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Ranch life, 300 acres! 10 mile views., trails, animals, swimming pool, golf

Photo gallery for Ranch life, 300 acres! 10 mile views., trails, animals, swimming pool, golf

Sunset Cottage
Sunset Cottage
Sunset Cottage
Sunset Cottage
Sunset Cottage

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 10

Popular amenities

  • Heated pool
  • Onsite parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning
  • Barbecue grill

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, Grant Park
    ‪20 min drive‬
  • Airport, Dubuque, IA (DBQ-Dubuque Regional)
    ‪50 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 10)

African suite

1 King Bed

Common area 1

1 Double Futon

four

2 Queen Beds

three

1 Queen Bed

two

1 Queen Bed and 1 Single Bunk Bed

3 bathrooms

Africa

Toilet · Shower only

One

Toilet · Shower only

two

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden

About this property

Ranch life, 300 acres! 10 mile views., trails, animals, swimming pool, golf

Visit the Alpacas, peacocks, miniature horses, Scottish highland cattle. Amazing, peaceful scenery and topography, located on the Brixen Ivy Ranch. Beautiful sunsets over the ridge. Access to Galena Territory owners club and facilities (swimming pools, fitness center, horseback riding, pontoon boats), as well as on site nine hole par three golf course and fishing and trails. Warm, open floorpan, four bedriooms three baths, one king, four queen and two twin beds (total 7) on stunning 300 acre ranch just outside Galena Territory. On the ranch there are miles of hiking trails, (including the "Shark" and the "bear" trails) animals, frisbee/disc golf, baseball and athletic field, volley ball court, fishing ponds. We can arrange UTV rides that tour the animals and cattle and possibly stop to collect fresh chicken eggs. Far better lodging option that a boring hotel or motel room or two :).

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
must sign waivers, no amplified music or loud noises out side.
dont act like an idiot
put the toilet seat back down after use?

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
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, a first aid kit and a deadlock

About the area

Elizabeth

Located in Elizabeth, this holiday 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 activities can be experienced at Apple Canyon Lake Golf Course and Fergedaboudit Vineyard & Winery. Linmar Gardens and Aqua Park are also worth visiting.
View more Holiday 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
  • Apple Canyon Lake - 19 min drive - 12.7 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

  • ‪Woodlands Restaurant - ‬20 min drive
  • ‪The Country Store - ‬18 min drive
  • ‪Dually's - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Bushel & Peck's - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Jug's Tap - ‬12 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Ranch life, 300 acres! 10 mile views., trails, animals, swimming pool, golf have a pool?

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

Is Ranch life, 300 acres! 10 mile views., trails, animals, swimming pool, golf pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Ranch life, 300 acres! 10 mile views., trails, animals, swimming pool, golf ?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Ranch life, 300 acres! 10 mile views., trails, animals, swimming pool, golf ?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Ranch life, 300 acres! 10 mile views., trails, animals, swimming pool, golf ?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Ranch life, 300 acres! 10 mile views., trails, animals, swimming pool, golf located?

Situated in Elizabeth, this golf holiday home is within 9 miles (15 km) of Apple Canyon Lake, Apple River Fort and Apple Canyon Lake Golf Course. Linmar Gardens and Fergedaboudit Vineyard & Winery are also within 16 miles (25 km).

Reviews

9.8

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. 19 out of 21 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 21 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 21 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 21 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 21 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michalene T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We were upgraded to the Fishtale Lodge & it was fabulous inside & out! We were only there 2 nights I hated to leave but hope to return soon.
View from the huge deck of the Fishtale Lodge
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 24 Oct, 2025
we look forward to seeing you back at the Brixen Ivy ranch
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Pat P.

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

Best Scenery

The home had such great views...we all loved sitting in the big room or on the deck and just looking out over the valley.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Elizabeth

Awesome place peaceful
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Melissa G.

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

Gorgeous setting

We had a great stay on this property! The host was very communicative, and Mr.Joe was attentive as well. We had 8 adults and everyone had plenty of space. The view is fantastic and so peaceful. A great getaway.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 4 Oct, 2023
Thanks for staying with us and we will see you agian soon! Mark and joe
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Harsh P.

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

Fun country living with an excellent view

The property and home was beautiful. Property was as described in the photos and it was indeed relaxing getaway stay that we were looking for. The host Mark was amazing and went out of his way to make sure guests had fun. He took us on a ride on his massive ranch and showed us around which made the stay even more fun! If you are visiting Galena, consider staying here!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ann H.

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

Peaceful retreat, breathtaking view

The Sunset Cottage house was perfect for a relaxing getaway with friends. The view off the back deck was absolutely breathtaking! Kitchen-Dining-Living area was very spacious and accommodating! Will definitely return! :) -Ann H
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jenny C.

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

Bachelorette weekend

The Sunset Cottage was very nice. Roomy enough for our group of 8. The property was nice. The view off the back porch facing west was great! Communication between the owners and their ranch hand Joe was great! The patio and porch could use some TLC, but it wasn't important to us. Overall it was a great experience!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Will R.

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

Wow!

