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MULTI-FAMILY YEAR-ROUND FULLY-STOCKED AND FULLY DECORATED HOME

 
 
 
Elkhorn house rental - No nearby neighbors to worry about bothering!
No nearby neighbors to worry about bothering!
 
Elkhorn house rental - No nearby neighbors to worry about bothering!

No nearby neighbors to worry about bothering!

The best view of the lake is right from our deck!

The best view of the lake is right from our deck!

Come and get it! Full dining room table nearby (didn't fit in photo).

Come and get it! Full dining room table nearby (didn't fit in photo).

Make yourselves at home in a lodge-like setting

Make yourselves at home in a lodge-like setting

Tennis, anyone? Great for exercise, tournaments or getting out of doing dishes.

Tennis, anyone? Great for exercise, tournaments or getting out of doing dishes.

Fun for all ages! (Younger child play area also. See other photos.)

Fun for all ages! (Younger child play area also. See other photos.)

Now it's time for the adults to play. What goes on in the tavern...

Now it's time for the adults to play. What goes on in the tavern...

Karaoke, darts, piano, etc. (BYOB) ...stays in the tavern!

Karaoke, darts, piano, etc. (BYOB) ...stays in the tavern!

First one there gets the master bedroom? frplc, private bath with jacuzzi tub.

First one there gets the master bedroom? frplc, private bath with jacuzzi tub.

Parents w/ baby? Call dibs on this triple-insulated nursery w/rocking chair incl

Parents w/ baby? Call dibs on this triple-insulated nursery w/rocking chair incl

Remember the Waltons? Try the triplebunk area...

Remember the Waltons? Try the triplebunk area...

Don't want to miss a thing? Be within earshot behind the door but w/half wall.

Don't want to miss a thing? Be within earshot behind the door but w/half wall.

A little slice of sunporch heaven, with a sleeper sofa that's actually comfy!

A little slice of sunporch heaven, with a sleeper sofa that's actually comfy!

Seats 20 for meals, and just as many for TV/games in the other half of the room.

Seats 20 for meals, and just as many for TV/games in the other half of the room.

Sledding starting point in winter, bocce ball court in summer.

Sledding starting point in winter, bocce ball court in summer.

The canoe and kayaks are in the boat house waiting to go out. Dock not pictured.

The canoe and kayaks are in the boat house waiting to go out. Dock not pictured.

This is enough snow for pulling the sleds out from under the sunporch. whoosh!

This is enough snow for pulling the sleds out from under the sunporch. whoosh!

Curtains can be closed for early morning darkness; the coffee will lure you out

Curtains can be closed for early morning darkness; the coffee will lure you out

Enjoy your own sports while being inspired by jerseys of our favorite athletes.

Enjoy your own sports while being inspired by jerseys of our favorite athletes.

Those who like the rainforest feel will enjoy the 2 person shower with seats.

Those who like the rainforest feel will enjoy the 2 person shower with seats.

Dinner for 12 here, plus 10 more at the island. Perfect for holidays, too.

Dinner for 12 here, plus 10 more at the island. Perfect for holidays, too.

The best bunk of all is to the right, a king-sized upper level spot for forts!

The best bunk of all is to the right, a king-sized upper level spot for forts!

The Kiddie Corral has books, games, toys galore! You can play while they play!

The Kiddie Corral has books, games, toys galore! You can play while they play!

The half wall has the little ones feeling secure, but not underfoot.

The half wall has the little ones feeling secure, but not underfoot.

