Nestled among five private wooded acres, Bending Waters is a serene escape where nature and contemporary elegance blend. Unwind by the wood-burning fireplaces, indulge in gourmet meals with river views or enjoy direct access to the Illinois River for endless adventures.
Reviews
9.69.6 out of 10
Exceptional
Entire home
4 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 133800 sq ft
Popular amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free Wi-Fi
Air-conditioning
Add dates for prices
About this property
Lake Tenkiller Family Friendly Estate on the Illinois River - Summer Getaway!
Discover Bending Waters
Nestled on five private wooded acres at the threshold of Lake Tenkiller, Bending Waters is a serene escape just steps from the beautiful Illinois River. This modern, 3,800-square-foot home blends nature with contemporary elegance, comfortably accommodating up to 13 guests.
Luxurious Living Spaces
Bending Waters boasts four bedrooms, two and a half baths, and two family rooms with wood-burning fireplaces that open onto a deck with breathtaking river views. The primary suite features a private two-person Jacuzzi, a spacious walk-in shower with body sprays and a rain-head, and a gas fireplace. It also offers direct access to the upper deck, where you can enjoy the soothing sights and sounds of the river below.
Gourmet Kitchen and Dining
The fully equipped kitchen features a cozy eating area with stunning river views, a hearth room with a fireplace and television, and access to an upper deck with a gas grill for perfect outdoor dining. Adjacent to the kitchen is a formal dining room, ideal for special gatherings.
Nature at Your Doorstep
Large windows throughout the home provide stunning views of the river and wooded acreage. The property is equipped with a security system for your peace of mind. Wildlife abounds here; you’ll spot hummingbirds, eagles, deer, turkeys, and more. The Illinois River offers exceptional fishing right in your backyard, with species like crappie, trout, bass, and catfish.
A True Escape
Bending Waters is surrounded by thousands of acres of Corps of Engineers land, accessible via a paved road and a solid rock drive. A pond with a waterfall and lilies welcomes you to this tranquil retreat, nestled in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains and surrounded by dogwood forests and beautiful foliage.
Endless Adventures
Illinois River: Enjoy kayaking, canoeing, or rafting on 70 miles of scenic waters with outfitters providing rental equipment and shuttle services.
Fishing: Year-round fishing for black bass, white bass, striped bass, crappie, catfish, and more. Fly-fishing classes and guided trips are available.
Lake Tenkiller: Just 0.5 miles away, offering clear waters for boating, sailing, water skiing, wakeboarding, and more. Marinas provide rentals, supplies, and floating restaurants.
Scuba Diving: Explore sunken vehicles, planes, boats, and historical artifacts in waters up to 165 feet deep.
Hunting and Wildlife: Enjoy state game management areas and wildlife observation opportunities, including migratory geese, ducks, bald eagles, and more.
Golfing: Scenic championship courses are nearby for a relaxing round of golf.
Nature and Hiking: Explore trails and parks, observing diverse wildlife and stunning rock formations.
Whether you're seeking tranquility on the back deck, adventure on the river, or fun on Lake Tenkiller, Bending Waters offers an unforgettable retreat in nature. Come and create lasting memories at this beautiful home!
Property amenities
Ski
Close to skiing
Internet
Available in the house: Free WiFi
Parking and transport
Car required
Onsite parking options include a garage
Kitchen
Coffee grinder
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Dishwasher
Hob
Ice maker
Kitchen island
Microwave
Oven
Paper towels
Refrigerator
Spices
Toaster
Dining
Dining table
Bedrooms
4 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
2.5 bathrooms
Bathtub or shower
Hair dryer
Jetted bathtub
Shower
Soap
Toilet paper
Towels provided
Living spaces
Dining table
Fireplace
Living room
Separate dining area
Entertainment
DVD player
Smart TV with cable/satellite channels
Stereo
Video library
Outdoor areas
Balcony
Firepit
Garden
Gas grill
Outdoor furniture
Yard
Laundry
Laundry facilities
Washing machine
Work spaces
Desk
Comfort
Air conditioning
Heating
Pets
Pet friendly
Welcoming dogs only
3 pets total
Suitability/Accessibility
No lift
Smoke-free property
Services and conveniences
Iron/ironing board
Phone
Location highlights
In a rural location
Near a hospital
Near the marina
On a river
On the waterfront
Things to do
Bicycles
Boat
Golf
Kayak
Optional golf privileges
Water sports equipment
Basketball nearby
Birdwatching nearby
Fishing nearby
Golfing nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Horseback riding nearby
Hunting nearby
Ice skating nearby
Jet skiing nearby
Kayaking nearby
Motor boating nearby
Mountain biking nearby
Rafting nearby
Rock climbing nearby
Sailing nearby
Scuba diving nearby
Snorkelling nearby
Swimming nearby
Water skiing nearby
Water tubing nearby
Wildlife walks nearby
Windsurfing nearby
Safety features
Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Rules
Check in time is 4:00 PM on the date of your arrival
Check out time is 11:00 AM on the date of your departure
No Smoking allowed in the House
Date Changes require $50 Change Fee
Early checkin/out require $50 +/- 2 hours
Check-in will require an accurate guest/pet count any additional un-reported guest/pets will be considered a breach of contract
Pets
Pets are allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
3 total pets
Restrictions apply; for more information contact the property on the number on the booking confirmation
Note from host: Fee covers 3 dogs, extra dogs per request + fee
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Events
Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
Events Fee $1500.00 ($500.00 Refundable) 40 Guest
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
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
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 40
Note from host: Events Fee $1500.00 ($500.00 Refundable) 40 Guest
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
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
We should mention
This property does not have any lifts
A car is required for transport to and from this property
About the area
Located in Tahlequah, this holiday home is in a rural area and on the waterfront. George M. Murrell Home and Tsa La Gi Ancient Village - Cherokee Heritage Center are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Gruber State Game Management Area and Cherokee Landing State Park. Enjoy the area's slopes with skiing, and don't miss out on the ice skating. Visit our Tahlequah travel guide
Is Lake Tenkiller Family Friendly Estate on the Illinois River - Summer Getaway! pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 3 total). Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.
