Sandbank Cottage

Entire home in Creal Springs, Illinois

  1. 12 guests
  2. 4 bedrooms
  3. 6 beds
  4. 2 baths
Hosted by Ellie
  1. 2 years hosting

Listing highlights

Top 10% of homes

This home is highly ranked based on ratings, reviews, and reliability.

Self check-in

Check yourself in with the keypad.

Extra spacious

Guests love this home’s spaciousness for a comfortable stay.
Step back in time with a stay at Sandbank Cottage, a beautifully restored 1910 craftsman-style home with elegant Victorian décor and modern comforts. Nestled on 15 private acres, this peaceful retreat is minutes from Shawnee National Forest, Lake of Egypt, and the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail. Featuring three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a newly finished basement suite, it’s perfect for families, nature lovers, and history enthusiasts.

The space
Nestled on 15 acres of peaceful countryside, Sandbank Cottage is the perfect blend of historic charm and modern comfort. Whether you're looking to unwind on the front porch with a rocking chair and the sounds of nature, or explore the outdoor adventures, wineries, and antique shops of Southern Illinois, this home offers the best of both worlds.

Wildlife is abundant—white-tailed deer, turkeys, and Canadian geese roam the land, and across the road, horses graze in the pasture. At night, the soothing sounds of crickets and hoot owls create a truly tranquil escape.

For adventure-seekers, state parks, hiking trails, lakes, and golf courses are just a short drive away. Enjoy:

Hiking & Biking – Shawnee National Forest, Tunnel Hill Bike Trail, Garden of the Gods, Ferne Clyffe, and Bell Smith Springs
Water Activities – Lake of Egypt, Crab Orchard Lake, and nearby beaches
Outdoor Sports – Golf courses, rock climbing, mini-golf, and pickleball
Entertainment – Movie theaters, axe throwing, roller skating, an indoor swimming pool, and even a casino
Shopping & Dining – Unique antique stores, local specialty shops, and a variety of dining options ranging from cozy cafés to fine dining
While this home retains its Victorian-era charm, modern updates include a fully upgraded kitchen and a large rain shower in the upstairs bathroom for a spa-like experience.

Inside the Cottage:

Kitchen: Full-sized gas stove, oven, refrigerator, and microwave, plus all the essentials to cook a meal. Complimentary coffee, tea, sugar, salt, and pepper are provided.
Living Spaces: The newly finished basement adds an extra bedroom and lounge area, featuring two twin beds, a full bed, and a full-size crib—perfect for families. A toy box and retro DVD/VCR setup make it a fun space for kids.
Bedrooms & Baths: Three bedrooms upstairs with comfortable beds and vintage décor, plus a luxurious clawfoot tub and rain shower for relaxation.

#SouthernIllinoisUniversity #ShawneeNationalForest #GardenOfTheGods #LakeOfEgypt #ShawneeHillsWineTrail #TunnelHillBikeTrail #Hiking #Antiques #GolfCourses #Casino #AxeThrowing #Shopping #Relaxation

Guest access
There are no shared spaces—the home is exclusively for you and your group, ensuring privacy and comfort.

Other things to note
While there is a full bathroom on the main floor, please note that entry into the cottage, all bedrooms, and the second bathroom require the use of stairs. This may not be suitable for guests with mobility limitations.
All bathroom trash must be placed in the provided waste receptacles.

Where you’ll sleep

1 of 3 pages

What this place offers

Kitchen
Wifi
Dedicated workspace
Free driveway parking on premises
Pets allowed

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Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 12 reviews.

Guest favorite
This home is in the top 10% of eligible listings based on ratings, reviews, and reliability

Overall rating

  1. 5 stars, 100% of reviews
  2. 4 stars, 0% of reviews
  3. 3 stars, 0% of reviews
  4. 2 stars, 0% of reviews
  5. 1 stars, 0% of reviews

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for cleanliness

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for accuracy

Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars for check-in

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for communication

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for location

Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars for value

Guest reviews mention

Where you’ll be

Creal Springs, Illinois, United States

Meet your host

Host
12 reviews
5.0 out of 5 average rating
2 years of hosting
Where I went to school: Creal Springs Grade School
My work: Retired RN, MSN
I live on my grandpa’s farm which is the same farm that I grew up on. I’m a Momma of 4 & MeeMaw of 1. I enjoy most every outdoor activity imaginable & most would consider me a “Tom-boy” through & through. I walk 3-5 miles every morning (rain or shine) & work entirely too much for someone who is supposed to be “retired.”

Co-hosts

  • Ryan

Host details

Response rate: 100%
Responds within a few hours
To help protect your payment, always use Airbnb to send money and communicate with hosts.

Things to know

Cancellation policy
House rules
Check-in after 3:00 PM
Checkout before 10:00 AM
12 guests maximum
Safety & property
Carbon monoxide alarm
Smoke alarm
Must climb stairs