Per night (USD) $1,075
Per week $7,525
  • Bedrooms6
  • Sleeps20
  • 4 Bathrooms

Photos and Description of the Elkhorn vacation house rental
5 bedrooms plus bunkbed loft for 10 children (sleeps 20 total), 4 full baths

Not far from Lake Geneva, our spacious and comfy house is prominently situated on spring-fed Lauderdale Lakes in Elkhorn, WI, just bursting with knick knacks and activities. It's the perfect place for family reunions, weekends away with friends and children, golf foursomes, girls' get-away weekends, etc. Everyone can stay under the same roof instead of in different hotel rooms, waking up together to enjoy all the comforts of home. You're welcome to use anything that's out, from my mom's home-thrown pottery, to the abundant collections of books, movies, games and toys--for all ages (motorized vehicles excluded for insurance purposes). Adults can avoid drinking and driving by singing karaoke in the tavern downstairs while the kids play in the nearby rec rooms. Or borrow our canoe and paddleboats (and life jackets) and go out on the lake. Truly, plenty to do for all ages in all kinds of weather. Sleeps 10 adults and 10 kids comfortably, with a triple bunk area for cousins and friends.

Escape to Wisconsin! (Just not after The PROM. We are a PROM-FREE ZONE.) Truly a home away from home, our house has that lived-in feel because it IS lived in by us, as often as possible. But when we're not using it, we hope you'll love, appreciate and care for it just like we do.

Perfect for larger groups: Family reunions, College reunions (no recent grads, please!), girls' getaway weekends, golf groups, extended family get-togethers that nobody wants to host--you name it! It's easy to maximize valuable time together when you're all under one roof. Doing the dishes is more fun at someone else's house, right? We assume groups staying here share our love of the family setting and will embrace the home-like atmosphere while putting up with our personal belongings. This is not The Hilton! It's neutral territory but with all the comforts of home. You have the run of an entire well-stocked house instead of trying to squeeze into various hotel suites for Happy Hour or family game time. There's plenty for all ages to do without ever leaving the premises!

Easy access!: Drive up from Chicagoland, hop over from Milwaukee or Madison, or fly into either O'hare or Milwaukee and head straight there. Use Mapquest or our map. We haven't had anyone get lost yet (except for my brother-in-law years ago, and we're still looking for him).

Activities galore!: All ages, all weather, there really is something for everyone. 3 gas fireplaces keep the place toasty for marshmallow roasting. A/C takes the edge off in the sultry months. Towels and linens are on-site so you don't have to lug them along. Feel free to use our coolers for beach play or paddle boat rides, take advantage of local activities, or just hang around the house and relax. Mini driveway tennis gives you an activity right outside the garage door (a tennis/paddle hybrid), and there are scooters and toys to keep the little ones occupied when you're sweating through a tie-breaker. Not quite ready to settle down after dinner? How about Pictionary?

Put in a good movie for the kids (and grandma) while the adults head down to the Tavern on the lower level. Sit at the bar (someone can play bartender; don't forget to BYOB), or grab the mike and commandeer the karaoke machine. Play darts, cards, or the piano, have a few beverages, and then all you have to do is find your bedroom before someone else steals it from you! The next thing you'll be aware of is the smell of coffee wafting from the kitchen, and the murmur of the early risers as they hang stumble into the great room to start another fun day.

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About Chris Castino

My husband and I are both from large families, so when we bought what the tax assessor informally dubbed 'the best lot on the lake,' we decided to build a home big enough to comfortably house everyone from infants to grandparents. It has served us well over the years as we've hosted our share of family reunions, groups of friends with kids, parents without kids, surprise parties, girls' weekends, guys' golf trips--you name it! We know firsthand how beautifully it works for all those demographics. Our 3 daughters have grown up there, creating priceless childhood memories. As they get older and less available to spend time there, I've pinned my hopes on coming full circle and being in the Grandma role myself someday, with all our tried and true lake house traditions intact and the baby cradles back in action! There's hope on the horizon. Our oldest (the one who used to get us up religiously at 5:30 am to go fishing down on the dock) just got engaged on the lake this summer. Literally--out on the paddle boat! I can't wait to spend family weekends there with little ones again. This next time around I'll sigh contentedly, roll over and go back to sleep while she pulls on the rubber gloves I used to wear ( for taking the fish off the hook and tossing them back in) and heads down to the beach...

