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LUXURIOUS RANCH, 360 VIEWS, NEAR GALENA TER., 300 ACRES, TRAILS, PONDS, ANIMALS

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A spacious kitchen with wooden cabinets and a stone fireplace.
A spacious living room with a stone fireplace, leather furniture, wooden beams, and large windows.
A two-story wooden house with a balcony, surrounded by lush green trees and a well-maintained lawn.
A bedroom with a wooden bed, a bench, a nightstand, and framed pictures on the wall.
A wooden deck with outdoor furniture, a green umbrella, and a view of a green landscape.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
With lake views, this vacation home accommodates 28 guests across 12 bedrooms and 11 bathrooms. It features 1 indoor pool, 1 outdoor pool, and 1 hot tub. Families can enjoy nearby rafting, swimming, and rock climbing. Outdoor areas include a patio. The golf course is available nearby. Attractions include Apple River Fort and Apple Canyon Lake.

Highlights

  • Family fun awaits
    Top-rated for families.
  • Beach equipment
    A rare find — beach equipment ready to go for your days by the sea.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
12 bedrooms11+ bathroomsSleeps 28

Popular amenities

  • Ski lift privileges
  • Heated Pool
  • Hot tub on site
  • Onsite parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Washer

Explore the area

View in a map
Elizabeth, IL
  • Place, Apple River Fort
    ‪12 min drive‬
  • Place, Eagle Ridge Resort Golf
    ‪15 min drive‬
  • Place, Dowling House
    ‪20 min drive‬
  • Airport, Dubuque, IA (DBQ-Dubuque Regional)
    ‪59 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

12 bedrooms (sleeps 28)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 King Bed

Bedroom 3

1 King Bed

Bedroom 4

1 King Bed

Bedroom 5

1 King Bed

Bedroom 6

1 King Bed

Bedroom 7

2 Queen Beds

Bedroom 8

1 Twin Bunk Bed and 1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 9

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 10

2 Twin Bunk Beds

Bedroom 11

2 Twin Bunk Beds

Bedroom 12

1 King Bed

11 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 3

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 4

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 5

Toilet · Shower only · Jetted bathtub

Bathroom 6

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 7

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 8

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 9

Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 10

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 11

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 12

Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden
Dining area

About this property

LUXURIOUS RANCH, 360 VIEWS, NEAR GALENA TER., 300 ACRES, TRAILS, PONDS, ANIMALS

This rental listing consists of both The Sunset Cottage (four bedroom guest house) AND the Grand lodge (8+ bedrooms, 10,700 square feet) ....about 125 feet apart.They exist on a very unique property, located on the grounds of the Brixen Ivy Ranch. It is a beautiful working cattle ranch near Galena and the Galena Territories. It consists of almost 300 acres that include s miles of trails, two fishing ponds, nine hole golf course, frisbee/disc golf, baseball/softball/kickball field, volleyball court, animals and fowl such as Alpacas, llama, goats, miniature horses, peacocks, turkeys ducks, chickens and of course Scottish highland cattle. Close to Eagle ridge golf, skiing, horseback riding pontoon boat rental. The houses are a seven minute drive to the "owners club" facilities in the Galena Territory (with year round swimming and fitness center). The Sunset Cottage has the state's best views of...... the sunset, with a deck overlooking 275 acres of rolling hills. Very unique property. Gorgeous, peaceful views. Sunset cottage has Four bedrooms 3 baths house and sleeps up to 10 people. One bedroom contains a Queen size bed and one full size bunk bed; another room contains two queen beds. House includes a private lower level room with King size bed with private walk out. Consists of open floor plan with large great room that combines kitchen, living and dining areas. The main lodge is a 10700 square foot lodge with nine bedrooms to combine for 13 bedrooms. Seven bedrooms consist of king size beds and en suite bathrooms, while there are two additional bunk rooms. A ranch hand or property manager will be available to help with campfires, tours, fishing and trail access. Another fantastic optional rental is our very own REGULATION LITTLE LEAGUE BASEBALL FIELD OF DREAMS! If you need room for a larger group contact us for additional housing available at the ranch. Call for full details.
For less than 20 people, Check out our OTHER property on the ranch grounds *** at vrbo.com/878616***
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 26
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0-17
Parents must include children on waiver
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Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
Parties must be approved by management
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Each head of household must sign a waiver. Late checkout and early check in is available for a fee.
Occupancy will be strictly enforced. No amplified music outside or disruptive behavior that would affect other guests at the ranch.
100% refund if cancelled more than 120 days, of event, less a 25% cancellation fee of booked price.

