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South Shore Cottage

Photo gallery for South Shore Cottage

Lake is directly at the end of the street, with lake access via a public dock
Weber gas grill, firepit with Adirondack chairs, picnic table and umbrellas
Spacious living room with leather couches and Roku TV
Spacious living and dining area with plenty of seating
Updated open plan kitchen

Reviews

10 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% of guest reviews in this area
3 bedrooms1+ bathroomSleeps 7

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Outdoor space

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 7)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

3 Single Beds

1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom 2

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

South Shore Cottage

This completely renovated cabin, conveniently located on the South Shore, features a gorgeous lake view both inside and out. You’ll enjoy a modern, open floorplan with a large kitchen, dining area and family room as well as spacious bedrooms and bath areas. Our home is single-story, with no interior steps for easy accessibility. New luxury plank flooring, new paint and all new furniture are just some of the updates made recently to our home.

All-new stylish decor give this home a modern lake feel, and amenities include a large flat-screen TV, kitchen peninsula with bar stools, new appliances and updated cabinets.

Outdoors, you’ll enjoy a scenic view on a large patio with Adirondack chairs, gas fire pit and Weber grill, along with a side yard for games and fun. Parking is off-street in front of a 2-stall garage.

Our home features three roomy bedrooms, one full bath and one half bath, with room to sleep four adults and four children. The first bedroom has a premium king-size memory foam bed, and the second had a premium coil queen bed. The third bedroom is a kid-friendly bunk room with all-new beds. These spacious bedrooms will ensure your family and friends feel right at home. The living room has comfy new furniture and opens to the kitchen and dining area. The kitchen is fully furnished with everything you need, including a Keurig coffee-maker. Bed linens and towels are also provided. Also included is high speed cable WiFi, premium high-def digital cable with On-Demand service, flat screen TV in living room with Blu-Ray. An Amana washer and dryer is also available and is on the main level.

Our home is close to South Shore attractions such as PM Park, the Market, and Clear Lake boats, and is just a short drive to the Clear Lake downtown area. We’re sure you’ll enjoy the beauty, charm and convenience of our lovely lake home!
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 25

Check out before 10:00 AM

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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

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Events

No events allowed

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Pets

No pets allowed

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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Property # 1499905vb
This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock

About the area

Clear Lake

Located in Clear Lake, this holiday home is on a lake. Clear Lake State Park and McIntosh Woods State Park reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Maze and Meredith Willson Boyhood Home. Enjoy the area's slopes with cross-country skiing, and don't miss out on the sledging, ice skating and snowmobiling.
View more Holiday homes in Clear LakeOpens in a new window
Map
Clear Lake, IA

What's nearby

  • Clear Lake State Park - 18 min walk - 1.5 km
  • Clear Lake State Park Beach - 2 min drive - 2.5 km
  • City Beach Park - 6 min drive - 7.3 km
  • Surf Ballroom and Museum - 7 min drive - 8.4 km
  • Diamond Jo Casino - 27 min drive - 53.9 km

Getting around

  • Mason City, IA (MCW-Mason City Municipal) - 10 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Casey's General Store - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Lake Time Brewery - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Culver's - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪KWIK STAR #223 - ‬10 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is South Shore Cottage pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at South Shore Cottage?

As of 12 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at South Shore Cottage on 15 May 2026 start from £200, 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 at South Shore Cottage?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at South Shore Cottage?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at South Shore Cottage?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is South Shore Cottage located?

Situated on a lake, this holiday home is within 1 mile (2 km) of Clear Lake State Park and Clear Lake State Park Beach. City Beach Park and Clear Lake Fire Museum are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 67 out of 72 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 72 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 72 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 72 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 72 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Curtis s.

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

Great place

Clean, comfortable, great stay!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 28 Jul 2025
Thanks much Curtis.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Priscilla K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The house is great - everything we needed for a relaxing girls getaway.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Sept 2025
Thanks Priscilla. Great to meet you both and glad you had a good visit. John
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michael S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very nice property and well appointed.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 28 Jul 2025
Much appreciated.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Leonard M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very nice place to stay and the owner was very helpful in taking care of us. He helped us find a place to park my son's boat and trailer overnight every night. Would highly recommend this place.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Aug 2025
Thanks so much!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rachel B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Love this property! Clean, comfortable and owners are very responsive. Would definitely use on our next visit
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 28 Jul 2025
Hi Rachel, So glad you could visit and nice to chat. Thanks much, we appreciate it.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Magen S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything was perfect! Spacious, clean, and fully supplied. Great location with a beautiful view of the water!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 4 Aug 2025
Thanks much Magen, glad you had a good visit. John
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dustin F.

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

Great place to stay!

Very clean, very nice place to stay. John is very easy to deal with and super helpful with anything you might need. Would stay here again!
Stayed 33 nights in Sep 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 4 Dec 2022
Thanks much Dustin, enjoy the holidays!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Laura N.

