Lake Front Retreat | Kayak | Paddleboard | Fishing
Guest rating: 5.0 / 5
Overview
Lake Front Retreat (also referenced as Lake Shore Cottage) is a remodeled, older-construction lakefront vacation rental in Decatur, Illinois, hosted by Beyond the Path Vacation Rentals. It’s set on a quiet, wooded lake road with waterfront views and access to a private dock for swimming, fishing, and tying up a boat. The property has a very high public guest rating of 4.9596925 based on 195 reviews.
Inside the Home
The home is arranged with two living areas (main level and lower level), including a lower-level family room with a sleeper sofa and a large projection TV for movie nights. A fully equipped kitchen is provided, along with a Keurig (starter K-cups) and a drip coffee maker; note that the dishwasher is located on the lower level rather than in the primary cooking space. Sleeping is spread across three bedrooms on the second floor plus the sleeper sofa, and bathrooms include a main-level full bath (tub/shower), an ensuite primary bath (stand-up shower), and an additional half bath in the lowest level near the laundry.
Outdoor Waterfront Amenities
Outdoor features are centered around lake access: a private dock for swimming, fishing, and boat docking, plus seasonally available kayaks, a paddleboard, life jackets, and other water toys. Guests also have a smoke-less fire pit (bring your own firewood), lounge seating, hammock chairs, and a patio set up for al fresco dining for up to eight. A large Weber grill is provided, and boat rentals may be available through Pier 36 marina (limited availability).
Practical Details & House Rules
Parking is limited to the spaces directly in front of the home (up to three mid-size cars; fewer for larger vehicles), with no additional on-site or street parking allowed; the garage is not available for guest use. Entry involves stairs down to the front door (handrail provided), and the home’s stairwells are noted as narrow/steep with some lower-than-normal ceilings. Exterior security cameras cover the front parking/entry and rear yard/dock areas, and an indoor environmental monitor tracks noise level/temperature/air quality without recording audio; a separate renters agreement and a deposit hold are required.
Location & Nearby Spots
The cottage is served by nearby bus stops including E William St Rd & N Lake Shore Dr (about 224 m) and E Wiliam St & N James St (about 308 m), with additional stops along E William St farther out. Dining options within a short drive include New Moon Cafe (about 884 m), Tokyo Hibachi Decatur (about 780 m), 217 Flavor LLC (about 754 m), and Whit’s End Inc. (about 1088 m). For flights, Decatur Airport is the closest listed airport (about 2.8 km), while other regional airports are over 56 km away.
Best for
This lakefront rental suits families and small groups who want a water-focused stay, thanks to the private dock and seasonally provided kayaks/paddleboard, plus two separate living areas for spreading out. It also fits travelers who value a quiet neighborhood and a well-equipped home base with fast Wi‑Fi, a full kitchen, washer, outdoor grill, and on-site parking (within the stated space limits). Pet owners can also consider it, as the property is pet-friendly.
Travel tips
Plan your parking in advance: on-site parking is limited to the marked spaces directly in front of the home, and larger vehicles reduce the number of usable spots. Arrival involves stairs down to the front door, and the home has narrow/steep stairwells and some lower ceiling areas—pack and plan accordingly. If you prefer public transit, the closest bus stop is at E William St Rd & N Lake Shore Dr, roughly a 3-minute walk away.
What guests say
Guest feedback highlights the setting and scenery, with the lakefront location and views standing out as a key part of the experience. Cleanliness is a recurring strength, with guests describing the home as inviting and well kept. Communication and responsiveness from the host are also commonly praised. No consistent negative themes are indicated in the provided review excerpts, though the property notes practical constraints (stairs and limited parking) that some travelers may want to plan for.
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