Lake Sara Dream

Photo gallery for Lake Sara Dream

A two-story cabin with a wooden deck, a swing, and a staircase leading to an upper level.
A riverside deck with a view of a dock and a small boat.
A modern kitchen with wooden cabinets, a central island, and bar stools.
A kitchen with wooden cabinets, a stainless steel refrigerator, a granite countertop, and a bar stool.
A shuffleboard table with numbered scoring areas, a wooden border, and metal pucks at the end.

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Made for relaxation
    Top-rated for comfort — guests feel right at home here.
  • A quiet escape
    Guests like the location for the peace and quiet.
  • Discover nearby landmarks
    Near Lake Sara
Sleeps 83 bedrooms4 beds

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
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Effingham Performance Center
    ‪18 min drive‬
  • Place, Lake Shelbyville
    ‪53 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed and 1 Single Bunk Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Kitchenette
Balcony
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Lake Sara Dream

This 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom renovated retreat provides you with everything you need to have fun at the lake this year! Great location on the water of Gypsy Cove where you can relax in the water or drop a line in to fish. New platform roof top dock gives you plenty of space to relax and catch some sun rays! There is space for you to bring your own boat or rent one at the local marina. The cove is the perfect place to learn how to waterski, wakeboard, or tube.

Inside the home you will find two living spaces along with a small mini kitchen downstairs, a full bathroom, and a bedroom. There is also access to the lake and outside patio areas from the downstairs living space.
The home sleeps 8 comfortably in beds and is the max for this vacation retreat. The kitchen is equipped with everything you will need during your stay. A Smart tv is located in the living room upstairs & living room downstairs. We do NOT offer Direct TV. bring your firesticks or PW for netflix, amazon, etc. A washer & dryer is available for your use as well downstairs. The home has central air conditioning & heat. We do have wi-fi...all the connection instructions will be inside the home.

Outside there is large deck off the house that is great for entertaining or eating a meal. We have a charcoal grill on the deck for your use to grill out. There is a fire pit outside for your use. We do not usually stock firewood so I would recommend getting some beforehand for your use. If there is wood provided, feel free to use some of it. A short path leads down to the boat dock from the large deck, there you will find Adirondack chairs for relaxation & floats for use in the water. The door on the left side of the boat house has floats & noodles for use. Please be respectful of the neighbors and keep noise to a minimum later in the evenings. Failure to do so will result in funds taken from deposit.

If anything is damaged during your stay PLEASE let us know so we can replace what has been broken.

We use this home as well as our home away from home retreat with our family. Anything you may find in the fridge as far as condiments or in the pantry or freezer, was food that we may have bought for use during our stay. Everyone is more than welcome to consume these items, but please do not throw anything away unless it has expired/gone bad.

We want to invite anyone who wants to enjoy Lake Sara to its fullest to come relax! We strive to make your experience the best it can be. We hope to see you soon!

A couple notes:

-The boat in the lift is not for rental use, there are a couple marinas on the lake that offer boat rentals.
-There is plenty of parking for boats on each side of dock.
-Please respect our home as you would your own.
-be respectful of the neighbors. They are within close proximity to the vacation rental and we would hate to disturb them. Failure to do this could result in issues with the neighbors and funds taken from deposit.

Thank you for understanding.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
NO PARTIES OR EVENTS AT ALL!
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Pets

Pets allowed: limit 2 total
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
NO SMOKING ALLOWED
-DO NOT FLUSH ANYTHING OTHER THAN TOILET PAPER DOWN THE TOILET -NO LOUD MUSIC AFTER 11 PM!!!! WE HAVE NEIGHBORS!!!! Be respectful!!!!

Important information

You need to know

Property # 3953255
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
Note from host: NO PARTIES OR EVENTS AT ALL!
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
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the area

Effingham

Located in Effingham, this holiday home is on a lake. Dr. Charles M. Wright Mansion and Veteran's Monument are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Ballard Nature Center and Lake Sara. Bliss Park and Effingham County Fairgrounds are also worth visiting.
Map
Effingham, IL

What's nearby

  • Lake Sara - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Cardinal Golf Course - 17 min drive - 12.0 km
  • Effingham Performance Center - 18 min drive - 13.7 km
  • Lake Shelbyville - 53 min drive - 59.7 km
  • Lake Shelbyville Beach - 58 min drive - 65.2 km

Getting around

  • Effingham Station - 19 min drive
  • Champaign, IL (CMI-University Of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Williard) - 78 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Casey's General Store - ‬18 min drive
  • ‪Dairy Queen - ‬19 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬19 min drive
  • ‪Golden Corral - ‬20 min drive
  • ‪Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen - ‬18 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Lake Sara Dream pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows pets (limit 2 total).