How much is parking at Lake Tenkiller Family Friendly Estate on the Illinois River - Summer Getaway!?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Lake Tenkiller Family Friendly Estate on the Illinois River - Summer Getaway!?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Lake Tenkiller Family Friendly Estate on the Illinois River - Summer Getaway!?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Lake Tenkiller Family Friendly Estate on the Illinois River - Summer Getaway! located?
Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is 0.4 mi (0.7 km) from Tenkiller Ferry Lake and within 6 miles (10 km) of John Ross Museum and George M. Murrell Home. Cherokee Heritage Center and Cherokee Casino Tahlequah are also within 9 miles (15 km).
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Lake Tenkiller Family Friendly Estate on the Illinois River - Summer Getaway! Reviews
Reviews
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Great spot for a relaxing getaway. Comfortable and well-equipped. Mornings and evenings spent on the deck enjoying the birds and the view. Deer out front in the morning. Great spot for the family to enjoy time together with easy day trips to hiking and sightseeing.
It was very nice and spacious! Communication was so easy and accommodating. The kids loved fishing off the river and the journey down and up the pathway. Was a bit of a hike but still manageable. The rooms do not have curtains or blinds so the sunrise gets you moving!
Great home for our family stay! Enjoyed the views of the river, wildlife, and birds! We even caught a glimpse of a Bald Eagle soaring over the river!!!
The property is beautiful and the deer come right up in the yard! The house is very spacious and cleverly built plenty of places to relax, will definitely be back!
We loved our stay here. The river was a treat that we all enjoyed even though it's not the easiest to get down to. The home was large enough to accommodate our group of 11 very comfortably. It was well stocked and the owners/property manager were very attentive.
The House ia very spacious and just a short hike to the river. Very secluded and wildlife everywhere including snakes and a Bald Eagle!! View is great! The manager Debbie is very helpful!
Beautiful property with lovely river views. There are a lot of very nice upgrades and amenities at the house- for instance primary shower. Woodwork in house is lovely and kitchen is well-stocked. It appeared to be one of the only houses with access to the river. We enjoyed playing in the river there. The path is a little treacherous, but my 4-year old and my parents in their 60s all made it down and up safely. Check out processes were minimal, which was appreciated. There are some missed opportunities to make it a really excellent stay. But they didn’t keep us from enjoying the weekend.
The stay at Bending Waters for a birthday celebration was wonderful. The views were amazing. Sitting on the back deck and seeing the river and watching the birds was a treat. The kitchen was a dream-literally everything was provided to prepare meals. The additional fridge in the garage was a blessing! The open spaces made it very comfortable for ten people. The drive to the lake was very easy and convenient. All we needed was another day or two...or more. It's a trip we will all with hold dear to our hearts.
My sister, niece, and I stayed here for 4 nights. We had the best time. The set up of the home was perfect for our needs and had all the necessary amenities. I loved the setting of the house in the woods. It was beautiful and peaceful. We tried tubing one day on the Illinois River but the water was so low that it was not great tubing. One day we went to the Cherokee State Park and swam with tubes off the rocky beach. It was so much fun! Lunch at Nancy's Homemade Pies and Cafe provided us with delicious homemade pies for lunch. Ken was a super good host. The property manager was great, too, keeping up with our needs.
Nice property. Lots of space and beds. Close to the access for the river (2 minute drive/15 minute walk). Communicative host. And great location. I think the only thing I'd say I wish was out of their control. The river was pretty low. Where you walk down to get to the river from the property was really just stagnant water followed by super high weeds/grass area so you couldn't really get to water whereas I thought I'd be able to sit and fish or something. I'm sure it's better when the river is higher but that was the only thing that bummed me out. It was still sweet because we just hopped over to the access area which has a ton of space to park and fish. Again, out of their control and still an extremely great place and I wouldn't drop any stars.
This house was gorgeous and the perfect place for our family to gather during my kids 3 graduation ceremonies from NSU! The hosts were wonderful, super supportive, and very accommodating after another property had cancelled on us last minute. We will definitely be staying again.