Chris Castino purchased this house in 1994
Why Chris Castino chose Elkhorn

My husband's parents had a place on Lauderdale Lakes from the time he was in high school. (Don't tell him, but trips to the lake were part of the appeal in dating him! I learned to water ski here at the ripe old age of 23, honing my beer pong skills as well.) Being one of 9 children, they had to share time at the lake so holidays were full family events and then each of the kids got a week in the summer via the family lottery system. We were up there with our young children during 'our' week. The thought of owning our own lake home was a distant dream. As we putzed around in his parents' classic pontoon boat (It's still up and running!) we spotted a For Sale sign down by the lakefront. The rest is history. Even though we weren't really in the market yet, we couldn't pass up the opportunity to build a customized home on the best location on the lake. If we'd waited until the right time, we would've missed out on so many years of fun. We've thanked our lucky stars a million times over that we were in the right place at the right time! Gotta love serendipity!

What makes this house unique

We love being immersed in nature, yet having all the modern conveniences of a comfy home. We put many many hours and lots of experience into designing a house that would work for lots of bodies of all ages, and it paid off. I spent years filling and furnishing it (to an extreme, my husband claims. And I can't really argue with him there), so it doesn't seem like a rental. You feel more like it's your house once you settle in. It pretty much has everything we need, so basically that means we have almost everything you might need! The location is so easy for everyone to get to, being a short drive from the northern suburbs of Chicago where we live, as well as an easy ride from major airports. In the early years we used to squeeze in one last night, leaving early Monday morning to get the kids to school in time. They were a little groggy, but it was worth it. If we'd taken two cars up, my youngest and I would play hooky (don't tell the truant officer) and wander home at our leisure. She didn't suffer academically, and we have those extra special memories of one -on-one time together just doing puzzles and building sandcastles. Ah, don't get me started. We love our house! So we love it when others enjoy and appreciate it to its full potential.

Elkhorn house rental - No nearby neighbors to worry about bothering!

No nearby neighbors to worry about bothering!

The best view of the lake is right from our deck!

The best view of the lake is right from our deck!

Come and get it! Full dining room table nearby (didn't fit in photo).

Come and get it! Full dining room table nearby (didn't fit in photo).

Make yourselves at home in a lodge-like setting

Make yourselves at home in a lodge-like setting

Tennis, anyone? Great for exercise, tournaments or getting out of doing dishes.

Tennis, anyone? Great for exercise, tournaments or getting out of doing dishes.

Fun for all ages! (Younger child play area also. See other photos.)

Fun for all ages! (Younger child play area also. See other photos.)

Now it's time for the adults to play. What goes on in the tavern...

Now it's time for the adults to play. What goes on in the tavern...

Karaoke, darts, piano, etc. (BYOB) ...stays in the tavern!

Karaoke, darts, piano, etc. (BYOB) ...stays in the tavern!

First one there gets the master bedroom? frplc, private bath with jacuzzi tub.

First one there gets the master bedroom? frplc, private bath with jacuzzi tub.

Parents w/ baby? Call dibs on this triple-insulated nursery w/rocking chair incl

Parents w/ baby? Call dibs on this triple-insulated nursery w/rocking chair incl

Remember the Waltons? Try the triplebunk area...

Remember the Waltons? Try the triplebunk area...

Don't want to miss a thing? Be within earshot behind the door but w/half wall.

Don't want to miss a thing? Be within earshot behind the door but w/half wall.

A little slice of sunporch heaven, with a sleeper sofa that's actually comfy!

A little slice of sunporch heaven, with a sleeper sofa that's actually comfy!

Seats 20 for meals, and just as many for TV/games in the other half of the room.

Seats 20 for meals, and just as many for TV/games in the other half of the room.

Sledding starting point in winter, bocce ball court in summer.

Sledding starting point in winter, bocce ball court in summer.

The canoe and kayaks are in the boat house waiting to go out. Dock not pictured.

The canoe and kayaks are in the boat house waiting to go out. Dock not pictured.