How much does it cost to stay at Lake Sara Dream?

As of 4 Aug, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Lake Sara Dream on 27 Oct, 2026 start from S$1,747, 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 Lake Sara Dream?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Lake Sara Dream?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Lake Sara Dream?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Lake Sara Dream located?

Situated on a lake, this holiday home is steps from Lake Sara and within 9 mi (15 km) of Cardinal Golf Course and Effingham Performance Center. Bliss Park and Ballard Nature Center are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Reviews

9.6

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. 76 out of 92 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 11 out of 92 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 4 out of 92 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 92 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 92 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Mark S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very quiet and secluded location on a great Lake Sara cove! The house and property is very clean and well maintained. Plenty of dock space for a boat. Overall a great vacation rental..thank you to the owners for sharing their property!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jill O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our group had a great 3 day weekend getaway relaxing at Lake Sara Dream. They provided pretty much everything needed for our comfort. Be sure to bring extra toilet paper and paper towels, they only provide a minimum amount. They do ask that you wash your towels before leaving and put them in the dryer which I feel is a fire hazard, but we hung around until that task was completed. Other than that it was a wonderful stay and I would recommend staying here.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Lynn G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place! Second time we have stayed for a long weekend with our adult kids. Great dock for our boat, quiet cove, great views from decks and dock . Perfect relaxing getaway!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Justin S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It was a great stay! We love spending time on the lake. Memories made for a lifetime.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Sarah R.

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

Birthday Trip

Wonderful place to stay at Lake Sara. We had the best time. This property has everything you can need for a relaxing trip away. Our kids especially loved being able to jump off and swim at the dock. Can’t wait to come back!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Damon H.

Great Weekend getaway spot!

Great property. Clean home, good privacy. Enjoyed our weekend!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2016
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Mar, 2020
Thank you so much for your awesome feedback! We appreciate it and hope to see you again in the future. The Cox Family
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Sherry D.

Liked: Check-in, location, listing accuracy
This house has so much potential! The remodeling was done nicely however the furnishings appeared to be leftovers. We had to scrounge to find lids for pots and pans, there were dead flies in the windowsills, the outdoor furniture needs cushions and the weber grill has no way to control the flame because the damper was gone. The hand soap dispenser in the upstairs bathroom was more water than soap. Communication with the owners started out great and then was very slow. We arrived early and while sitting in the drive way we called and messaged asking if we could check in early. 45 minutes later they finally text us to say it was ok. For the price we paid we expected much more. We enjoyed being on Lake Sara and plan to return but will look for other homes on the lake in the fall.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Bridget B.

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

Family Weekend

The house was just as pictured and a great place for our family weekend away. We enjoyed the lake and the dock for fishing and relaxing. We hope to visit this house again next year.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Theresa F.

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

Family holiday celebration

Our second visit to Lake Sara Dream for an early Christmas celebration was terrific!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Theresa F.

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

Holiday Celebration

Our extended family has spent a fall weekend at Lake Sara Dream for the last three years. The house is so cute and it is just perfect for us to relax and visit with each other.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jason C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had an amazing vacation at this property. The home is beautifully maintained, comfortable, and thoughtfully laid out. The setting is serene and picturesque, making it easy to unwind. Communication with the host was smooth, and the value for money was excellent. We’re already planning to return next year. Highly recommended!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Sue G.

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

Perfect lake location

Perfect spot to spend a weekend with our good friends . Clean quiet and perfect for jumping in the lake for a swim. Equipped with everything you need. A/C worked great with ceiling fans and floor fans in every room. Bingo at the winery and boat rental for a tour of the lake !
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Justin S.

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

The Best!

Great location on Lake Sara! Fun time with friends. Highly recommend.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Laura S.