Important information

You need to know

Property # 885507
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: 28
Note from host: Parties must be approved by management
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
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the neighborhood

Elizabeth

Located in Elizabeth, this vacation home is in a rural area and next to a golf course. Apple River Fort and Old Market House are local landmarks, and some of the area's attractions include Linmar Gardens and Aqua Park. Take in the nearby slopes with cross-country skiing and snowboarding, or check out other outdoor activities such as snowmobiling and sledding.
View more Vacation Homes in ElizabethOpens in a new window
Map
Elizabeth, IL

What's nearby

  • Apple River Fort - 12 min drive - 15.7 km
  • Eagle Ridge Resort Golf - 15 min drive - 12.0 km
  • Dowling House - 20 min drive - 24.0 km
  • Grant Park - 20 min drive - 24.0 km
  • Belvedere Mansion - 21 min drive - 25.0 km

Getting around

  • Dubuque, IA (DBQ-Dubuque Regional) - 56 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Eager Beaver Bbq - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Woodlands Restaurant - ‬20 min drive
  • ‪The Country Store - ‬18 min drive
  • ‪Cajun Jack’s - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Three Sisters Sweet Shoppe - ‬12 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does LUXURIOUS RANCH, 360 VIEWS, NEAR GALENA TER., 300 ACRES, TRAILS, PONDS, ANIMALS have a pool?

Yes, this property has an indoor pool and an outdoor pool. Pool types include heated pools.

How much does it cost to stay at LUXURIOUS RANCH, 360 VIEWS, NEAR GALENA TER., 300 ACRES, TRAILS, PONDS, ANIMALS?

As of Sep 29, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at LUXURIOUS RANCH, 360 VIEWS, NEAR GALENA TER., 300 ACRES, TRAILS, PONDS, ANIMALS on Oct 19, 2026 start from $2,538, 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.

Is LUXURIOUS RANCH, 360 VIEWS, NEAR GALENA TER., 300 ACRES, TRAILS, PONDS, ANIMALS pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at LUXURIOUS RANCH, 360 VIEWS, NEAR GALENA TER., 300 ACRES, TRAILS, PONDS, ANIMALS?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at LUXURIOUS RANCH, 360 VIEWS, NEAR GALENA TER., 300 ACRES, TRAILS, PONDS, ANIMALS?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is LUXURIOUS RANCH, 360 VIEWS, NEAR GALENA TER., 300 ACRES, TRAILS, PONDS, ANIMALS located?

Located in a rural location, this family-friendly vacation home is within 9 mi (15 km) of Apple Canyon Lake, Apple Canyon Lake Golf Course, and Apple River Fort. Linmar Gardens and Apple River are also within 16 mi (25 km).

Reviews

9.8

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. 66 out of 79 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 12 out of 79 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 79 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 79 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 79 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great space to have large scale meetings and great food in nearby Galena
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great hosts and a ton to do. Could have spent 2 weeks here for our family reunion and could not have done everything!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Apr 28, 2026
thanks for staying....see you next year
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The house was clean, beautiful and very spacious, we really enjoyed our stay. Hopefully next time we can plan a longer stay to tour around more. Owner and caretaker are all very accomodating.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Apr 28, 2026
thanks for staying....see you again next year
Verified review

8/10 Good

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

Great ski weekend stay!

Conveniently located and accommodating for our large group.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A terrific getaway for an extended family.........Our family (all four generations) enjoyed this property on a recent weekend. The grounds are extensive, covering several acres. The main house sits elevated high above an extensive meadow. It has suites on 3 floors and we used all 3 floors but only the main kitchen (there are two others). We used the basement and second floor for the bedrooms only. The main kitchen opens up to a large dining area/gathering room with enough seating room to accommodate our large, extended family. This room, in turn, opens outdoors on 3 sides with a single connected balcony that overlooks the meadow that is most of the extensive property. Each evening we all gathered on the west side balcony to watch the sunset and stayed to watch the sky darken and reveal millions of stars. The very large hot tube turned into a swimming/play pool for the kids (aged 10-2) . The unusual farm animals (alpacas, peacocks and mini horses) were also a big hit with the kids.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Sep 2, 2026
thanks for enjoying the ranch....hope to see you again
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Beautiful Location

Our team had a relaxing stay. Well-maintained and peaceful location!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great reunion stay

Overall, plenty of space for everyone and everyone enjoyed the views and would recommend to anyone.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on Sep 6, 2022
You were a great group, hope to see you again
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Birthday weekend

