The House on Cal's Lake
Guest rating: 5.0 / 5
Overview
The House on Cal's Lake is a fully renovated, smoke-free waterfront retreat on a secluded 6-acre lake in New Athens, United States, with additional surrounding acreage to explore. The setting emphasizes lake views, wildlife, and night-sky stargazing, with cozy indoor spaces designed to feel like a home away from home. Public feedback is strong, with a 5/5 rating based on 6 reviews.
Space & Comfort
This is a house-style stay with home-like conveniences, including air conditioning, heating, and a fireplace for cooler evenings. Practical extras such as an ironing board and in-unit washer support longer stays. The home includes a kitchen setup for self-catering, with a microwave and oven stove.
Amenities & Recreation
Guests have access to outdoor cooking with an on-site grill and can stay connected with free Wi‑Fi and cable TV. Free parking is provided on-site. The dock and seasonal water gear—paddle boat, kayak, and a lily pad—are reserved for Cal’s Lake House guests only.
Property Layout & Shared Grounds
The home shares the broader property with the owners and two RV/camper spots that you pass on the drive in. Another short-term rental (“the Farmstead”) is located on the owners’ farm near the entrance, with signage directing those guests away from the house driveway. The lake-house amenities at the dock are designated specifically for this house’s guests.
Location & Nearby Dining
For meals off-property, nearby options include Tiff's Café (about 5.2 km away) plus several bar-and-grill and restaurant choices such as The Brickhouse Bar & Grill (~10.3 km) and Pistol City Restaurant & Saloon (~12.6 km). The closest major airports are MidAmerica St. Louis Airport (~33.0 km) and St. Louis Lambert International Airport (~79.0 km), making this a drive-in stay for most travelers.
Best for
This lakefront home is best for families and small groups who want a quiet, nature-focused getaway with on-site recreation like fishing and seasonal paddle/kayak time from the private dock. It also suits longer, self-sufficient stays thanks to the stocked kitchen, washer, free parking, and reliable basics like heating/AC and Wi‑Fi.
Travel tips
Plan to arrive by car: the property provides free parking and the nearest airports (MidAmerica St. Louis and St. Louis Lambert) are a drive away. Because the property includes other accommodations and RV/camper spots, follow on-site signage and directions carefully when approaching the house. If you want to use the paddle boat or kayak, note these are seasonal amenities.
What guests say
Guest feedback emphasizes the scenic lake setting and the appeal of the waterfront views and wildlife. Reviews also point to the home being an easy fit for family stays, with the size working well for a family group. Outdoor recreation stands out, particularly fishing as an activity that keeps kids entertained. No specific recurring negatives are provided in the available review excerpts.
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