater
  • Marina
  • Museums
  • Playground
  • Recreation Center
  • Restaurants
  • Synagogues
  • Water Parks
  • Winery Tours
  • Zoo

Local Services & Businesses

  • ATM/Bank
  • Fitness Center
  • Groceries
  • Hospital
  • Massage Therapist
  • Medical Services

Leisure Activities

  • Bird Watching
  • Boating
  • Gambling Casinos
  • Miniature Golf
  • Scenic Drives
  • Walking
  • Wildlife Viewing

Sports & Adventure Activities

  • Cycling
  • Golf
  • Hiking
  • Sailing
  • Swimming
  • Tennis

Dining

  • Dining:

    Dining room table seats 6. Fine china & silverware for 6....moreless

  • Dining Room
  • Seating for 6 people

General

  • Air Conditioning:

    Three window air conditioners....moreless

  • Clothes Dryer
  • Fireplace:

    Electric Fireplace upstairs....moreless

  • Garage:

    One car garage which fits a sedan, but not larger SUVs or trucks....moreless

  • Heating:

    Comfortable Radiant heat as well as space heaters....moreless

  • Internet:

    Ask about WIFI (info in living room by TV); Roku streaming is connected with WIFI....moreless

  • Iron & Board
  • Linens Provided
  • Living Room
  • Parking:

    Limited parking because of private turn around drive....moreless

  • Towels Provided
  • Washing Machine:

    Energy Efficient Washer requires low suds soap....moreless

Kitchen

  • Coffee Maker
  • Dishes & Utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Kitchen:

    Everything you need to cook a meal. Everyday dishes & non-microwavable/non dishwasher china for 6 at dining room table. If you are hosting a small family gathering, you may want to bring extra items...moreless

  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Stove
  • Toaster

Outside

  • Deck / Patio:

    Screened in porch and outdoor private patio...moreless

  • Outdoor Grill
 

Reviews

Write a review 5
from 4 traveler reviews
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Rates

Rental basis: Per property
Rental rates quoted in:
Dates Nightly Weekend Night Weekly Monthly * Event
My Standard Rate
2 night min stay 		$150 $200
Fri, Sat		 $1,000 $1,800
* Approximate Monthly rates, actual rate will depend on the days of the month you stay

Additional information about rental rates

Fees:

  • Refundable Damage Deposit $200

Notes:

Owner pays hotel tax for 7 night stays and longer.

Rental cost for a 2 night stay = $300 for 2 weekdays + $42 tax (14%)=$342.

(The hotel tax is paid by guests for "two night stays"; but absorbed by owner for "Seven night plus stays.")

The tax will be taken by check when renters first arrive at the property (or from deposit).

All renters are charged a $200 security deposit; there is a minimum $100 exit cleaning fee; the remainder of deposit will be returned based on the hours needed to clean and return home to "moving in clean condition."

Upon occasion the exit cleaning fee or a portion of the fee is waived.

A service fee charged by VRBO is added to all VRBO payments, a charge related to online web site fees & services.

A recent renter was charged $36 service fee for a $400 rental total.

EXAMPLE: Cost for a three night weekend stay: $450 rental fee +$40.50 VRBO Service Fee

+ minimum exit cleaning fee of $50= $540.50 + $63 tax= $200 average total per night.

(Owner absorbs the 14% hotel tax out of charges for rentals of 7 nights or more.)

* The VRBO site advertises the average nightly fee WITHOUT including their service fee.

They must be figuring the averages based on a weekly baseline cost.

Once you get the online quote, you should know exactly what your costs will be. Exit costs for damages, or duties such as washing dishes/emptying dish washer could be charged, but unlikely if guests take care.

Renters desiring a longer term contract can talk with owner about application process.

Weekly/Monthly rentals will decrease your nightly averages & costs. Call owner at 309-222-4347 for a quote.

Owner's cancellation policy:

50% refund for cancellations more than 7 days before check-in date.

100% refund for cancellations more than 14 days before check-in date.

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Calendar

Last updated: 05/05/2017
Check availability
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23 Available
21 Unavailable
22 Today
23 Selected dates
 

Location

View Guide powered by:
20 Miles
Nearest Airport
Greater Peoria Airport
1 Miles
Nearest Barpub
No Wake Zone, Jim's Bistro
3 Miles
Nearest Golf
Peoria Country Club
1 Miles
Nearest Motorway
Hwy 29 & Hwy 150
3 Miles
Nearest Restaurant
Jim's Bistro
1 Miles
Nearest Beach
Illinois River Park, Across from Biefeldt Park

Car: Necessary

Summer Activities: Cornstock, Band concerts, Spirit of Peoria River Boat Cruises, & a walk or drive along Grandview Drive showcase some of our midwest attractions. Don't forget to tour the Caterpillar & Art Museum and down town farmer's market!