This is enough snow for pulling the sleds out from under the sunporch. whoosh!

This is enough snow for pulling the sleds out from under the sunporch. whoosh!

Curtains can be closed for early morning darkness; the coffee will lure you out

Curtains can be closed for early morning darkness; the coffee will lure you out

Enjoy your own sports while being inspired by jerseys of our favorite athletes.

Enjoy your own sports while being inspired by jerseys of our favorite athletes.

Those who like the rainforest feel will enjoy the 2 person shower with seats.

Those who like the rainforest feel will enjoy the 2 person shower with seats.

Dinner for 12 here, plus 10 more at the island. Perfect for holidays, too.

Dinner for 12 here, plus 10 more at the island. Perfect for holidays, too.

The best bunk of all is to the right, a king-sized upper level spot for forts!

The best bunk of all is to the right, a king-sized upper level spot for forts!

The Kiddie Corral has books, games, toys galore! You can play while they play!

The Kiddie Corral has books, games, toys galore! You can play while they play!

The half wall has the little ones feeling secure, but not underfoot.

The half wall has the little ones feeling secure, but not underfoot.

Nearest Airport : Milwaukee or O'Hare at 30 Miles
Nearest Motorway : 12/67 at 8 Miles
Car: necessary

Enjoy a panoramic view of the lake from our private point, 900 ft of shoreline on 2 acres. Secluded, but an easy drive to groceries, restaurants, outings.

Local highlights: Old World Wisconsin (a living museum; experience life in the pioneer days), Kettle Moraine Trails for hiking, biking and x-country skiing; downhill skiing and outdoor concerts at Alpine Valley, water park, shows and dining at The Grand Geneva Resort--all within 15- 20 minutes. Marina on the lake for rentals--or bring your own boat to the public launch. Plenty to do, indoors and out. Build a sandcastle on our little beach, play driveway tennis or get out the sidewalk chalk, or enjoy a game of Scrabble in front of a roaring fire. Equipped for everyone from babies to grandparents. Our house is not a typical stark rental, but is chock full of what makes it our slice of heaven--knick knacks, games, toys. Slide our clothes to the side to make room in the closets for an extended stay, and make yourselves at home!

Other Activities: Karaoke! Speedboat rentals available. Laundry facilities on-site.

Golf: Evergreen Golf Course

Hawksview

Grand Geneva Resort

Ski: Grand Geneva Resort

Alpine Valley

Available
  
Unavailable
Special Offer
Updated:
May 9, 2013
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Changeover Day: negotiable

Rental Rates for this vacation house rental in Elkhorn, Wisconsin

Rental Basis:
Per property
Rental rates quoted in:
US Dollar
Convert Currency
Rate Period Nightly Weekend Night Weekend Weekly Monthly Event Minimum Stay
 
Summer
May 17 2013 - Oct 1 2013
$1,075
$1,075
$3,225
$7,525
3 Nights
 

Additional information about rental rates

Cleaning $275

Notes

  • Discounts may be offered during off-season, or 3 night minimum reduced to 2 during non-peak times.
  • One third non-refundable deposit needed in order to hold reservation in your name.

    We operate on a first-come first-served basis. Avoid disappointment by getting your deposit check in before someone else beats you to it.

    Final payment is due 45 days prior to arrival.

    Holiday rate is $1200. This includes Memorial Weekend, 4th of July, Labor Day, Columbus Weekend, Thanksgiving,
    Christmas, New Year's, President's Weekend, etc.
  • SORRY, NO PROM GROUPS, GRADUATION CELEBRATIONS or COLLEGE OUTINGS.

    Larger family groups may require an additional per head fee, depending on adult/child ratio and age range.

