Located just minutes from Decatur, Lake Shore Cottage offers a peaceful retreat. Enjoy private lake access, comfortable beds, and a workspace nook with great lake views. With plenty of windows showcasing the serene surroundings, unwind in the well-stocked kitchen or by the smoke-less fire pit.
Reviews
1010 out of 10
Exceptional
Entire home
3 bedrooms3 bathrooms1192 sq ft
Popular amenities
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet friendly
Air conditioning
Outdoor Space
Add dates for prices
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Lake Front Retreat | Kayak | Paddleboard | Fishing
Welcome to Lake Shore Cottage, hosted by Beyond the Path Vacation Rentals, where your experience is our priority. Enjoy lakefront living: fish from the private dock, paddle kayaks, relax by the fire pit, and enjoy the peaceful waterfront views. Comfortable beds, fast Wi‑Fi, huge digital game board, smart TV, fully equipped kitchen, quiet safe neighborhood, minutes to Scovill Zoo, Devon Amphitheater, Nelson Park, Splash Cove, restaurants, shopping, and available boat rental.
Beyond the Path is a small, owner‑run collection of thoughtfully designed vacation rentals where every stay is personal, not just another rental. We focus on memorable details, quick communication, and genuinely warm hospitality so you can relax, feel at home, and know someone local truly cares about your stay.
INSIDE
LIVING SPACE • Comfortable seating • Well stocked kitchen • Lots of windows with lake views • Kids nook/workspace • Two living areas (Main level and lower level) • Huge projection TV for movie nights • Infinity digital game table for hours of family fun • Keurig with starter Kcups and Drip coffee maker provided
BEDROOMS • 3 Bedrooms on 2nd Floor • Sleeper sofa in lower level • Comfortable mattresses with quality linens • Room darkening shades • Plenty of storage • Extra pillows and blankets • Luggage racks • Fans in each room
Kitchen, dining room, kids nook/workspace, 3 bedrooms, Two full baths (One on main level and one ensuite in primary bedroom) half bath in Basement and a laundry room. Basement family room with sleeper sofa and huge projection TV!
OUTSIDE • Large Weber Grill • Al Fresco dining for 8 • Private dock-Swim, fish, boat dock • 2 Hammock chairs • Lounge seating • Smoke-less fire pit (Wood not included) • Water toys-Lily pad, kayaks, paddleboard, life jackets provided. (Please note these items are seasonally available for guests safety) • Boat rental available with Pier 36 marina. Limited availability.
BATHROOMS • Shampoo, conditioner and soap provided • Plenty of towels for each guest • Full bath on main level- Tub Shower combo • Master Bedroom Full bath (second level w/bedrooms)- Stand up Shower • Additional half bath in laundry located in the lowest level.
The entire finished home is available for your use. You have full access to the dock and rear yard as well as the 3 parking spaces in front of the home. The garage is not available for guest use.
There is a dishwasher on-site but please note it is in the lower level and not in the primary cooking space.
The day of check-in my cell phone will be provided to help answer questions throughout your stay or should any type of issue arise. Please feel free to text me anytime!
Very safe, quiet wooded lake road with quaint houses and very little traffic.
PARKING- 3 spots at the home are for guest use up to a mid size car size, 2 if they are full size vehicles or 1 if its an extended or extra large vehicle (please park this one parallel). There is no additional parking. Under no circumstances can you park anywhere other than directly in front of the Lake Shore Cottage. Please be careful pulling in as to not hit the safety rail at the front of the parking area. Parking is directly in front of the home with a staircase down to the front door (handrail provided). If more than three cars of parking space are needed they will need to be parked off-site.
This home has been completely remodeled but is an older construction. The stairwells are a bit narrow and steep (hand rails provided) and there are some ceiling areas that are lower than normal. Please be aware before booking or message me with questions if you are unsure.
