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Entire cabin

Cozy Retreat on Gypsy Cove!

Lakefront cabin with kitchen and patio

Photo gallery for Cozy Retreat on Gypsy Cove!

Outdoor dining
Dining
Exterior
Smart TV
Property grounds
Lake Sara beckons you to unwind in this Cozy Cabin nestled among the trees. With a private area and plenty of space, relax on the covered screened-in patio or by the fire pit, and enjoy beautiful views of the lake from an open concept living space.

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Entire cabin

4 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 8121 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen
  • Pet friendly
  • Outdoor Space
  • Air conditioning

Add dates for prices

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire cabin to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Cozy Retreat on Gypsy Cove!

If you are looking for a place to unwind from daily life, this is the place!!!! Sit back & relax anytime of year with our covered screened in patio. Enjoy nature at it's finest.

Cozy Cabin nestled among the trees at Lake Sara. Home has an open concept living space with beautiful views of the lake. Private area you won't have to worry about unwanted noise.
Lovely outside space great for relaxing and enjoying nature! Bring your boat with during your stay. There is plenty of space to swim from the dock and participate in all the water sports you desire.
4 bedrooms and 2 full baths make this getaway a truly relaxing and spacious retreat. One of the bedrooms is located in an open space with air conditioning above the garage. Great for couples or the entire gaggle of children leaving the adults to enjoy their time in the house. The other remaining bedrooms are inside.
The home is located in a private cove that is away from the worries of wake from boaters passing by.

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 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:
-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.
-this is a cabin type feel of a home. It’s not updated or brand new. It isn’t perfect. Price all reflects this. We have the same rate year round. If you’re not looking for the cabin feel, please don’t book as it will not meet expectations! This is a safe clean place to rest heads and relax with those you love all in one place!
We own the home next door as well so if you are in need of a place for several guests, look no further! That is located on VRBO has well under "Lake Sara Dream"

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the cabin: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Kitchen island
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 4 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Shower
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table

Entertainment

  • Smart TV

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Firepit
  • Patio

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • One pet total

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoking not allowed

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • On a lake

Things to do

  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Water skiing nearby
  • Water tubing nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property)

General

  • Unit size: 1,300 square feet

Similar properties

Property grounds
The Redbud Cottage--Beach & Quiet. Lake Sara Waterfront & Wood Fires.
  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Free WiFi
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, 467 reviews
The Redbud Cottage--Beach & Quiet. Lake Sara Waterfront & Wood Fires.

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 25

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Rules

PLEASE make sure if you use the bedroom above the garage that the door stays CLOSED! It lets bugs in if you don't close it!

Pets

Pets allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
1 total pets
Note from host: There is carpet, please keep that in mind!

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Note from host: Great space for children!

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Long-term renters welcome
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 not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

About the neighborhood

Map
Effingham, IL

What's nearby

  • Lake Sara - 15 min drive - 10.9 km
  • Cardinal Golf Course - 16 min drive - 10.7 km
  • Effingham Performance Center - 16 min drive - 12.0 km
  • HSHS St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital - 16 min drive - 11.6 km
  • Effingham County Courthouse - 17 min drive - 11.9 km

Getting around

  • Effingham Station - 18 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬19 min drive
  • ‪Culver's - ‬17 min drive
  • ‪Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen - ‬18 min drive
  • ‪Dunkin' - ‬18 min drive
  • ‪Golden Corral - ‬20 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Cozy Retreat on Gypsy Cove! pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows pets (limit 1 total).

How much is parking?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Cozy Retreat on Gypsy Cove!?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Cozy Retreat on Gypsy Cove!?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Cozy Retreat on Gypsy Cove! located?

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

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Reviews

Cozy Retreat on Gypsy Cove! Reviews

8.8

Excellent

8.6

Cleanliness

9.6

Location
Rating 10 - Excellent. 20 out of 35 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 10 out of 35 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 4 out of 35 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 35 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 35 reviews

Reviews

8/10 Good

Kathleen G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our family had a great time.we could have used more toilet paper
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Natalie D.

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

Good for a group

It was perfect for a group. There was plenty of room for everyone to sleep comfortably, and we loved having two large living areas plus the screened-in deck to spread out and relax. The location was peaceful and quiet, with a beautiful view. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a relaxing getaway with plenty of space in a serene setting.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

John D.

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

Great Weekend

Great place and had a wonderful weekend would stay again!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

6/10 Okay

Janice R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Check in was great, we did arrive in Effingham earlier than expected. We texted to see if we could enter the house earlier. We were texted back and the house was ready an hour earlier for us, which was wonderful. Kitchen was accommodating with good counter space & room. Fridge could have used a bit better cleaning. There were lots of crumbs of food in the door food/drink holders & on the shelves.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth M.

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

Family Get Away

This was a perfect spot to stay with our family. The house was spacious and met all of our needs! It was great for the kids to be able to go fishing on the dock! We can’t wait to come back some day!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

8/10 Good

Jill G.

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

Beautiful lake!

House wasn’t fancy but met our needs. Owners were very friendly and responsive!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

tami A.

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

Family vaca

We had a great week there. Only issues/complaints is pathway/dock are in need of some repair (can't use ladder). We would stay here again!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Phillip A., TULSA

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

Enjoyable

Our stay was great. Only recommendation would be larger pans to cook in.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

8/10 Good

Lola P.