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

Great Getaway

I grew up coming to Lake Sara. It was fun to come back with my family to see how much it has grown and changed. The house was great and the lake access was perfect. We enjoyed fishing and swimming!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Lynn G.

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

Great place!

So fun! Quick communication with owner, great spot on the lake! Only complaint I can think of is they could use a good skillet, and some more silverware. But we survived and loved it! Beds were comfy, Loved the canoe, and fishing.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Janice W.

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

Family is everthing

Home was beautiful! Location was quiet and views were spectacular! Everyone in our group found something to do. Kayaks, canoe, fishing off the dock, campfires etc. Room to dock both of our boats and to park trailers!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Debi W.

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

Will be back

Everything was just like we expected, had lots of fun in the water rain or shine. Can’t wait till next time
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jane B.

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

Dads birthday

Returned to my childhood, home to visit family for my dad’s birthday. Lake Sara has been a place where we spent many fun happy times, and so to return was very special! And the home was just perfect!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Theresa C.

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

Perfect Getaway

This is the second year my group has booked this house for our annual girls weekend. The house is a great size, enough private rooms for our different sleeping schedules, 2 tv areas for when everyone needs their space but also enough seating upstairs for everyone to hang out together, 2 fridges, several beautiful outdoor seating options and the dock and lake access are awesome.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

margaret b.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The house wonderful we went up there for fishing, But unfortunately it was very hot and we did not catch to many fish. But we all really enjoyed the house. We got up there a little early and we asked Amber the host if we could get in early and she yes. This is the second time we rented her house. She is such a gracious host. I would recommend this house to stay in. Was fantastic. Thank you again Amber.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Diane L.

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

Family reunion

At Lake Sara for a family reunion. Kitchen was well stocked and there is a large great room. Bedrooms and bathrooms are small but adequate. Porch railing in need of cleaning. Great lake access and nice grounds provides privacy. Nice lower level with room to spare. privacy.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Marcy H.

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

Met in the Middle!

We met my brother and wife at Lake Sara (mid location between our 2 cities). We met at Tuscan Hills Winery and then to the property. We were so charmed by the location and pleased with the lake house! The temperature dropped but we were so cozy cooking together, watching a Chiefs' victory, and hanging out together! Couldn't find the guest book. We will be back!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Marcy M.

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

Beautiful home in quiet cove and easily accessible boat dock!

Our extended family visited Lake Sara for the second time and really enjoyed staying in this home (plus a second home on the lake less than a mile away). We enjoyed floating near the dock, kayaking, fishing, and roasting marshmallows at the fire pit. We brought our boat and the cove was easy to get in and out of. Plenty of sunshine or shade with the decks. We enjoyed watching wildlife (deer, turtle, fish, blue heron, and a friendly chipmunk) and relaxing. This home is beautiful inside and out - well-appointed with what you need to have an enjoyable stay. Updated bathrooms and comfortable beds. We will be back!!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Amy V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Second time at this property—outstanding!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Bill N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful house on the lake and really made our family vacation the best of the summer!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2026

About the host

Hosted by The Cox Family

Host profile image
We are a family of 5 from right outside of Champaign, IL. Todd grew up coming to Lake Sara on the weekends in the Spring & Summers with his family. His family throughout the years owned two properties on the lake. One of which has now been bull dozed down to make room for a much larger lake home on a great tip point! Amber is originally from Wisconsin (Go Pack Go) but was never able to enjoy a lake as beautiful as Lake Sara.

We really enjoy continuing the tradition with our children and having our families continue to enjoy the lake as well. Our children absolutely love the lake and love bringing their friends and cousins to enjoy it with them. It gives us a chance to all be together without the use of modern day electronics! We almost didn't even get a TV at the rental!

Why they chose this property

We wanted a place that we all could enjoy, relax, sleep a good amount of family members/guests, and a place that had awesome neighbors (since the boat docks are closer than we would've originally preferred). Before we purchased we met a few of the neighbors and they just seemed to be the best. We couldn't ask for a better cove or better neighbors. With this being said, please be respectful of them when renting the home. Know your boundaries of the property and the activity level in late hours of the day.

What makes this property unique

A Quiet cove with the fishing area nearby which is an added bonus in our opinions. So much exploring to do and not a lot of activity.

Languages:

English
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