Accommodation and Amenities for this vacation house rental in Elkhorn, Wisconsin

Property Type:
  • house
Floor Area:
  • 4000 sq. ft.
Location Type:
  • Waterfront
  • Lake
Theme:
  • Family
  • Away From It All
General:
  • Telescope
  • Hair Dryer
  • Alarm Clock
  • Parking
  • Local Maps
  • Air Conditioning
  • Toilet Paper
  • Security System
  • Parking On Street
  • Sofa Bed
  • Clothes Dryer
  • Ceiling Fans
  • Fireplace
  • Heating
  • Garage
  • Thermos Bottle
  • Paper Towels
  • Iron & Board
  • Parking Off Street
  • Laundry Soap
  • Firewood
  • Telephone
  • Local Activities Guide
  • Towels Provided
  • Washing Machine
  • Basic Soaps
  • Local Restaurant Guide
  • Shampoo
  • Linens Provided
  • Activities Guide
Kitchen:
  • Dishwasher
  • Ice Maker
  • Cooking Utensils
  • Pantry Items
  • Coffee Grinder
  • Oven
  • Coffee Maker
  • Stove
  • Blender
  • 4 Ring Stove
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator
  • Toaster
  • Freezer
  • Mini Refrigerator
  • Grill
Dining:
  • Dining Area
  • Child's Highchair
  • seating for 12 people
Bathrooms:
  • 4 Bathrooms
  • Bathroom 1 - toilet , combination tub/shower
    Bathroom 2 - toilet , combination tub/shower
    Bathroom 3 - toilet , combination tub/shower , Jacuzzi 2-man shower
    Bathroom 4 - toilet , combination tub/shower , Jacuzzi 2-man shower
  • Master bath has 2 person whirlpool tub Downstairs Bath :Two person shower w/waterfall feature Bath on main floor includes tub Upstairs bath includes tub Both the upstairs bath and the main level bathroom have a door separating the toilet/tub area from the sink, so that make-up application and showers (and more delicate operations) can take place simultaneously. Not as important on the golf weekends; highly necessary on the ladies' get-away weekends. Very handy for the multi-family scene.
Bedrooms:
  • 6 Bedrooms, Sleeps 20
  • Bedroom 1 - 1 queen
    Bedroom 2 - 1 queen
    Bedroom 3 - 1 queen , 1 baby crib
    Bedroom 4 - 1 queen , 1 child bed
    Bedroom 5 - 2 double , 1 child bed , crib or cot can fit in if needed
    Bedroom 6 - 1 king , 1 queen , 1 double , 5 twin/ single , 1 child bed , Bunkbed loft area
  • 6 bedrooms, the 6th being an upstairs bunk bed loft area perfect for a variety of sizes of children. Throw 'em all in, from cousins to family friends. Parents can sleep in the 2 bedrooms nearby in case they're needed in the middle of the night. 4 bedrooms with full privacy (1 upstairs, 2 on the main floor, 1 on lower level), 1 loft w/door but open half-wall bedroom (upstairs) w/queen and child's bed, for the family who wants to hear all the fun while dozing off. Porta-crib and cot available in garage for extra little bodies. Crib in downstairs nursery annex, so parents can be a reach away in their queen but out of sight of baby. Extra insulated so nobody else hears the crying. Need to escape from a heavy snorer? A couple of couches are pull-outs. But isn't that half the fun? Everybody together under one roof, hanging out in the jammies either cementing old friendships or forming new ones. Enjoy the adult version of sleepovers or dorm life, and you can bring the kids (or not).
