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SMALL TOWN STUNNER !!! - Under 15 Minutes to Starved Rock !

Photo gallery for SMALL TOWN STUNNER !!! - Under 15 Minutes to Starved Rock !

Professionally Decorated by a Leading Chicagoland Interior Design Firm
New LP SmartSiding Installed Over Entire Exterior in 2023
Fully Enclosed and Inviting Front Porch Area
Large Windows for Viewing on All Sides
Both a Couch Area and Table and Chairs Area for your Enjoyment

Reviews

10 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% of guest reviews in this area
4 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 8

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

View in a map
Tonica, IL
  • Place, Dickinson House
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Place, Matthiessen State Park
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Place, Starved Rock State Park
    ‪13 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 4

1 Single Bunk Bed

Master Bedroom

1 King Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

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

Bathroom 2

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Garden

About this property

SMALL TOWN STUNNER !!! - Under 15 Minutes to Starved Rock !

Small town charm within 15 minutes of Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Parks located in LaSalle County Illinois. Four Bedrooms, Two Bathrooms, and Modern Kitchen. Only 3 blocks to Tonica's restaurants and bars.

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 12:00 PM
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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

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Important information

You need to know

Property # 3524710vb
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

About the area

Tonica

Tonica is home to this holiday home. Starved Rock State Park and Deer Park Country Club are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit Dickinson House and Grand Bear Falls Indoor Water Park. Enjoy the area's slopes with cross-country skiing, and don't miss out on the snowmobiling.
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Map
Tonica, IL

What's nearby

  • Illinois Valley Community College - 8 min drive - 12.8 km
  • Dickinson House - 8 min drive - 13.1 km
  • Matthiessen State Park - 8 min drive - 11.4 km
  • I&M Canal Visitor Center - 9 min drive - 16.6 km
  • Starved Rock State Park - 13 min drive - 17.7 km

Restaurants

  • ‪Love's Travel Stop - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Casey's - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Cortileno’s - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪The Rootbeer Stand - ‬8 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is SMALL TOWN STUNNER !!! - Under 15 Minutes to Starved Rock ! pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at SMALL TOWN STUNNER !!! - Under 15 Minutes to Starved Rock !?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at SMALL TOWN STUNNER !!! - Under 15 Minutes to Starved Rock !?

Checkout is at 12:00 PM.

Where is SMALL TOWN STUNNER !!! - Under 15 Minutes to Starved Rock ! located?

Situated in Tonica, this holiday home is within 9 miles (15 km) of Matthiessen State Park, Illinois Valley Community College and Dickinson House. Starved Rock State Park and Grand Bear Falls Indoor Water Park are also within 9 miles (15 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. 17 out of 17 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 17 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 17 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 17 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 17 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Melissa C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Don and Kristy were great hosts! The house is beautiful with a lot of charm and attention to detail. We enjoyed our stay!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

kelly p.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This home was absolutely stunning with attention to detail like no other. Everything was just perfect for our stay. The beds were very comfortable.We are planning our trip to come back
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Aug, 2025
Thank You Kelly!!! We are very happy you enjoyed the house. It was a lot of work to get it where it is but people really love it. Feel free to reach out and we’ll get on your calendar for your next stay at Tonica’s Small Town Stunner !!!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Emma R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful and charming house, decorated amazing, very cozy. We celebrated my sister's Bachelorette party here because of its proximity to the state parks and it was perfect other than a few cobwebs. Highly recommended if you're looking to stay close enough to the parks but far enough for some peace and quiet.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Colleen C.

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

Girls getaway weekend extravaganza!

The place is spectacular and had all the accommodations we were looking for. The decor is charming and stunning throughout the entire home. Extremely clean a wonderful place to stay. I highly recommended checking this place out.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Jul, 2025
Thank You Colleen. Very kind of you to leave such a really great message. We welcome you back at any time. You were an excellent and respectful guest.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Timberlee G.

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

Family Thanksgiving

Great family house with a kitchen and dining area perfect for cooking and hanging out and playing games! Everything was clean & comfortable! Host was responsive & gracious!
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Jul, 2025
Thank You Timberlee. Very kind of you to leave such a really great message. We welcome you back at any time. You were an excellent and respectful guest.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Julie H.

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

Best rental I have ever stayed at!

As an interior designer it is not often I find a space where there is nothing I would change, Kristy and Don nailed it! The cleanliness, coziness, attention to details (it has ANYTHING you may need and more) and the local history is amazing. This will be my number one pick when visiting the Illinois Valley.
Stayed 1 night in May 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Jun, 2024
Thank You Julie - Please visit again soon!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Leslie K.

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

Great getaway!

This beautiful, historic home has been renovated to include all of the creature comforts that you need. Loved our evenings on the deck and our coffee on the front porch in the morning. The host is thoughtful and generous with what is provided with the stay. It was a wonderful getaway.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Jul, 2025
Thank You Leslie. Very kind of you to leave such a really great message. We welcome you back at any time. You were an excellent and respectful guest.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Teresa D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything we needed (and more) for a much needed mom/daughter long weekend get away. We hiked 8 miles at Starved Rock, and then enjoyed hours at the comfy house playing card/board games, reading on the front porch listening to the rain, drank lots of coffee and laughed a ton. Couldn't have asked for anything more in this home away from home. Now, if someone could help me beat my girls in card games...well, that would be a plus!! ;-)
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Heidi F.