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

Great rental!

This home was big and clean and we loved the location!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 31 May 2021
Thanks Laura, come back again soon!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

M.j. W.

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

CL vacay

Property location perfect to be near family
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kim C.

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

5th year staying here!

As always, we had a great time. This was our 5th year of making memories. We love the location. This is a great place to stay.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Aug 2024
Thanks much Kim - it's great that you have kept the streak going! Have a great fall season. John
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Claranne N.

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

Family visit to Iowa

Loved Clear Lake and staying there. Great experience.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rachel B.

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

Fantastic Space

We loved our stay. Very comfortable and had everything we needed. The owner even called to check in on us. Would stay here every time we visit!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Sept 2022
Thanks much Rachel.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Todd M.

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

Perfect

Very nice place and host.
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Mar 2024
Excellent, thanks much Todd.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kim C.

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

Fun times and more

This was our 2nd time staying in this home and have already booked for July 2022. Great place!!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Aug 2021
Thanks much Kim!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Shelley B.

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

Perfect Lake getaway!

Such a cute lake house, updated decor and super clean (I am super picky!) stocked with all the necessities. We will definitely rent again if we are in the area!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 28 Jul 2022
Hi Shelly and thanks much, hope you can return soon.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gail G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great house for a family or large gathering. Very clean and well stocked, in a nice quiet neighborhood. Check in was easy enough, but we are accustomed to lock box codes vs keys. We will be 80 soon and we’re concerned about locking ourselves out, LOL.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Oct 2025
Thanks so much Gail, glad you could visit.
Verified

8/10 Good

Linda S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
It was a very nice place, the view was nice what we could can see of it. Pulic access a little hard to get to without going into someone yard . When you are handicap. The house as nice and beds comfortable.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Sept 2025
Hi Linda, Thanks for your positive comments about our home and actual property. We strive for all 5 star reviews. Your comments about lake access are directed at the county. You are referring to a 30 foot wide access at the end of Oak. It is well labeled and although looks like private property, it is public. The stairs to the lake, like most, would be difficult to manage with mobility issues. John
Verified

10/10 Excellent

David H.

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

Very nice place

Very happy with the house. Lot of space and close to what we were using.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Aug 2022
Thanks David, glad you had a good visit.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

john p.

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

Very relaxing!

Loved easy access to lake. Within walking distance to ice cream
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Babet R.

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

Family Vacation

Our family enjoyed our stay at your home in Clear Lake. Easy access to the beach & other emenities. Very nice get away after Covid. Thank you for letting us stay at your home.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Jul 2022
Thanks much.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jim P.

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

Nice place

Good location, very comfortable & clean. I talked the neighbor into letting me park my boat on the street which worked out great.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Aug 2023
Thanks Jim.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Chris B.

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

Clear Lake Winter Trip

We found the house as described in the Vrbo listing. The host John checked in with us during the stay to make sure all was well. The home is clean and comfortable and we would surely stay here again when back in the area.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Dec 2022
Thanks Chris, much appreciated.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kim C.

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

Same time next year

This was the 3rd year we stayed on this property and booked it again for next year. Love the location. Host is great to work with.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Sept 2023
Thanks much Kim, we sure appreciate it.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

JENI G.

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

Great getaway

This is the second time we've stayed at this property. The house is updated, clean with lots of space in the common areas. It is a great location with convenient parking. I would highly recommend this property for anyone wanting a fun getaway to Clear Lake!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 11 Aug 2020
Thanks much Jeni, I hope you had a great weekend. John
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Terri J.

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

A+ South Shore Cottage

We had a great time in Clear Lake! Fishing was great and this property was convenient to town and the grandkids loved being able to walk to the ice cream shop. No parking for your boat at the property but John has a place nearby where you can park it.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Jun 2023
Thanks much Terri!

About the host

Hosted by John McIlhon

Host profile image

We are Des Moines residents who have enjoyed over 40 years of summer fun in Clear Lake with extended family as well as good friends. It's near and dear to our hearts!

Why they chose this property

We love the beautiful lake view and peaceful surroundings with bountiful trees and birds. We really look forward to hosting family gatherings in the spacious, modern kitchen, dining and living area, and will enjoy the new central air system in the heat of summer!

What makes this property unique

Our neighborhood is quintessential Clear Lake. You’re surrounded by classic Clear Lake bungalows, as well as attractive lakeside homes. Downtown Clear Lake is just a 10-minute drive or boat ride from our cabin.

The Market is a Clear Lake tradition, with basic household needs and food, as well as the best donuts on the lake. Next door to the Market, you’ll find an ice cream shop shaped…like an ice cream cone! It’s one of a kind.

A state park is just a short walk and features a public access beach, picnic facilities, including grills and tables.

Two, privately operated RV parks are just a short drive on South Shore from the cabin and are popular during summer months.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests

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