Nelson park marina is available to drop in a boat. The dock is available for swimming or to dock your boat for your stay. A smoke-less fire pit is provided but we do not provide firewood. Please plan to bring your own if you would like to enjoy this amenity. The fire pit accommodates up to 16" logs or you can use Tiki wood packets for a "light and enjoy" experience :-)
Security- Cameras can view the front parking area, steps, front door and rear yard/dock/shed areas. Cameras are for security purposes only and are not monitored so please do not rely on these for personal safety. This home is equipped with devices that monitor the environment inside the property (including noise levels, temperature, and air quality) to ensure guests have a pleasant stay and our neighbors are not disturbed. Devices do not record sound for privacy and comply with all booking platform policies. For further information about these devices you can visit minut.com. Tampering with any device can result in immediate termination of the booking with no refund.
As a private small business owner, we do require a separate renters agreement and a deposit hold for each booking. We abide by all privacy regulations required for all online businesses and maintain a high guest satisfaction rating. Should you have questions regarding this, please reach out. We are happy to answer any questions you may have!
Property amenities
Internet
Available in the cottage: WiFi
Parking and transportation
Car recommended
Parking on site
Kitchen
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Microwave
Oven
Refrigerator
Spices
Stovetop
Toaster
Dining
Dining table
Bedrooms
3 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
2.5 bathrooms
Bathtub or shower
Hair dryer
Shower
Towels provided
Living spaces
Dining table
Separate dining area
Entertainment
Books
Games
Smart TV
Stereo
Outdoor areas
Balcony
Barbecue grill
Firepit
Garden
Laundry
Laundry facilities
Washing machine
Comfort
Air conditioning
Heating
Pets
Pet friendly
Welcoming dogs only
2 pets total
Suitability/Accessibility
Smoking not allowed
Services and conveniences
Iron/ironing board
Location highlights
Near a health/beauty spa
Near a hospital
Near a zoo
Near the marina
On a lake
On the waterfront
Things to do
Kayak
Water park
Water sports equipment
Birdwatching nearby
Fishing nearby
Golfing nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Kayaking nearby
Motor boating nearby
Mountain biking 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
Check-out instructions
The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks, and take out the trash
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
If water craft, life jackets or floats are used, these need to be put back the way they were found in dry condition. Thank you!
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Rules
Guest is required to sign a renter agreement. Security deposit required. Cancellation fee applies.
Minimum age to rent is 21. No smoking. No parties or events without prior written permission.
Pets accepted with written approval and additional pet fee.
Pets
Pets allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
2 total pets
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Events
No events allowed
Must be approved in writing by Host
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
Note from host: Must be approved in writing by Host
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
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
A car is recommended for transportation to and from this property
About the area
Located in Decatur, this cottage is on the waterfront. Lincoln Trail Homestead State Park and Nelson Park reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Children's Museum of Illinois and Scovill Zoo. Kirkland Fine Arts Center and Heroic Age Arts Center are also worth visiting. Kayaking and water skiing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with cycling and hiking nearby. Visit our Decatur travel guide
Is Lake Front Retreat | Kayak | Paddleboard | Fishing pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).
How much does it cost to stay at Lake Front Retreat | Kayak | Paddleboard | Fishing?
As of May 12, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Lake Front Retreat | Kayak | Paddleboard | Fishing on Jun 12, 2026 start from CA $807, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking?
Onsite parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Lake Front Retreat | Kayak | Paddleboard | Fishing?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Lake Front Retreat | Kayak | Paddleboard | Fishing?
Check-out is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Lake Front Retreat | Kayak | Paddleboard | Fishing located?
Situated on the waterfront, this cottage is within 3 mi (5 km) of Nelson Park, Overlook Adventure Park, and Nelson Dog Park. Children's Museum of Illinois is 2.9 mi (4.6 km) away.
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Lake Front Retreat | Kayak | Paddleboard | Fishing 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.
House was very clean and updated. House also has a great deck with a wonderful view of the lake. Would definitely stay again.
Haha75
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2025
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
ANDREA M.
May 15, 2024
amazing stay
What a gift this beautiful home was to our family! It was clean, home-y, stocked with tons to do and everything we needed!
ANDREA M.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Kyle R.
Oct 17, 2024
Beautiful Spot
It looks just like the photos! The access to the lake is awesome, though it was a bit cold during our trip. The cottage was clean and cozy, a great place for a weekend getaway!
