Cabin

Cedar Hills Retreat: Peaceful Southern IL Escape

Lakefront cabin with kitchen and patio

Photo gallery for Cedar Hills Retreat: Peaceful Southern IL Escape

A warm welcome awaits at this serene Southern Illinois retreat surrounded by nature.
Relax on the reclining leather sofa while enjoying the 86” Smart TV.
Spacious living area with cathedral ceilings and natural light.
Charming vintage wood-burning stove adds rustic character to the home.
Cozy and inviting space perfect for gathering with family or friends.
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 4

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Fireplace
  • Washer
  • Parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

View in a map
Dix, IL
  • Place, Good Samaritan Regional Health Center
    ‪24 min drive‬
  • Place, Jefferson County Fairgrounds
    ‪27 min drive‬
  • Place, Raccoon Lake Park
    ‪39 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 4)

Primary Bedroom

1 King Bed and 1 Single Bunk Bed

1 bathroom

Full Bathroom

Bathtub · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Cedar Hills Retreat: Peaceful Southern IL Escape

Cedar Hills Retreat: Southern Illinois Getaway

Escape to Cedar Hills Retreat, a private 7-acre cedar-sided home nestled in the rolling hills and partial woodlands of Southern Illinois. Blending rustic charm with modern comfort, this serene hideaway is perfect for couples, families, hunters, and anyone seeking a peaceful retreat in nature.

▪︎ Unique Features & Artistic Heritage ▪︎

Once the personal getaway of renowned portrait artist Dorian Allworthy, the home displays her artwork and personal touches, giving the space character and inspiration. Vintage terra cotta floors, cathedral ceilings, and soaring windows fill the cabin with warmth and natural light, creating a welcoming environment for relaxation and creativity.

▪︎ Location & Adventures Nearby ▪︎
‣ Shawnee National Forest: ~1 hour
‣ Devil’s Prop Table & Trails: ~20 minutes
‣ Rend Lake: ~40 minutes
‣ Garden of the Gods: ~1 hr 40 min
‣ St. Louis, MO: ~1.5 hours for dining and attractions

Hunters will appreciate the convenience during deer season — while hunting is not permitted on the 7-acre property, the cabin is an ideal base camp for trips to Southern Illinois’ renowned hunting areas. Airport access is simple: Lambert International ~1.5 hours, MidAmerica St. Louis ~50 minutes, Evansville Regional ~1.5 hours.

▪︎ Indoor & Outdoor Living ▪︎
‣ Living Room: Leather reclining sofa and chair, additional seating, 86” Smart TV.
‣ Dining Area: Concrete table seating four.
‣ Kitchen: Fully equipped with stainless steel appliances, farmhouse sink, butcher block countertops, island seating for two, and stocked cabinets.
‣ Bedroom & Bath: King bed plus twin bunk beds, smart TV, ceiling fan, clawfoot tub with handheld shower, and stackable washer/dryer.
‣ Outdoor Spaces: Covered porches, firepit, gas grill, walking trails (pond dock and footbridge are off-limits for safety).

▪︎ Guest Notes & Agreements ▪︎
‣ Dog-friendly ($100 per dog per stay; max 2 dogs)
‣ No hunting allowed on property; stay within fenced area
‣ Pond dock and footbridge are off-limits for safety
‣ Designed for relaxation- no parties or large gatherings permitted
‣ Renter Agreement required at booking
‣ $300 security deposit held 2 days before arrival, released 5 days after departure if no damages

Cedar Hills Retreat offers a rare combination of privacy, artistic history, and modern comfort, making it a memorable escape in Southern Illinois. Whether you’re hiking, fishing, exploring, or simply relaxing, it’s a place to recharge, reconnect, and enjoy nature — all while being conveniently close to the region’s best attractions.

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Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Caution: Not childproof. Supervise closely
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)
Pet Policy: Up to 2 Dogs Allowed, Fee Applies
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
No parties or events are allowed. This property is not child or baby-proof. Only registered guests are allowed overnight.
Do not use the premises for any illegal activity. No smoking/vaping inside the house. If smoking outside, please clean up after yourself.
A Renter Agreement is required to book. A $300 security deposit will be held on the guest's credit card 2 days prior to the guest's stay.

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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher 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

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property
Map
Dix, IL

What's nearby

  • Good Samaritan Regional Health Center - 24 min drive - 22.6 km
  • Jefferson County Fairgrounds - 27 min drive - 26.3 km
  • Raccoon Lake Park - 39 min drive - 26.6 km
  • Salem Fairgrounds - 39 min drive - 41.2 km
  • Rend Lake - 51 min drive - 43.9 km

Getting around

  • Centralia Station - 25 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Yellin’ Helen’s - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪A C Pitstop - ‬18 min drive
  • ‪Cmoney's Hotub @ Outlaws Bar & Grill - ‬23 min drive
  • ‪Austins restaurant - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪new day cafe - ‬19 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Cedar Hills Retreat: Peaceful Southern IL Escape pet-friendly?