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

Great little getaway

Very nice secluded spot on the lake. Wish it had a gas grill, and was a little more clean, but it was a perfect get away. Loved the neighborhood.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Peter J.

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

Great place!

We stayed here for a big family trip (including small child), and had a great time! We loved Lake Sara and the convenience of having a dock right off the back deck when we rented boats for the day, and the house itself had everything we could’ve wanted both inside and outside. Thank you for letting us enjoy the home!
Stayed 9 nights in Jul 2023

8/10 Good

Ray R.

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

Beautiful serene setting.

Everyone slept great! Plenty of room to spread out. And the setting was beautiful. The reason for the four, is the deck was a bit wobbly, and there were some rotten boards on part of the dock.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

8/10 Good

ralph p., tinley park, il

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

Family week Vacay

Very enjoyable home Had everything we needed in the house Sleeping beds were fine Plenty of room to spread out in the many rooms of the home Screened in patio a plus Caught a bunch of fish Enjoyed laying on the sundeck and using the boat dock for launching our paddle board and boat we rented Will most likely return again Owners very responsive
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2023

8/10 Good

Shelly B.

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

Relaxing

Weather was perfect. Relaxing sitting out on the deck. Fishing. Canoe ride.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

8/10 Good

Angie H.

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

Pretty place

The place in general was nice. We had an incident with our dog where he got into mouse poison that was left in plain sight by the pest control company. Needless to say we had to make an emergency visit to the vet.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sheila F.

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

Helpful and responsive owners

We needed the room over the garage. The weather was hot and humid, and the A/C could not keep up. The owner was very responsive to our needs and worked with us to find a good solution.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2023

6/10 Okay

Tom B.

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

Needs Updating

The house needs updating in several areas. Access to the Fire Pit is dangerous. No good way to put Canoe or Kayak in the water. The Smart TV had access to some streaming options, but no access to standard TV channels.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

6/10 Okay

Karen J.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Cleanliness

Ok for a weekend

Let’s start with the good, beautiful view of Lake Sara! My kids and husband enjoyed fishing off the dock. Very nice outdoor area, although the deck has a lot of rotted wood so we didn’t feel comfortable all sitting on the deck. The house is very dated which would be fine if it had been cleaned. I’m not sure when someone was here last but the shower curtain in the bathroom is full of mold. There were cigarette butts still sitting in the ash of the grill. A lot of dust everywhere. There was not enough washcloths for everyone in the family to take 1 let alone 2 showers. I did contact the owner and he says not everyone uses washrags so they don’t leave more than 4 per bathroom. I found that strange and slightly gross. Again, fine for a night or 2. I would not stay an extended time here. The house needs a lot of work.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Karla J.

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

Perfect Location, Good Price, Lovely Outdoor Areas, Easygoing Hosts, Could Have Been Cleaner

We booked this home for a girlfriend weekend retreat. It was perfectly located for us (coming from 4 different states). The outdoor areas are lovely and we were sad that the weather was such we didn't get to use them. The furnishings are dated (described accurately in listing), which would have been fine had the inside areas been cleaned better. The bathroom and kitchen were clean enough (though the cleaning process left an unpleasantly strong disinfectant smell behind, which lingered for a long time, bit of a musty smell later), but there was a fairly thick layer of dust on surfaces throughout the rest of the house and the floors were cleaned only in the centers of the rooms if at all. There were mouse droppings, dead insects, and accumulated dust/dirt in the corners and under the furniture. That all said, we are all 60-something yo women who keep our own homes so we are relatively tough critics. Also, we were mostly housebound for the weekend, so the condition of the indoor areas mattered a lot to us.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

steve c.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nice house
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Deidre M.

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

Excellent location

This was my second trip to Lake Sara, but the first to this particular property. Cabin as described, very spacious and had everything needed for my extended stay.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Richard B.

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

our stay

It is a beautiful home and was a warm weekend to explore the wooded surroundings. We had hoped to fish, but the lake was down a bit. Enjoyed morning coffee on the deck and back porch listening to birds. Only there 3 nights so did not need to talk to property manager.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022

8/10 Good

Eoin C.

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

Quiet fall getaway

Really enjoyed our two nights here. Plenty of space with a lovely view out onto the lake. Be sure to bring everything you need (shampoo, firewood, oil for cooking, etc.) as there was none provided.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Margaret J.

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

Switcheroo

We moved to a different property the owner had. It was just on the next street and was beautiful. We were very comfortable and enjoyed the property very much.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Holli B.

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

Beautiful

We were in town for a wedding. It was a wonderful place that accommodated our large family and allowed for us all to be able to get ready for the wedding. We enjoyed relaxing there in the mean time.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Marcy M., Champaign

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

Family get-away

We treated my Dad to a weekend at the lake for his 82nd birthday. The owners were very responsive to answering our questions prior to our arrival. We brought our boat so we could enjoy a few cruises around the lake. Recommend putting your boat in at the launch by The Rusty Reel ($5 launch fee). The cover that the house sits on is very quiet. Fishing was decent - caught some bluegill and catfish and definitely saw some bass. Beds were comfortable and we very much enjoyed the screened in porch that overlooked the lake. Was a perfect weekend for us - thanks so much!!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022