Cottage vacation rentals in Lake County

Re-imagined 1880s cottage by Highwood, Metra, Lake

Step inside Step back in time Cozy, 1880 built, re-imagined, ravine edged garden cottage Your home away from home. Escape the city and relax in our newly renovated historic cottage and gardens. Peaceful yet centrally located, vintage yet modern, Mere Cottage has so much to offer. Inside: You'll enjoy updated amenities in harmony with a distinctive vintage charm. The common area has an open layout, perfect for socializing. The kitchen and pantry (my favorite room!) are new from top to bottom and are fully stocked with any cooking gadgets you may need. Two bedrooms are joined by a Jack & Jill bathroom. The living room has a sofa that pulls out into full size bed. Outside: Jordan and I had fun redesigning the grounds from front to back. Enjoy the front garden from the rocking chair on our wrap around porch. Out back we've added a vegetable and perennial garden for you to take in. Dinner out on the back deck overlooking the garden is highly recommended! Guests have access to the entire home and grounds. Jordan and I live in the neighborhood and will be available if you need us! Our cottage is located in Highland Park, about 25 miles north of Chicago on Lake Michigan. We like to think we have the best of both worlds- being in a quiet residential neighborhood with walking access to numerous amenities right around the corner. We're a quick 5 minute walk to Highwood (the north shore’s restaurant district) and an 8 minute walk to the Metra train that can take you from Chicago to Kenosha and any place in between. We're also right on the North Shore bike path (bring your bikes!). Fort Sheridan is also close by and worth exploring for its interesting history, architecture, and nature trails. On foot: Many errands can be done on foot. We have some of the best restaurants and watering holes north of Chicago within walking distance. There is also a Walgreens convenience store 2 blocks away. By car: Getting around by car is also easy. Parking is readily available almost anywhere you'll visit. You can get to downtown Chicago in 30 minutes in ideal traffic. Train: The Metra (our train system) can also conveniently get you to and from various attractions including downtown Chicago (a scenic 45 minute ride), Ravinia music venue, the Chicago Botanic Gardens, Great Lakes Naval Base and many more. Bike: Pack your bikes! We're located on the north shore bike trail. Head north on the trail to check out the beautiful Fort Sheridan, Lake Forest, and quaint Lake Bluff. Head south to Ravinia, Chicago Botanic Garden, and numerous other beautiful villages along Lake Michigan. I bike often and will gladly point you to some great hidden gems! If you're flying into O'hare, we recommend taking an Uber to our cottage. We're about a 30 minute drive from the airport. Six Flags Great America is also a 25 minute drive away. Keep in mind that the bathroom is a Jack & Jill and is accessed from either bedroom. There is no access from the common area, so it could pose an issue at night when sleeping our max number of 6. Please keep things tidy and wash any dishes used during your stay. Out of respect for our neighbors (this home is located in a quiet residential neighborhood), no parties or large gatherings are allowed. No pets allowed.

Laura’s Little Cottage

First, I’d like to mention this is located in a QUIET neighborhood. I don't rent out for big, loud parties. If that's what you're looking for, this is not the place for you. I like to keep peace with the neighbors! Moving on. This little cottage is just minutes from several forest preserves, the Chain O’ Lakes, Great America or Wilmot Mountain. 30 minutes to Great Lakes Naval Base & less than an hour to Lake Geneva, Chicago or Milwaukee. Plenty of restaurants, & grocery stores. 30 day minimum

Lakefront Cottage with Gorgeous Sunsets

Great cottage so close to the water you can fish right off the deck, bring your boat right up to the dock and drive it all over the chain of lakes and out to dinner. Endless things to do on the chain, tons of restaurants, sand bars, fishing, bars, boats, etc. Then, watch the sunset at the beach right outside your door before retreating for the night into the cottage. The yard is fenced in, with a fire pit and is shared with permeant residence and another house I air bnb but is yours to enjoy

Waterfront Fox Lake Vacation Rental w/ Fire Pit!

Situated right along the tranquil waters of Mineola Bay, this 2-bedroom, 1 full bath, 2 half-bath cottage boasts easy access to countless waterfront activities. Featuring a fire pit, 2 spacious decks, and 2 kayaks, this serene property is the perfect place for a nostalgic lake escape with plenty of outdoor adventures! When you're ready to cool off, head inside to enjoy some competition at the foosball table or snuggle up by the fire for a relaxing night at this charming home.

#4: Cute 2 bedroom cottage on the beach!

Come relax at Turtle Beach Marina! Rent a Pontoon or a Kayak. Spend the day at the beach and at the beach bar (Beach bar is open mid May until the last weekend in October). There is a restaurant and gaming room (slots) on the property. Quaint cottage has 2 bedrooms with a full bed in each. Up to 4 people allowed. There is no oven but has a 2 burner electric cook top. A grill is also available. Beach themed cottage is completely remodeled. 💜

All Season Sunset Cottage on Pistakee Lake

Escape to the beauty of the Chain O'Lakes to spend the weekend or a lengthy stay on the shores of Lake Pistakee. Enjoy our lakefront (west facing) cottage with enough beds to sleep 6. Our home is the perfect getaway to enjoy everything from fishing & water sports to dining and nightlife and even snowmobiling and skiing in the winter. Or maybe its for no reason at all except to simply relax lakeside and relish the breathtaking views.

Lakefront 2BR Nautical Cottage with Hot Tub

Welcome to your perfect lakeside cozy cottage getaway! This newly remodeled 2-bedroom, 1-bath cottage sits just 60 feet from the scenic shoreline of Grass Lake on a shared resort property. Nautically decorated and thoughtfully updated, this cozy cottage offers the best of year-round lake living—whether you're soaking in the hot tub after a day on the water or gathered around the firepit under the stars.

The Lodge @ The Cottages on Petite Lake

This beautiful and spacious lakefront lodge has views, charm and wonderful amenities including a private hot tub with lake views. Enjoy your morning coffee with a beautiful sunrise from your private deck right over the water with a private hot tub. Spend your days on the lake with the beach just steps away. End the night with a bonfire or movie in the comfortable great room.

#2: Cute 2 bedroom cottage on the beach!

Relax with the family at this peaceful place to stay. This cute 2 bedroom cottage is located at Turtle Beach Marina. Enjoy the beach on Channel Lake. Rent a boat, Kayak, and enjoy summer drinks at the beach bar. There is a restaurant and game room (slots) on the property. Perfect mini getaway! (Beach bar is open mid May until the last weekend in October).

Nautical Lake Cottage at Petite Lake Resort, #2

Dog friendly cottage on the shores of Petite Lake! Close to Chicago, and Milwaukee, this is a perfect escape from the city! Located on the Chain o'Lakes region of northern Illinois, there is plenty to do year round! From swimming to downhill skiing, or just enjoying a campfire looking over the lake, there's something for everyone!

Key House at Petite Lake Resort, #4

Come enjoy time with family and friends at what is referred to as the Key West of the Midwest. Our quaint cottage, decorated with nods to Key West, FL, gives you access to the Chain o'Lakes and all the fun the lakes have to offer. There is no lake view from this unit, however the beach and dock are just a few steps away!

#5 Tiny Lake Cottage at Cypress Resort & Marine

This little newly remodeled gem is small but mighty. If you have ever been curious about tiny homes, this is a must! You have but a small walk across a parking lot and down the beach stairs to a big private sandy beach. Need more space? Check out the other cottages under my profile.