Whether you want to step away from the city life, have a quiet weekend, a girl’s trip, or a blast with your family at the beach, this is the place for you! You will be greeted with modern amenities and a fantastic lake view!
Stay at our newly renovated 3 level lake cabin. Master suites occupy both the entire top and bottom levels of the home allowing privacy for multiple couples or families. The main level is a communal space with an open floor plan, access to the deck, and views of the lake.
The space
Step away from your normal chaos and let us pamper you with our lake home! You can cozy up and read a book, sit on the beach, take out the kayaks, enjoy a game night, or whatever makes you relax. We have some games and books provided for you during your stay! We have provided you with coffee and an espresso machine for your morning views of the lake! A gas grill and utensils are provided to have a bbq lakeside also! We have kayaks, and some beach gear for you to enjoy. Come the evening, take a break next to the fire pit under the stars!
The lake can be a wonderful place to visit anytime of year! Cold months bring in the eagles to watch. February is the height of the season. Fishing is great all year round. The relaxing sound of nature can never be beat. So we hope to see you soon!
Check out our Facebook page for events near, and much more! *McCarthy Lake House*
Guest access
We are close to: State Ridge State Forest, Dickson Mounds, Big Horse Winery, Chautauqua National Park, Spring Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area, Emiquon Nature Preserve, Rice Lake State Fish and Wildlife Park, Orchard Hill Apple Orchard, Lakeland park, and Big Creek Park.
No laundry is on site, but there is a laundromat close by in town if you need.
We own the beach directly in front of the house, and two lots to the left. You have access to all 3 during your stay. Please note that beach access varies with the level of the lake and the Illinois River. Generally, beach availability is only affected in early Spring if at all when river levels are high.
Other things to note
Guests are welcome to bring their own boats and jet skis to put into the water. Ramp access is not far from the home. Please just let us know prior to leave you the key to the public ramp.
Guests are welcome to bring floats and any beach/ pool like items to enjoy in the water. While we have spent a lot of time cleaning the beach and yard, we do recommend water shoes. There is no current in the lake. Don’t forget your fishing gear! Life jackets are provided with the kayaks. Please use with caution and swim at your own risk.
We are not an openly free pet home. However, if you need to bring your fur baby along, please reach out. With some guests who may be allergic a cleaning fee would be applied, and also a non refundable pet deposit.
Some good bug spray is a must! Being on the water and sand, their are lots of different crawling and flying insects. Keeping the lights off in the evening outside, and the doors shut, will help this issue a lot. We spray around the house, but the critters are inevitable.
Our home is on a busy highway with semi traffic. We don’t mind the sounds, or even notice, but we understand that some may. If you think it could be bothersome, maybe bring some earplugs along.
Please note: There are stairs! There are 3 to get onto the porch on the front of the house. The main level does not have a bathroom. There is a hideaway bed, but no bathroom in the main level. Master suites are in both the top and bottom floors with stairs to each. * If you have mobility issues this house is not for you, there are also multiple steps to the beach.* Take a look at the photos, and feel free to ask any questions of you may be concerned.
I have provided things such as: a graco pack n play, bags set, frisbeer, frisbee golf set, mobile beer pong, yardzee, beach chairs, 3 adult kayaks, 1 kid or small adult kayak, beach toys, beach towels, a couple small coolers, Bose portable speaker, gas grill, a keriug coffee pot with ground insert, an espresso machine, and outdoor seating on the deck. A wood fire pit is on the beach, and also one in the yard. You are welcome to bring your own wood for a fire there! Weenie sticks available!
*Valid government ID will be required to book. This should be the person booking. You can upload this on Airbnb.
*No third-party bookings, the guest who books, must be present and will be held responsible for damages.
*We expect our home to be treated with respect, no parties, no loud music, pick up after yourself, and keep the home in good order when leaving. Follow all the checkout rules. NO smoking/vaping in the home, if done outside pick up the garbage.
*Swimming and kayak use is at your (and guests on your reservation) own risk. By booking with us you accept full responsibility and hold the owners harmless. There are potential dangers and risks with swimming and kayaking present with children as well as any person. Life jackets are REQUIRED. It is not recommended that anyone swim or kayak while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. By booking with us you accept full responsibility for any accidents and understand the risks and assume full responsibility for yourself and for the consequences of those in your party and hold the owners harmless.
*If property is damaged, not cared for or items are missing you may be charged accordingly.
*We are not responsible for items lost or left behind by guests.