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

Beautiful Home & Stay

We were a group of friends from various parts of Illinois that were looking for somewhere to meet in the middle. We selected this house so we could go hiking at Mathieson and Starved Rock. The house though was the best part of the trip, it was extremely clean and beautifully restored. We particularly loved sitting in the front porch room and being able to use the back deck was a great option.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Jul, 2025
Thank You Heidi. Very kind of you to leave such a really great message. We welcome you back at any time. You were an excellent and respectful guest.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brad F.

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

Tonics Fest and Starved Rock

House was super clean and decorated very nicely. Neat mementos dedicated to the towns past displayed throughout. Beds were extremely comfortable. Rich hardwood floors and updated bathrooms. Kitchen looked like a magazine showcase. Loved the towns fest and we were so close to Starved Rock.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jamie N.

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

Relaxing weekend

Comfortable and well-appointed. There were 4 in our group and it was great to have our own bedrooms. The house has been so carefully updated and the bathrooms and kitchen are gorgeous. We stayed 2 nights while our kids were camping at Starved Rock with Scouts - it was close to go day hiking but nice to have a warm, comfortable place to relax and sleep, with a full kitchen.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Nov, 2023
Thank you Jamie - Please come back soon!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michael R.

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

Family Reunion

Fantastic house! Our family is originally from Tonica and enjoyed the house to gather, reminisce, tell stories, enjoy each others company and laugh a lot. The house was perfect in every way. Lots of room for everyone , great kitchen for preparing meals and bedrooms were spacious. Stunningly decorated! Hardwood floors and wood work are beautiful.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Peggy R.

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

Perfect space!

This was our second time staying at this lovely house. Beautiful early 1900s woodwork throughout the house with a gorgeous kitchen and baths. It was the perfect place to stay for a large group of us, with 4 bedrooms (super comfortable mattresses!)and nice size living areas. The kitchen is fully stocked with cooking equipment and china, making it easy to have meals there. It’s just a short drive to Starved Rock from here. Save some money and stay here with your family instead of the Lodge!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Terry W.

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

Beautiful and amazing one-of-a-kind home! Definitely not cookie-cutter!

Living near this home and having toured it while Don and Kristy were working on the place, I knew how wonderful it was before I booked it as the home base for our family reunion. My family loved the home, as I knew they would. I heard several comments remarking on how eclectic elements were beautifully melded to make this a unique showplace. This stunner of a home suited our needs perfectly for our family get-together. The deep back yard had plenty of space for playing bags and bocce and for grilling. The capacious deck had lots of seating. When the sunny 90 degree weather was too much for some people to handle, the spacious living and dining rooms provided a respite from the heat, as the air conditioning worked very well.Communnication from the owners was excellent!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Jul, 2025
Thank You Terry ! We look forward to hosting your family reunion for many many years !
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jamie A.

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

PERFECT Girls Weekend!!!!!!!!!!

My group of 4 best girl friends and I had a wonderful stay making memories in this lovely home. The kitchen is stunning and super functional. We made our favorite recipes from our recent European trip together, played dominos, laughed and enjoyed the beautiful home. The bedrooms are very comfy and decorated like a 5-star hotel but with more thoughtfulness and personal touches! We shopped a local boutique and visited multiple cocktail bars and restaurants. The home is SUPER clean with modern touches. It is incredible when you walk through the door expecting and see all of the gorgeous decor! There is even a room dedicated to the town with many local antiques. Sort of like a mini museum! The host was beyond accommodating and welcoming. Only a phone call away if we needed something. I will definitely be renting this adorable home again for my next get away!!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 4 Mar, 2024
Thank You for all the kind words and appreciation for the home!!! Please reach out anytime you want to stay again, we’d love to host any of you anytime!!!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

linda c.

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

Spectacular One of a Kind

This home in the small town of Tonica is nothing short of spectacular. Don and Kristy have gone above and beyond in the remodel of this 100 year-old gem. Every detail has been thoughtfully curated—from the breathtaking artwork and intricate woodwork to the exquisite overall design.The kitchen is fully stocked with high-end appliances, quality cutlery, fine china, and everything else you could possibly need. The display cabinet in the dining room offers a nostalgic look into the history of Tonica—an unexpected and charming touch.Outside, the backyard deck is a dream, with plenty of comfortable seating for a large group, oversized cushions, and Edison lights overhead creating the perfect outdoor escape. The front porch is equally inviting—an ideal space for reading, relaxing, or enjoying great conversation.Don and Kristy are the quintessential hosts. Their generosity, attention to detail, and hospitality set a new standard. I’m incredibly grateful for the experience and can’t wait to return. This home offers everything—and more.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Jul, 2025
Thank You Linda. Very kind of you to leave such a really great message. We welcome you back at any time. You were an excellent and respectful guest.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Julie H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

About the host

Hosted by Don Vargo

Host profile image

Languages:

English
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