 

Owner info

Year Purchased: 1907

About the owner: This home has been a legacy for family celebrations throughout my lifetime, and now we are passing it on to the next generation. My mother, Charlotte, selected this home for her retirement and brought its charm to the fore. My mother played sacred hymns and kept stacks of sheet music close at hand. I hope some of the composers she loved will bring you pleasure and inspiration too. She and I loved reading and listening to music together. We read faith stories like a Man Called Peter, the Story of Peter Marshall. We read the great books series aloud, and whenever possible, after reading, would search out films with the same titles, such as To Kill a Mockingbird and the Good Earth. The time we invested in reading great books together continues to give its reward. When I listen to Eric Satie, or reread Kahil GIbran's book, The Prophet, I recall my mother's beauty, and feel gratitude for the way our friendship was braided together with life giving music and literature. My mother left this home as part of her earthly legacy, and now I have felt, for a period of time, it would be a blessing to share the property with travelers. It is our intent that your stay here will offer you time to 'refresh and rest, then travel on.' I am a retired teacher, but still work as a counseling consultant and retreat director. This photo shows a friend and I as we recall some of our childhood favorites! What are your favorite children's books? Dr. Suess? The Velveteen Rabbit? We hope you will share your favorites and maybe discover some new ones to share with the children in your life. The home allows you to step back in time and also make the most of your present day hours. Come here to dwell in the quiet and reflect upon the authors and composers who have brought meaning to your lives. We hope you will take time to discover the serenity of the woodland setting, and like us, find joy in the simple pleasures of life.

Why the Owner Chose Peoria Heights, IL, USA:
Why do they call this region the heartland? Are there places still where people take time for bird watching? Is there a place where you can wind down, and get off the express trains, as the Little Prince would ask? Do fairies dwell in the quietest corners of the garden? Is there time to let the tea brew or really taste the wine? What about taking time to copy down a favorite family recipe and write an old fashioned, handwritten letter? This property was chosen because it is a hideaway on a hill, surrounded by woodland calm. There must be something in our heritage about houses on a hill. I like to call it the Top House, as well as Story Book Retreat House. This property feels like a real home, because it is one . . . that may be the curious link that draws you here, to be at home while you see if your act will play in Peoria for a weekend, or maybe longer . . .

The Unique Benefits at this House:
Leaded windows, lace curtains, high ceilings, a private home rather than a suite in a hotel. This home has been dedicated as a retreat house and sanctuary, so there is a warmth and ambience that is a result of being lovingly cared for. Kindness has been spoken here for one hundred years! If you are seeking a place to find serenity, as well as direction for important life decisions, this home may offer you the special welcome which comes only from being well loved for many years. You may want to purposely schedule a visit with the possiblity of getting snowed in for a day or two!

Contact us

Speaks: english
Response time: Within a few hours
Response Rate: 100%
Calendar last updated: 05/05/2017

Send email

Links to more information:

 

Photos

  • A Charming Story Book Retreat House

    A Charming Story Book Retreat House

  • Fall view of porch and entry way drive way, with black wrought iron door.

    Fall view of porch and entry way drive way, with black wrought iron door.

  • Onwer's son & friend planning a family dinner.

    Onwer's son & friend planning a family dinner.

  • Kitchen with peek out toward the porch.

    Kitchen with peek out toward the porch.

  • Full bath with shower on main floor.

    Full bath with shower on main floor.

  • Buffet serving area in dining room.

    Buffet serving area in dining room.

  • Living Room couch.

    Living Room couch.

  • Wine Tasting room & wet bar.

    Wine Tasting room & wet bar.

  • Upstairs master bedroom, dressing table.

    Upstairs master bedroom, dressing table.

  • Upstairs master bathroom, view of sink.

    Upstairs master bathroom, view of sink.

  • Upstairs Guest Room; Children's & Meditation Room. Jack & Jill layout.

    Upstairs Guest Room; Children's & Meditation Room. Jack & Jill layout.

  • Owner's son & friend outside dutch door & patio area.

    Owner's son & friend outside dutch door & patio area.

  • Black top approach with turn around driveway.

    Black top approach with turn around driveway.

  • Owner & friend sharing favorite children's book on porch.

    Owner & friend sharing favorite children's book on porch.

  • Kitchen sink view out toward driveway.

    Kitchen sink view out toward driveway.

  • Main floor bathroom with view of sink.

    Main floor bathroom with view of sink.

  • Dining Room table seats six.

    Dining Room table seats six.

  • Leaded window in living room, lace curtains.

    Leaded window in living room, lace curtains.

  • Den with library & wine tasting table.

    Den with library & wine tasting table.

  • Master Bedroom King size bed, Upstairs.

    Master Bedroom King size bed, Upstairs.

  • Master bedroom chest of drawers & space heater fireplace.

    Master bedroom chest of drawers & space heater fireplace.

  • Master Bath Room, tub.

    Master Bath Room, tub.

  • Guest Room; sleeps only 1.

    Guest Room; sleeps only 1.

  • Garage in winter; fits a small sedan only.

    Garage in winter; fits a small sedan only.

VRBO #492344

This listing was first published here in 2013.

Date last modified - Friday, May 19, 2017

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