Tom and Michelle provide a relaxing, hidden retreat. They have every detail covered. Many lasting memories made.

The house was clean, spacious, and we loved the porch looking onto the pond. Had a little trouble with code to get in, but Tom and Michelle answered right away and got it fixed. Nice secluded area to relax and decompress!

The property is absolutely amazing and just as seen in the pictures. The large room easily holds 12 adults comfortably and the open kitchen is perfect for entertaining. A very large wooden table with benches is amazing for eating all together - we were there with 6 adults and 4 teenagers and were extremely comfortable. 2 full baths make it very easy for a large group to function even after very active days. The Starved Rock State Parke with 20 miles of hiking trails is minutes from the property, and the Kayak rental is in walking distance. Everything was truly amazing; the pond has a soothing fountain that you can hear at night. Just wish there were not as many mosquitoes!! The porch is fenced in and allows for a bug free outdoor experience with a beautiful view over the pond. The owners were super nice and EXTEREMLY kind - including outstanding pizza and high end dinner recommendations right in town - we even got to meet the chef and owner of the local gem restaurant Mia Casa - highly recommended Italian restaurant that can rival any Chicago downtown place. If you are looking for an active but quiet and very private get-away with a larger group, this is your place!!

Such a unique spot! We all really enjoyed the screened-in porch, listening to the pond’s fountain. I enjoyed fishing in the ponds and being outdoors. While we were just a family of four, it is a great spot for big groups. The owner texted a lot of good suggestions for dining in the area. I would not hesitate in recommending this property.

This was the perfect location for a quiet weekend for an all ladies weekend with the bride, her family, grooms family, and bridesmaids. We grilled, played games, had a bonfire, went to town, the marina for dinner, and whatnot. Perfect location! Close to Ottawa in case you forgot anything. Close to North Utica for the great places in town. The house is absolutely perfect! The younger ladies stayed in the bunk room and bonded. The older ladies stayed in the two queen room. It was absolutely perfect! Across from Starved Rock Kayak. Next time we hope bring our own. We had the most incredible time! The bride-to-be said we hit it completely out of the park picking this incredible property! I highly recommend staying here! It is secluded yet close to everything. A+ property!

This past weekend, I visited this property for a boys' outing, which included both my buddies and those of my son. It was a time filled with mirth and unforgettable moments that spanned the entire week. We were captivated by the fantastic fishing experience and took delight in the well-appointed rooms. The spacious living room, which also incorporated the kitchen, was a highlight that we all relished. The hosts were incredibly welcoming, ensuring that all our needs were catered to, which added to the pleasantness of our stay.

The hosts went over and beyond to make our stay enjoyable. We loved the basket of treats that surprised us at our available. The home was clean, sanitary, and comfortable. The open floor plan allowed for ample space for our group of 15 to spend time together. We enjoyed the the large seating areas that allowed for us to eat and play board games together. The kitchen was well stocked with everything needed to cook and enjoy meals. The beds were comfortable. The setting is beautiful with a pond in the back yard. We laughed a lot made memories that we will cherish.

Second time I have stayed at one of the hosts properties near starved rock and it was absolutely beautiful. The pictures online don’t do the property justice, the size is huge and was perfect for a weekend get away. Not only was the place clean and accommodating but the host Tom was easy to reach at all times and gave us really good recommendations on restaurants and things to do in the area. Truly appreciate the great hospitality he provided this past weekend.

Great

Private pond, woods, meadows, a drive-way long enough to insure privacy. Friends, food, conversation and new grand memories. No need to say anymore.

It was great. This was my first time renting a property like this. I will definitely recommend it anyone else.

Wonderful time with friends. Property is in a great location near Starved Rock. Host communication was instant and friendly. I look forward to coming back!

The private lake house is a peaceful retreat just a little over an hour away from Chicago. The property has everything needed to serve as a pleasant home away from home. The close proximity to Starved Rock, I & M Canal bike trail, and decent dining options in Ottawa/Utica makes this property very convenient. Personally, I enjoyed dropping a kayak in the lakes on the property and spending quality time fishing in the morning and before dusk. During the day, I explored the trails at Starved Rock or just relaxed at the house. The kitchen had everything I needed to prepare my meals, but when I did decide to go out for dinner, I took the owner's advice and visited Casa Mia in Ottawa. I will definitely be back to enjoy this property and all it has to offer.

Wanted peace. Got it. Wanted solitud fir my family. Got it. Wanted good memories. I will have those forever. A short frive from Chicagoland really make s this home a gem. Clean property, NICELY furnished with just about everything you need, responsive owners, and the outdoors you want! Thank you for the gracious stay. We loved it and will be back!

Well-kept and spacious property. From staying in the nicely appointed house itself, to walking the surrounding area, we enjoyed our time there immensely. The proximity to Starved Rock was convenient as well. Overall, it was a great experience.

We hosted my parents 50th anniversary and it was an incredible time. Tom and Michelle quickly responsded to any questions I had. The property is amazing, and extremely close to Starved Rock and driving distance to Ottawa. Definitely planning to return.

We had the best time here! The property is beautiful and so peaceful. Thank you for such a wonderful escape!

The home is in perfect condition and exactly as described! My only suggestion would be to add a few more chairs to the dining table so that large groups can sit together for meals and play games. Beds were comfortable, outdoor rocking chairs welcoming and although we didn't use it, firepit looked like good times would be had by all sitting around it.

Excellent. We will go back next year.

Lovely, beautiful, serene and clean property. Easy and prompt communication with the property manager.

Lovely, beautiful, serene and clean property. Easy and prompt communication with the property manager.

Lovely, beautiful, serene and clean property. Easy and prompt communication with the property manager.

The house was nice. The property was very pretty. We had 3 sets of Canadian goose parents with babies at the time of our stay it was fun to watch them. The house is also very conveniently located to everything we wanted to see. We would stay again.

The house was nice. The property was very pretty. We had 3 sets of Canadian goose parents with babies at the time of our stay it was fun to watch them. The house is also very conveniently located to everything we wanted to see. We would stay again.

Just wonderful- great host and even better vacation. Amazing access to 2 cute towns, and of course Starved Rock park. We would return!

We enjoyed your stay and walking around the ponds. Very unique property for the area. My dog enjoyed her stay as well.

Great house. Love how open it was. Great porch and scenery. Very clean and comfortable. Would definitely come back!

Wonderful property, exactly as advertised. Tom was a great host, responded to questions immediately and offered lots of helpful suggestions. The pictures don’t do the property justice. We’d so rent this property again.