We had a great time at this beautiful property.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 30, 2023
The ranch hand said you were amazing guests. Glad you enjoyed the place and we will see you next time
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location, listing accuracy
We stayed Friday through Sunday. We utilized the baseball field, the golf course and enjoyed the main lodge and the Sunset Cottage. We had plenty of room for activities and was able to get ahold of Mark whenever we needed to.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great time

Wonderful time for our extended family
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 1, 2023
Thanks for staying with us. Your family is awesome!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great Stay

Enjoyed the house. Clean, neat, and a great location. Thanks!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We thoroughly enjoyed a long weekend stay at the Brixton Ivy Ranch! We were there for a family reunion celebrating our golden wedding anniversary. We had 19 people, and we never once felt that the house was crowded! There was room for everyone. Our host, Mark, was on site and ready to answer any questions that we had. There were animals for the kids to go and enjoy petting and being close to. There is a giant hot tub that provided lots of enjoyment for everyone! A beautiful sand volleyball court was enjoyed by a bunch of us! There is a fun golf course with milk cans for holes!! The Vista overlooking the property is breathtaking! We enjoyed sunrises and sunsets!If I had to say we had any issues, we felt there was not quite enough towels for showering and using the hot tub, however, there are several washers and dryers in the house, so we could run loads as we needed to refresh the towels. If we would come in the future, I think I would bring some additional towels- maybe hot tub towels. Like I said in the beginning- just a wonderful place to stay!!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Sep 2, 2026
thanks for enjoying th ebrixen ivy ranch....and we hope to see you again
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Stunning

The house was everything we hoped for and then some. It was a perfect place for the 24 of us!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2019
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 25, 2020
Thanks for your kind words. Yes, with a 10,800 square foot house and a guest house, and our among of bedrooms and bathrooms......it is very comfortable and roomy for large groups. We hope to see you agin at the Brixen Ivy Ranch. Peace, Mark
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Wonderful Family Get-together

This property was perfect for our family of 28. There was space to spread out but yet it was warm and iinviting. We had a great time.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 28, 2022
Thanks for staying with us. You have a great fanily
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Family Thanksgiving

This was the perfect location for our family of 21 to gather for Thanksgiving. The ranch had so many animals and places to roam and all the kids had fun playing on the baseball field. Enough ovens for all of the Thanksgiving Turkey and sides to be eaten hot, and enough room for all to enjoy our time together. Great location near Galena!
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Wedding weekend

We stayed here for my daughter’s wedding. Lots of family and also the bridesmaids. We were coming and going for 3 days. It was a fabulous place. The view and property were great. It was an incredible long weekend and this property was perfect for what we needed.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Wonderful Stay for Small Wedding and Family Gathering

We had a GREAT time! The venue was huge and just perfect for what we needed. We loved seeing all the animals, the gorgeous view, the game room, the comfort of the hang-out spaces, the kitchen, the swim spa, and the responsiveness of the host. We made good use of making meals and the kids loved running around. There were plenty of activities that we barely had to leave the area at all. We would love to come back during the summer months!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023
Response from VrboOwner on Oct 31, 2023
Congrats on the wedding. Hope to see you and your family and friends back agian soon. Mark
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Like coming home

This was our second family gathering at Brixen Ivy, and we loved it even more than the first time. Clean comfortable rooms, plenty of space to spread out in, gorgeous views, friendly attentive hosts--thank-you Mark and Joe--and small nice touches, like the kiddie pool waiting for us and wood for the pizza oven. Everyone had a great time. Coming back to Brixen Ivy was like coming home again.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2020
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 2, 2020
Thank you so much for the kind words. We hope to see you again. Peace, mark
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Check-in, location, listing accuracy

50th wedding anniversary celebration

Our large group of family and friends had a wonderful time at the ranch. We had plenty of room to spread out and be comfortable. The views were just spectacular, and we loved the fire pit, the many balconies with ample seating, the large dining room tables, the comfortable beds, and the swim spa. Mark took many of us on a guided tour on his Rover which was fun for all. We got to see many of the ranch animals which was very special especially for the kids in our group. We would love to visit this place again!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