Entertainment:
  • Foosball
  • Books for Adults
  • Television
  • Games
  • Radio
  • Pool Table
  • Video Game Console
  • Audio Tape Player
  • Piano
  • Satellite / Cable
  • Video Games
  • Stereo
  • Toys
  • Books for Kids
  • DVD Player
  • VCR
  • Video Library
  • CD Player
  • Game Room
  • Music Library
  • Books
  • Ping Pong Table
  • Games for Kids
Outside:
  • Raft
  • Outdoor Grill Gas
  • Bicycles
  • Patio
  • Beach Chairs
  • Large Cooler
  • Barbecue
  • Boat Dock
  • Pedal Boat
  • Binoculars
  • Balcony
  • Child's Swing
  • Screen Porch / Veranda
  • Beach Towels
  • Walkway to Water
  • Wood Deck
  • Canoe
  • Small Cooler
  • Outdoor Grill
  • 6 garden chairs
  • 4 beach chairs
Suitability:
  • children welcome
  • non smoking only
  • pets not allowed
  • Long-term Renters Welcome
  • suitable for elderly or infirm
Attractions:
  • forests
  • playground
  • library
  • restaurants
  • churches
  • marina
  • recreation center
  • autumn foliage
  • museums
  • cinemas
  • water parks
Leisure Activities:
  • sledding
  • antiquing
  • paddle boating
  • scenic drives
  • walking
  • gambling casinos
  • sight seeing
  • outlet shopping
  • bird watching
  • horseback riding
Local Services & Businesses:
  • Babysitter
  • ATM/bank
  • groceries
  • fitness center
  • hospital
  • medical services
  • massage therapist
Sports & Adventure Activities:
  • mountain biking
  • golf
  • fishing
  • freshwater fishing
  • hunting small game
  • hiking
  • paragliding
  • hunting
  • jet skiing
  • tennis
  • cycling
  • skiing
  • water skiing
  • roller blading
  • wind-surfing
  • water tubing
  • sailing
  • pier fishing
  • swimming
  • ice skating
Notes: We ask that smoking only take place in the Tavern (downstairs) for the safety of the home and the comfort of future guests (not to mention our own family!) The house is not equipped with wireless (a little too rural to get signals), but the library in town has free Internet access. Besides, don't you want to leave your computers at home when you're on vacation with the gang? The kitchen area is wide with a long peninsula, which seats 12, and just on the other side of the island is a dining room table which seats another dozen. This should cover it! Feel like sneaking an extra dessert without getting caught? Just slip into the sunporch or out onto the deck, and a whole new world opens up. Small beach area by the water. Children can play with the sand toys (from boat house), supervised by adults from the plastic Adirondack chairs. The water is swimmable, but not very deep and the bottom is mushy, so borrow our aqua socks or take the paddle boat onto the lake and jump overboard.

