The Quaint Loft in the Lake Linda Barn w/swimspa

Barn in Carthage, Illinois

  1. 5 guests
  2. 2 bedrooms
  3. 3 beds
  4. 1 bath
Hosted by Jennifer
  1. Superhost
  2. 9 years hosting

Listing highlights

Top 5% of homes

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

Exceptional check-in experience

Recent guests gave the check-in process a 5-star rating.

Beautiful area

Guests love this home’s scenic location.
This loft in a quaint country barn offers balcony views of a sunrise over the meadow straight from your master bedroom or a sky filled with endless stars. The second bedroom offers a full size bed with additional overhead bunk. DISH T.V., WiFi, a well stocked kitchen, and ingredients for a country breakfast of eggs, toast, butter and coffee or tea are provided. We have a shared swimspa that holds up to 12 people at a time. It is often available. We also have a children's playset.

The space
I had to change my original summary of why this space is unique after hearing reflections of guests...."it's a country lane that dips into the hardwoods rising out to reveal a hidden neighborhood filled with nature's tranquility. A variety of wildlife are often seen enjoying the habitat. Staying at the barn is like all the benefits of camping along with the benefits of a good nights sleep!"

A variety of wildlife may be seen or heard while visiting this secluded getaway such as raccoon, squirrel, skunk, deer, beaver, groundhog, fox, coyotes, and bats along with numerous water fowl and birds. The barn is only a few feet from a bountiful garden that I share with others...Feel free to help yourself to an herb or vegetable. Off the main road, the stars are amazing on a clear night. In the summer, the only light around is the fireflies that are also in great abundance. A whimsical bird walk has been created to guide guests around the 30-60 minute lake trail. A path down to the lake allows guests to sit in tranquility on a bench and enjoy bird watching and beautiful sunsets. Fishing, boating and swimming are not allowed but Argyle Lake State Park and Spring Lake Park are both only a short drive away. we also offer a shared swim spa and a children's place.

Guest access
The entrance to the loft is actually on the rear entrance of the barn with a small parking spot near the door for easy accessibility. Upon entering, there is a foyer between the entrance door and the locked door at the bottom of the stairs to the loft. There will be an additional (East) door that leads to the downstairs unit. This door is locked unless a guest wishes to rent the entire barn. The entire upstairs is dedicated to the guest.

Other things to note
I have a friendly gray cat named Catnow who is my unofficial concierge. My sister, Lila, lives across the pastor and has a friendly black dog named Abe. He's a bit timid so if you tell him to go home...he'll leave. But if you like dogs...he'll probably be happy to accompany you on a walk around the lake...no worries...he knows his way home. My sister, Linda, resides in the other home. We call this a "sisterhood". Very safe, very quiet...they are both friendly and often interact with guests when out and about.

Where you’ll sleep

What this place offers

Lake access
Kitchen
Fast wifi – 54 Mbps
Dedicated workspace
Free parking on premises

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Rated 4.94 out of 5 from 293 reviews.

Guest favorite
This home is in the top 5% of eligible listings based on ratings, reviews, and reliability

Overall rating

  1. 5 stars, 94% of reviews
  2. 4 stars, 6% of reviews
  3. 3 stars, 0% of reviews
  4. 2 stars, 0% of reviews
  5. 1 stars, 0% of reviews

Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars for cleanliness

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for accuracy

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for check-in

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for communication

Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars for location

Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars for value

Guest reviews mention

Where you’ll be

Carthage, Illinois, United States
This listing's location is verified and the exact location will be provided after booking.

Neighborhood highlights

My home is down a secluded lane nestled in the hardwoods with 2 other houses that are owned by family members. This community is very safe as throughout the day a variety of family members are keeping an eye on things. Because the area is so secluded it is a great escape for the hustle and bustle of the city. That is probably what guests seems to appreciate the most ...the tranquility and simplicity of this locale.

Meet your host

Superhost
1,461 reviews
4.94 out of 5 average rating
9 years of hosting
Born in the 60s
My work: Self employed as a vacation property manager
I live in rural Illinois and began hosting in 2017 to help with raising college tuition costs for my children. However, being raised in the hospitality business, I discovered this was a perfect fit for me. I’m now a retired educator devoting all my time and attention to serving my guests. I grew up on Lake Linda along with my six siblings on a ranch our ancestors homesteaded in the 1800’s. I’m blessed to share the best of Illinois with my guests.

Jennifer is a Superhost

Superhosts are experienced, highly rated hosts who are committed to providing great stays for guests.

Co-hosts

  • Jerry
  • Ruby

Host details

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

Things to know

Cancellation policy
House rules
Check-in: 3:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Checkout before 10:00 AM
5 guests maximum
Safety & property
Exterior security cameras on property
Nearby lake, river, other body of water
Heights without rails or protection