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

What time is check-in at Cedar Hills Retreat: Peaceful Southern IL Escape?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Cedar Hills Retreat: Peaceful Southern IL Escape?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Cedar Hills Retreat: Peaceful Southern IL Escape located?

Situated on a lake, this cabin is 7 mi (11.3 km) from Dix Village Hall and 10.9 mi (17.6 km) from Veterans Memorial Park. Foundation Park and Jefferson County Fairgrounds are also within 16 miles (25 km).

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About the host

Hosted by Allison | Graham Property Management

Host profile image
We’re Graham Property Management, the team behind Cedar Hills Retreat. Our goal is to make your stay comfortable, seamless, and memorable.

Though we’re now based in the mountains of Graham County, North Carolina, we’re originally from Southern Illinois and spent many years living and working in the Mt. Vernon area. Cedar Hills Retreat is especially meaningful to us, and we’re grateful for the chance to share this unique home and peaceful setting with guests exploring a region we still consider home.

Graham Property Management is owned and operated by John and Allison, a couple with complementary backgrounds in real estate, business, home improvement, and guest services. John holds a degree in Business Management and has hands-on expertise in property care and operations. Allison is a licensed real estate broker in North Carolina with years of experience in real estate sales, property management, and hospitality.

While we manage Cedar Hills Retreat remotely, we partner with trusted local resources to ensure the home is well-maintained and guest-ready. We take pride in providing a clean, welcoming space and in being responsive and easy to reach if you need anything during your stay.

We look forward to hosting you at Cedar Hills Retreat, and we’re always just a message away if you have questions or need assistance.

Why they chose this property

Cedar Hills Retreat is more than a place to stay- it’s a serene, private escape with a story to tell. Set on 7 acres of open fields and wooded beauty in Southern Illinois, this cedar-sided cabin blends rustic charm with modern comfort. Soaring windows, cathedral ceilings, and vintage terra cotta floors create a warm, inviting atmosphere, while distinctive touches like the clawfoot tub and farmhouse-style sink add character.

What truly sets this retreat apart is its history. Once a personal getaway for renowned portrait artist Dorian Allworthy, the home showcases her artwork and personal touches, letting guests feel a connection to her creative legacy.

Designed for both relaxation and inspiration, Cedar Hills Retreat offers a variety of ways to unwind: savor morning coffee on the porch, gather around the firepit under starry skies, cook in the fully stocked kitchen, or enjoy movie night on the 86” Smart TV.

The property’s location makes it an ideal home base for exploring Southern Illinois. Shawnee National Forest, Devil’s Prop Table, and the Garden of the Gods are within easy driving distance, while Rend Lake is just 40 minutes away. Downtown St. Louis is about 90 minutes, perfect for a day trip of dining, attractions, and city sights. Hunters will appreciate the convenience during deer season. While hunting is not permitted on the 7-acre property itself, the retreat offers a comfortable, peaceful base camp for trips into the region’s renowned hunting areas.

With its blend of natural beauty, artistic heritage, thoughtful amenities, and prime location, Cedar Hills Retreat isn’t just a stay- it’s a truly unique Southern Illinois experience.

What makes this property unique

Private 7-Acre Setting – A serene mix of open fields and partially wooded areas provides privacy, space to explore, and peaceful spots for morning coffee or stargazing.

▶︎ Rustic Charm Meets Modern Comfort – Cedar-sided cabin with soaring windows, cathedral ceilings, and vintage terra cotta floors combines warm, authentic design with contemporary amenities.

▶︎ Artistic Legacy – Once the personal retreat of renowned portrait artist Dorian Allworthy, the home features original artwork and personal touches, giving guests a creative and memorable experience.

▶︎ Comfortable Accommodations – Main bedroom includes a king bed and twin bunk beds, plus a smart TV and ample storage. Generously sized bathroom features a clawfoot tub, handheld shower, and stackable washer/dryer for convenience.

▶︎ Inviting Living Spaces – Open-concept living, dining, and kitchen areas make it easy to relax, cook, and gather. Fully stocked kitchen, stainless steel appliances, and cozy furnishings ensure a stress-free stay.

▶︎ Outdoor Enjoyment – Covered front and back porches, outdoor dining, gas grill, and firepit allow guests to enjoy the property’s natural beauty and host memorable evenings under the stars.

▶︎ Perfect Base for Adventure – Located near Shawnee National Forest, Rend Lake, Devil’s Prop Table, and Garden of the Gods, with downtown St. Louis just 1.5 hours away. Hunters will find this a comfortable home base during deer season (hunting not permitted on property).

▶︎ Family & Pet Friendly – Sleeps up to 4 guests comfortably and welcomes up to 2 dogs per stay (fee applies), making it an ideal retreat for families, friends, or small groups.

▶︎ Memorable Getaways – Whether relaxing by the firepit, cooking in the kitchen, or exploring the scenic surroundings, Cedar Hills Retreat offers a unique combination of privacy, artistic character, and Southern Illinois charm.

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