Reviews for this vacation house rental in Elkhorn, Wisconsin

Multi-family year-round fully-stocked and fully decorated home
average rating of 4.8378377 based on 37 reviews
business
Multi-family year-round fully-stocked and fully decorated home
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p190869
+1 847-441-7394
Elkhorn Southern Wisconsin
5

Great getaway!

5 of 5
Submitted: April 16, 2013 Stayed: March 2013
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the vacation home! The house is beautiful.... Spacious, plenty of room for big groups, and so much to do! The outside is just as great with a beautiful lake and spacious yard. It is an easy ride from Chicago and close to lake Geneva. We will definitely be coming back in the future with our families!
business
Multi-family year-round fully-stocked and fully decorated home
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p190869
+1 847-441-7394
Elkhorn Southern Wisconsin
Evanston, IL
5

Fun Family Weekend

5 of 5
Submitted: February 6, 2013 Stayed: February 2013
The house was all it was billed to be . . . and more. We had three families -- 6 adults and 8 kids (ages 6 to 13). Everyone had a great time. There is lots do outside (sledding, skating, skiiing) and lots to do inside (pool, ping-pong, games galore). Our kids were super excited to find the inflatable castle and maze! The knick-knacks made "I Spy" a room-by-room favorite.

Don't park in the snow on the lower level unless you have 4 wheel drive to get back up!
Recommended for:  Girls Getaway, Families with Teenagers, Families with Young Children
Owner's Response: We love it when the house is appreciated AND Mother Nature cooperates. This group took advantage of nearby skiing at Alpine Valley, with the added luxury of on-going snowfall throughout the weekend. It also sounds like they made full use of our conglomeration of sleds. We love sharing them so people can take mini joy rides down our hill--just enough of a slope to get a good run in but not so much that the climb back up is a hassle. The drawback to the snow of course is having to navigate the driveway. They were very resourceful and found the shovels in the garage, but we don't expect you to dig yourselves out of a snowstorm--our local plow guy is on standby just waiting for a call if needed.
Skating and broomball/hockey on the lake are also great when conditions are good. And does anything beat hot chocolate (or a hot toddy) in front of the fire after an invigorating outdoor activity?!
Our year-round house welcomes people who know how to make winter their friend!
The best thing this group told me when their weekend was over? They're already checking their calendars for a summer date.
business
Multi-family year-round fully-stocked and fully decorated home
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p190869
+1 847-441-7394
Elkhorn Southern Wisconsin
Lindenhurst, IL
5

OMG - !!! This house is awesome!!!

5 of 5
Submitted: December 6, 2012 Stayed: December 2012
I took a small group of friends and their kids for a weekend, and I wish it was for two weeks! There is so much to do and so many places to hang out, giving adults and kids plenty of alone time. The great room is huge and the kitchen peninsula seats 10 or 11, and the dining table seats 10 too. So meal time was great to all be together, and the family room affords a great family game time experience. The views and privacy were top notch. The kids all loved the kayaks, canoe, and paddle boat. Super cozy feeling in all of the rooms!! We didn't need to bring half the stuff we brought, the house had everything we needed. The deck is awesome, and has a huge high end gas grill. Grilling was fun on that thing, and it didn't take long to feed everyone. The play room downstairs kept everyone busy and excited the whole time we were there. The tavern (with a fireplace too) was a great place for the adults - right next to the game room. The kids all loved the huge bunk room (so did the adults - the house layout is so cool). The owner of the house was very kind, and answered questions I hadn't asked yet!! (Regarding fun places to go if we wanted to get a bite or take a nature trail hike, etc.). The only drawback is that we were only able to stay for a weekend - I plan on taking a larger family trip as soon as possible - for a week. This is a great place to unwind (or not) for all ages and have high quality time together. Spreading out and being alone to read is easy too. The house was clean, and nothing tricky to deal with. The paddle tennis court in the big open driveway was a blast for my whole group - we played until the last minute!
I would recommend this place to anyone - in a second.
Recommended for:  Age 55+, Adventure Seekers, Girls Getaway, Tourists without a Car, Families with Teenagers, Families with Young Children, Romantic Getaway
Owner's Response: We love this kind of group--they know how to have fun, which is what our house is all about! It just goes to show that there really isn't an "off-season" if you have the right combo of people in a location with lots to do, even in the first weekend of December. Not only did this gang take full advantage of what our home has to offer, they even left the place better than they found it. They re-stocked the Pictionary dry erase markers (they tend to dry out quickly from regular use), and the ping pong paddles, which also get quite a workout, and they left the place in great shape. They would probably even do windows, but we'll save that for the cleaning service. :) It's always a little scary letting other people stay in your home, especially when it's fully stocked like ours. Our friends have suggested we put our personal belongings in storage, but that would take away half the fun, the conveniences and the ambiance out of the place. We want our visitors to feel like they're at a home away from home. Luckily, time and again people like this group have proven that the risk of opening up your home for others is low and the rewards are high. These reviewers are the prime example of that. We look forward to their return!
business
Multi-family year-round fully-stocked and fully decorated home
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p190869
+1 847-441-7394
Elkhorn Southern Wisconsin
Highland, IN
5

