Entire home

Family Home on Lake Sara

Photo gallery for Family Home on Lake Sara

Outside view of the Bunkhouse, upper deck and lower patio.
Side view from Drive
Outside view of the Bunkhouse, upper deck and lower patio.
View from close to water
Easy access upper deck to lower patio

Reviews

10 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% of guest reviews in this area
3 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 10

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Pet-friendly
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

View in a map
Effingham, IL
  • Place, Lake Sara
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Effingham Performance Center
    ‪19 min drive‬
  • Place, Lake Shelbyville
    ‪53 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 10)

Bedroom 2 upstairs

1 Queen Bed

BunkRoom

2 Double Bunk Beds

Master Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

3 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 3

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Kitchenette
Balcony
Dining area

About this property

Family Home on Lake Sara

The Bunkhouse is a fantastic place for families and friends to reconnect and make lasting memories. With walk-in lake access, this is the ideal spot to put in a kayak, canoe, or float. Enjoy swimming and fishing for a variety of fish including bass, crappie, catfish, or bluegill. Boat rentals and slips are available at both the Blue Gill Marina and Larson’s Landing.
The Bunkhouse is quiet and peaceful, it is located at the end of Illini cove surrounded by trees, water and wildlife. This cozy cabin was constructed in 2020 and is a wonderful place to unwind and spend time in nature. Our front deck is perfect for bird watching and animal spying while soaking up some sun. Don’t be surprised if you spot a blue heron, turtles bathing in the sun, or even an occasional bald eagle. The lower walk out area includes a grill, picnic table and beautiful views of the lake. There is a fire pit for hanging out, roasting marshmallows and enjoying the night sky.
Amenities include a washer and dryer, WIFI, 4 TVs, a dishwasher, air conditioning and heating, a full kitchen stocked with pots and pans, dishes, and everything needed to prepare your own meals. Downstairs is a kitchenette which includes a snack area and full coffee bar. Enjoy a night in by playing one of a variety of board games or simply find a quiet place to read a book. Numerous smart TV’s are available to stream your Netflix or Hulu account, as well as a DVD player for old school movie viewing. A large parking area is available for up to 6 cars. If you are bringing a pontoon or ski boat contact Blue Gill Marina for slip rental, no dock available at property.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

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About the area

Effingham

Located in Effingham, this holiday home is on the waterfront. Ballard Nature Center and Lake Sara reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Bliss Park and Effingham County Fairgrounds.
Map
Effingham, IL

What's nearby

  • Lake Sara - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Cardinal Golf Course - 14 min drive - 10.0 km
  • Effingham Performance Center - 19 min drive - 14.4 km
  • Mid America Motorworks, My Garage Museum - 22 min drive - 20.4 km
  • Lake Shelbyville - 53 min drive - 61.7 km

Getting around

  • Effingham Station - 21 min drive
  • Champaign, IL (CMI-University Of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Williard) - 80 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Casey's General Store - ‬21 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬21 min drive
  • ‪Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen - ‬21 min drive
  • ‪Dairy Queen - ‬21 min drive
  • ‪Golden Corral - ‬22 min drive

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. 136 out of 139 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 139 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 139 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 139 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 139 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jacque G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful and clean, we love this warm and inviting getaway for all. Plenty of room and don’t worry about bringing anything, I’m pretty sure you will find whatever you need , we can’t say enough about this wonderful home. We only got away for a couple of days to enjoy the bike trails with our besties but it was perfect except we had rain after our first day but we played games and just relaxed and enjoyed the scenery. Thank you to our host , everyone was perfect!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Joe S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This place was amazing! It was clean and comfortable! We used the deck a lot and the fire pit one evening! We sat in the evening and listened to the owls hoot back and forth and then got to see one fly across the water in the morning! It’s an easy trip to town! We totally would rent this again!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Roseann H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great space to gather, make food, watch football game and appreciate Lake Sara. Kitchen one of the best I’ve ever seen in a rental house.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

John P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful house with 3 Bedrooms 3Bath, large living areas large outdoor Deck, very nice.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Oct 2025
Great, glad you enjoyed your stay! Thank you!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca M.

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

Spotless. Very roomy! Quiet. Wonderful property

Wonderful stay for the past three years for family get together.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

bob f.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amenities were perfect. House was clean, safe and move in ready. Couldn’t have asked for more. Will definitely be back next year for a longer stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Very nice place to vacation

Great place to spend a relaxing vacation. Beautiful house and property.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Jul 2021
I’m so happy you enjoyed your stay! I hope you get a chance to visit again.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Amy J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The Bunkhouse continues to be a family favorite for us. The many different spaces make a large group comfortable, and the kitchen is well equipped. We will be back again!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kathy S.

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

Great place

The house was beautiful! We had everything we needed! Would definitely stay here again!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Chasity B.

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

Fantastic family location

We loved this place! Perfect for our two families with children. Well stocked, lots of room and a beautiful private lakefront view. Will definitely stay again!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cindy O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a wonderful stay at The Bunkhouse! Diana went above and beyond to supply items needed for our grandchildren. Great communication. House was extremely clean set in a park like setting.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Oct 2025
Great, glad you enjoyed your stay! Thank you!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

BETH H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Another great experience. Thanks so much!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Oct 2025
Great, glad you enjoyed your stay! Thank you!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

BETH H.

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

Another great stay!

Another great stay! Beautiful home, lots of room. We’ve already booked for again for next year. Thanks so much!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tara S.

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

Family time at the Bunkhouse

We absolutely love the Bunkhouse. It's well-appointed and maintained. It has plenty of space and much to offer adults and active kids. Thank you for the wonderful stay!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tony H.

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

Bunkhouse

This is our second stay at this property and we thoroughly enjoy it
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Peggy M. G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lots of appliances, ice. We didn't cook at all, but could have. Very clean home, lovely decor
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lori R.

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

Wonderful

Beautiful property and Diana was great. Highly recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Chris H.

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

Bunkhouse is great

Very quiet and peaceful location. Owners have thought of everything to make our stay perfect. We will be back!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

BETH H.

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

Two thumbs up for Bunkhouse stay!

Beautiful place! Very homey. Wonderful location for a large group. Kitchen well stocked with everything thing you need to prepare meals. Will definitely book again!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gwen a.

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

Peaceful

The property was truly a jewel and we loved it!!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jason S.

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

Peaceful

Very clean, quiet and relaxing.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Amy B.

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

Scrapbooking weekend

Our stay was amazing. We stay in a number of Places each year and this has been moved to top of list. House was perfect and fully stocked. Location is beautiful and host was great to communicate with.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

kathy p.

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

Great family gathering

The home is beautiful and spacious. The main level and walk out basement areas were both set up with everything we needed.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 11 Jan 2025
Thank you! We appreciate your rental and review and hope you will return.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alexia B.

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

Family Holiday weekend

Stayed at this property to see family near by and attend the Indy 500. It was the perfect place! There is lots of space. It is decorated very cute and has everything you need to make your stay enjoyable. It was private and secluded in the woods. It’s a quiet and peaceful place, wish we could’ve stayed longer, but hope to come back again!!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Angie L.

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

Great Home!

The house was amazing! It was beautifully decorated & was clean. There were ample bath/kitchen towels, cleaning supplies, toiletries etc. that allowed our stay to be comfortable. With 2 living, dining & kitchen areas, it gave our group much more space to spread out comfortably. There is plenty of parking & great outdoor space. We’ve already booked for next year!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025
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