2nd family reunion at the ranch

We really appreciate the size of the house so everyone can get together. There was an amazing ping pong tournament which may become an annual event. Joe, the ranch hand gave us ranch tours which were really appreciated. Overall we felt the maintenance of the property was inferior to our last stay. The location is about 25 mins to Galena and about 25 minutes to Chestnut Mountain Resort- both are worth visiting.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 12, 2024
Thanks for being a repeat visitor. Ironic that since you last came, we replaced the 125 foot rear deck with all glass railings for better viewing, paved the gravel driveways and parking area, re poured many concrete areas and added a swimspa, resanded the original wood floors, added a nine hole golf course and disc golf course, bought more land, dugout and reformed a fishing pond, installed an eighteen foot shark at shark trail, added landscaping…..and many other things…..including a new pool table. We will make sure the ping pong nets and paddles keep being replaced…..for your next ping pong tournament. We are sorry that housekeeping left you only one wash cloth and that there were a couple broken items caused by recent renters. Anyway, it appears every one enjoyed their stay and we hoped to see you at the ranch again…..after even more improvements. :) By the way. Downtown galena is 17 minutes and chestnut mountain is 20 minutes away…..and we are in the middle of the most beautiful rolling countryside in the Midwest. We appreciate you and your family. Peace to you. From joe and I.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Work Retreat

We were looking for a nice little getaway for our work group of about 16 people. Our primary goal was to allow everyone their own bedroom and bathroom, which was easily attainable given the amount of space available to us. When we arrived at the ranch, Mark was so hospitable and showed us all around the ranch multiple times as we had people show up at different times throughout the day. The houses we stayed in were clean and well-maintained. The scenery was also incredible, and we would absolutely consider coming back in the future!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Remarkable Property

As soon as you get an overview of the property, your reaction is "I wish I had booked a couple more days here." The property has so much to offer. Great walking trails, par 3 golf (country style), frisbee golf, volleyball, miniature petting zoo, baseball field, water spa (they don't call it a hot tub) for 8, VIEWS, VIEWS, VIEWS. We had a family reunion for 26 ages 1 - 73. Everyone had a spectacular time. Lots of TVs in this place but I don't think one of them got turned on all weekend.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
My family of 24 people (age ranges 1-70) stayed for one week at this wonderful rural property with pastoral views from an expansive deck. The evenings were serenely quiet and the days were filled with activities. We enjoyed petting Lucas the llama and the horses/donkey as well as viewing the peacocks. The equisitely historic town of Galena is a short drive away with plenty of shopping, eateries and tours. We biked along the Galena biking trail about 7 miles one way to Chestnut Mountain from town. After launching model rockets, Mark graciously helped retrieve one from a tree with his tractor and a pole saw. The children really enjoyed the hot tub and the pool facilities at the Galena Territory Owners Club. Just a fantastic week all around with no problems to mention.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Apr 28, 2026
thanks for staying with us....excited to see you back this year. Peace, Mark
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Thanks for a Great Adventure

Nineteen of us girl cousins gathered at this beautiful ranch. We came from seven different states, most of us are grandmas. We were warmly welcomed and the lodge/accommodations far exceeded our expectations. Some of us took advantage of the nearby horse trail ride, and zip-lines. On the ranch we hiked, played golf, whiffle ball, bean bags and played cards outdoors. We had spectators to cheer on those of us who can't sit still - an easy task with such an amazing view. It was a unanimous decision to return in two years.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023
Response from VrboOwner on Oct 3, 2023
Can’t wait to see you all again. Peace, mark
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Beautiful Place for Relaxation and Renewal

I had an amazing time with my stay at Brixen Ivy Ranch. The place itself is so euphoric and peaceful. I used this weekend to recharge-renew and get back to basics regardless of what the world is experiencing. As a collective group of people we all should utilize areas such as this beautiful ranch to just get in touch with what really matters: family, friends, love and GoD. I cannot describe the amazing feeling this place gave me and those I stayed with. We had warmth and togetherness and the ranch help us create this environment. The owners (Mark and Lyza) are hospitable, polite and inviting -and getting what I needed for my time there was achieved. Thankful! Highly recommended.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2020

About the host

Hosted by Mark & Lyza, owners

Host profile image
The nam Brixen Ivy comes from the rooftop building at Wrigley Field that i used to own.It is a play on words pertaining to the outfield walls of Wrigley Field made out of Bricks and Ivy. Man builds the Bricks, God grows the Ivy. Our facilities have been used by many inner city, under rescued communities to bring their groups of kids, to experience a beautiful interaction with nature, animals and scenery.

Why they chose this property

Because it is amazing. Peaceful. Strengthen families and groups.

What makes this property unique

llamas, peacocks, goats, cattle
Baseball field, fishing pond
Access to the amenities at Galena Territories - Owners Sports Complex, Pool, Property Owners' Club, Greenspace & Trails, Lake Galena & Marina, Shenandoah Riding Center, Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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