One of a kind Get Away

5 of 5
Submitted: December 4, 2012 Stayed: November 2012
This entire property and its owners deserve a applause. Please take a bow with pride for what you have accomplished. My family and friends joined this past weekend. We are all still talking about our time here. We have stayed several times over the years and keep coming back for many reasons. The care and dedication to the property is evident in every area. The one "poor" reviewer here may need a hug. Water access, fun room, and scenery make this home a perfect getaway, not so far away. We spent as much time looking at all of the antiques as did watching wildlife from the deck. I love this place and will return as long as possible. My kids have made me promiss to go every year. Chris is a pleasure to work with. See you next season.
Recommended for:  Age 55+, Adventure Seekers, Girls Getaway, Sightseeing, Families with Teenagers, Families with Young Children, Romantic Getaway
Owner's Response: It's unusual that 2 members from the same party post a review, but it just makes us doubly happy that they took the initiative to give some feedback to help other potential travelers make a decision. If you really want to be guaranteed a good time, you should go with these guys! They'll show you how to maximize all the nooks and crannies, play game tournaments, take advantage of Mother Nature--all while treating the house with the respect and the fun spirit it cries out for. We love it when the reviews do the talking for us. Of course, we're happy to field any questions, too, but who knows better how the house functions than those unbiased folks who have been there, right?
We truly appreciate groups like this, and look forward to more friends and families like them creating special memories under our roof.
business
Multi-family year-round fully-stocked and fully decorated home
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p190869
+1 847-441-7394
Elkhorn Southern Wisconsin
Moline, IL
5

Best Thanksgiving Ever - big enough for all 17 of us!

5 of 5
Submitted: December 3, 2012 Stayed: November 2012
We stayed in this gorgeous house with 8 adults, 9 children, ages from 2-70 years old for our Thanksgiving weekend. I can’t remember a better Thanksgiving. It was cold, but the views were still beautiful from the house. The fireplaces were awesome, and there was an abundance of firewood outside to use. We only left the house to go to the grocery store and were never bored. There is plenty to do in the house for all ages – books, card games, toys, etc. A special find was the original Nintendo with Mario 3 – lost about 4 hours from 11pm-3am one night playing! The kids and adults bonded over intense games of pool, foosball, and ping pong in the game room while the non sporty people could be away watching tv, reading a book, or spreading out in any of the many spaces in the house. The bunk room upstairs is where all the kids slept, and they loved it – what a great idea! We slept in the basement bedroom with our 2 year old in the crib. It has inspired me to buy blackout curtains because he’s never slept better in his life. We actually got to sleep in! A couple of the guys decided to do the polar plunge and jump into the lake at 23 degrees outside. Definitely a great memory for all of us – and a hilarious facebook post for the family to share. You will not want for anything at the house, the kitchen had everything we needed to prepare Thanksgiving Dinner for 17, and the owners even left us all their holiday dishes and decorations which was really wonderful of them. We broke the wishbones on the last day, and my 5 year old son won his – when we asked him what he wished for he said, “I wish we could stay here for 100 more days”, which really sums up everyone’s feelings. This is not a typical rental. I have rented numerous houses from VRBO over the past 10 years, and this is the most unique house I’ve ever stayed in. This really is someone’s home that they have decided to rent out, not a rental that someone decided to stay in occasionally. My inlaws are huge antique buffs, and loved the decorating. Every day he would find something new and say – “did you see that picture over there?” or “did you see all those antique phones?” It was really private and quiet. I would rent this house again in a moment, and highly recommend it to anyone. We had no problems, and no complaints.
Recommended for:  Girls Getaway, Families with Teenagers, Families with Young Children
Owner's Response: Not only are we lucky that such a great family celebrated Thanksgiving at our home, but the bonus is having someone who must've been an A+ English major writing a review for us! Thanks for sharing your fun anecdotes, and especially for bravely embracing our family's Polar Bear Plunge tradition. We're tickled pink that you enjoyed the Mario 3. Next time you visit, though, we might have to impose house rules on you for your own sake. When our kids were little we kept them from getting too carried away by imposing a rule that Nintendo/video games could only be played before breakfast or after dinner, especially when Mother Nature beckons everyone outdoors to play Capture the Flag, engage in a driveway paddle tennis tournament, sled down the hill even if there's just a dusting of snow. On second thought, you can play as long as you want. It's YOUR vacation, and we're so happy you chose to enjoy it at our house. Unless you win the lottery you probably won't be booking for 100 straight nights, but hopefully your son's wish will come true on a smaller scale and you'll return many times in the future.
Helpful votes: 1/1
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