Stayed for a work event taking place in Decatur. Was a very quiet, clean, relaxing place to unwind at the end of the day. Will try to stay here again for future trips to Decatur.
Enjoyed spending time together as a family in a spacious area - lots of room and lots of floor space for the kids to play. Beautiful view of the lake - beautiful sunrises.
Such a pleasant stay at this cozy little lakefront cottage. Enjoyed the quiet, peaceful days and especially the evenings on the decks and dock with firepit. The neighbors were very friendly as well and we enjoyed conversing with them.
We had a wonderful stay in this little house. We were able to eat outside. I had coffee on the dock each morning. We kayaked and played on the lily pad. The owner was easy to reach and responsive. Highly recommend!
The views of the Lake were outstanding. Cottage was very comfortable with the basement being open to the lake and an added bonus for privacy. We had seven adults staying for a wedding and it was very nice. There was plenty of space for everyone to relax and also to get ready for the wedding. Thanks for a pleasant stay.
This house was rented in addition to another lake house in walking distance for my 70th birthday. My grandchildren stayed at this house. Other than some minor things everything was great, but response time from owner or management was good.
Beautiful cottage with high end finishes, very cozy and comfy. Great layout for private sleeping spaces. The downstairs is gorgeous with outdoor access to a lovely covered patio. The deck upstairs has a great table and high end grill. We thoroughly enjoyed the peaceful views of the lake with pelicans, sunrises. The owner is available to answer questions during the stay and is very accommodating. Couldn't ask for more!!
Everything was exactly as described in the listing. It was nice to getaway and not have to worry about packing all the little things, the home was stocked with everything we needed and even had some welcome snacks. Owner is very responsive and checkin was a breeze.
The location on the lake was great, there was plenty to do within the home and on the lake. The only minor thing is that the upstairs didn't cool off enough with the air conditioning, but fans were provided in each room which helped.
SUE K.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Carol v.
Dec 19, 2023
Best place in Town
Everything is right about this cottage. We have stayed here several times for when we visit my father, as we live in the Netherlands. In the summer and winter it is an enormous pleasure to stay here. The lake is beautiful every moment of the day and every day of the year. Because of the big windows you enjoy the view all te time. Furniture and beds are top. Washer and dryer in the basement. Lots of space and light!
This is a fantastic find! It delivers on everything it promises. Super clean and well appointed. We had a blast sitting on the porch bird watching. Highly recommend!
Patrick Z.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Peter B.
Jul 20, 2025
Excellent property for family
Lake Shore Cottage we perfect for our family. We loved being on the lake & kayaking. The house offers lovely waterfront views. Kitchen is well stocked. Nice appointments throughout. And clean!
Peter B.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Jodi C.
Dec 6, 2025
Beautiful place!
We had a great mini family gathering. Everything was clean and the teens loved the downstairs area where they could chill watching movies on the big screen & playing games in the electronic board game console. The weather was gorgeous for November so we were able to take advantage of the grill, the deck, the cute outdoor seating area and the pier/fire pit. Everything was well organized and the kitchen was well stocked for cooking. Thank you for beautiful place to gather and rest with family!!
Jodi C.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Carol v.
Jul 11, 2023
Absolutely fantastic
Everything is in the house that you need and it is a nice atmosphere. We love being in the Lake Cottage.
It was a nice extended weekend on the lake. The cabin is well decorated and has lots of amenities, The manager answered questions promptly, The lake front amenities were great, only thing missing was the canoe that was in the listing. The kayaks were really nice and easy to get to. A great place to relax, I recommend it.
John S.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Carol v.
Jul 11, 2023
The view on the lake is fantastic.
Alle was super nice Rebecca! its is nice to see that you are continuously improving your cottage!! It is such a nice place!!!
The property was very nice and clean. We had a small issue, but we found the property manager’s phone number in a binder and she responded to us immediately and had the issue resolved within half an hour. I would absolutely rent this Vrbo again and my family that was staying with me is also considering renting it.
What a charming and relaxing place to stay in Decatur, IL. My family of six stayed here during a weekend soccer tournament and it had more then what we needed/expected. We were able to relax on the lake and play family board games during the crazy. Communication was outstanding and we will definitely stay here again when in town. Way better then any hotel.