We stayed in the Sunset Cottage for a birthday getaway with our family. The property is absolutely beautiful. It is peaceful and quiet. The back deck of the cottage faces west and overlooks the valley below with rolling hills toward the horizon. The views of the sunsets were incredible. Check in was super easy, and the cottage was immaculately clean. Downtown Galena is a short drive away on Route 20 from Elizabeth. We plan on returning for more visits!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Aug, 2022
Thanks for staying with us. See you again soon. Peace, mark
Verified

8/10 Good

Christine A.

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

Beautiful Views

The house was comfortable and clean. The views from the back deck and windows looked like an Autumn painting. Jo, the manager was so nice. He took my niece to see the animals. The house could use some updating as some of the shades didn’t pull down. The bedroom downstairs is not easily accessed as you have to go outside and down a slope to enter it. Over all a nice place to stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023
Verified

6/10 Okay

Ruben R.

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

okay

could have been more clean for price
Stayed 1 night in May 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 7 May, 2021
Interesting review! Not sure what wasn't clean, and how to address my housekeeping staff, as nothing specific was mentioned. I pay them $20 an hour to clean so they get a good livable wage, and should do a great job. So I will mention this to them. Most reviews.......comment on the view, especially the sunset view (hence the sunset cottage)of ten miles or more out back.....or how cool the property was, the animals, the trails the fishing ponds etc.... I waived the two night stay so you could stay one night. Two nights dilutes the fees more that one night. Did you have a chance to check out shark trail, fish the ponds or golf the nine hole course, or visit the animals such as the peacocks and llama? Were you able tp get a UTV ride from our ranch hand? And for someone who complained of it not being clean enough, you left dirty dishes in the sink. Anyway, thanks for staying with us......I will make sure to pay more attention to housekeeping.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Chad and Becca R.

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

Beautiful!

Everything was awesome! We stayed at Fish Tale and the house was perfect! Country living with beautiful scenery! It was quiet and it was a great girls trip, weekend! The only thing that I would say needs replaced is the toaster, but definitely not a deal breaker for us coming back! Thanks for sharing your space with us, we'd love to come back!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 8 Mar, 2023
Hope to see you again soon!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jaime L.

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

Amazing

The view was spectacular. The house was perfect for us. There were 7 of us girls for a getaway. We each had a place to sleep. We grilled, cooked, sat on the deck and watched the sunrise and set. And LAUGHED A LOT! Recommend this property and look forward to coming back. It was a great trip, communication with the host and the help was easy also 😊
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 19 May, 2023
thanks for staying with us
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Stacie Y.

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

Unbelievable experience!

The house was wonderful, the property was astonishingly gorgeous, including set up with fun ways to play sports, and lots of places to take lovely hikes and walks. But the highlight was Joe, the helpful, knowledgeable and fantastic ranch hand! Not sure who loved the stay more - me and my husband, and or the kids!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 8 Mar, 2023
Joe is awesome. thanks for staying with us
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Julie C.

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

Excellent Family Weekend

Long weekend in Galena with our Iowa and Illinois family meeting in the middle. Great stay at Brixen Ivy Ranch. The house was very clean inside, comfortable beds with great linens/bedding. Air conditioning worked great. Big central room for cooking/eating family dinners, game nights, puzzling. Played hide-go-seek in the house with the grandkids - lots of great hiding places. Overall we had a really great long weekend.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 19 May, 2023
thanks for staying with us
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lauren C.

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

Amazing escape!!

We LOVED our stay here!! My husband and I and our kids (ages 11, 8 & 4) and my husbands parents all had an amazing time. We could have easily spent all of our time here without doing anything else in and around Galena. The sunset cottage was extremely clean and we loved exploring the ranch and meeting the animals. We enjoyed mornings and evenings on the swing out front and sunsets on the deck! Joe the ranch hand was amazing and we loved our conversations with him. Thanks so much for everything, we will definitely be back!! Dave & Lauren (& family!)
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 8 Mar, 2023
Glad you had a great time. Joe says hi! :)
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Andrew A.

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

Perfect getaway

We stayed at Sunset Cottage with My wife me and our 3 children 6,7 and 8 and our Daughter and her husband and their 3 year old. Our stay was wonderfully peaceful, Mark the owner was very responsive and Joe the ranch hand was great, he gave us multiple tours and answered all our questions quickly. Overall i loved it and we will be staying again.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 19 May, 2023
see you again!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Matthew K.

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

Wonderful Cabin and Setting!

Beautiful place in a beautiful setting!! The house is very clean and well maintained, we had a great time and will come back!!
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 19 May, 2023
see you again!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sherri N.

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

Little Family Getaway

Property location good , Joe the property manager made us feel at home , warm and inviting . Took us on tour of property and saw all the animals on an ATV . He was so friendly . Owner Mark was a pleasure to work with and very responsive . We would recommend this place for family gatherings .
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 8 Mar, 2023
Enjoyed having you
Verified

10/10 Excellent

James V.

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

Exceptional property views were great and lots of space to take the kids on discovery.

We were upgraded due to a cancelation. Very nice property in a very nice part of Illinois
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 19 May, 2023
see you again
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kristen L.

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

Love!

Great house so spacious
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cara B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

About the host

Hosted by Mark & Lyza, owners

Host profile image
Im a little bit country and she's a little bit rock n roll.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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