Entire home

Rustic charm meets modern comfort at Arsulas House

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your current months are December, 2024 and January, 2025.
December 2024
January 2025

Photo gallery for Rustic charm meets modern comfort at Arsulas House

Aerial view
Property grounds
Property grounds
3 bedrooms, desk, iron/ironing board, travel cot
Smart TV, fireplace

Reviews

10 out of 10

Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 10184 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
    Parking available
  • Washer
    Washer
  • Pet-friendly
    Pet-friendly
  • Kitchen
    Kitchen
  • Air conditioning
    Air conditioning
  • Fireplace
    Fireplace

Explore the area

Map
Stonefort, IL
  • Shawnee National Forest
    1 min walk
  • Lake of Egypt
    28 min drive
  • Garden of the Gods Recreation Area
    49 min drive
  • Marion, IL (MWA-Williamson County Regional)
    40 min drive

Room options

Similar properties

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Rustic charm meets modern comfort at Arsulas House

Welcome to Arsula's House Sitting atop Goe Hill. Nestled in a scenic location, our property offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere with a nice blend of rustic and modern décor for an unforgettable stay. Enjoy modern amenities and a convenient location that puts you close to all of nature’s action. This property spoils you with stunning landscapes and tranquility as you explore nearby attractions and indulge in local cuisine, while you make memories to last a lifetime at Arsula's House.

Arsula's house was built by my grandfather nearly 50 years ago for my grandmother Arsula. We have updated much but tried to leave the ambiance of the place as Johnny B intended it to be. It sets on top of Goe Hill with a beautiful scenic view overlooking the Stone fort valley. As you look south east across the valley you can see the Stone fort bluffs and Tom Dick Hill and the start of the Shawnee national forest. You can visit places like Burden Falls, Bell Smith Springs, John Mack Hollow, Buzzards Roost, McCormick Lookout Tower, Trigg Tower, Jack’s Trail Ride, Camp Ondessonk, Cedar Falls, I’ve had many hours of fun on the Little Saline River and so much more, all of these just a few minutes away. The Garden of the Gods and Cave in Rock are just a few minutes away.

Entire place except locked storage areas

Stonefort is a quiet sleepy little town with 250 POP. With great access to the Shawnee National Forest. The Tunnel Hill State Trail goes right thru the middle of town.
Welcome To Arsula’s House

We are delighted to have you as our guest and would like you to have a fantastic stay with us. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any concerns or questions before or during your stay. We will assist you in any way possible. We hope you enjoy your visit.

Thank you for reading the Welcome Book before your stay. It contains all the necessary information to help you make the most of your visit.
No Smoking/Vaping Allowed
Pets are allowed with a pet fee of $50 per pet. A maximum of two (2) pets are allowed.

Our kitchen
Welcome to our Kitchen! We have everything you need to make a delicious meal. Here are some of the available items:
- Dishes service for 8
- Silverware
- Glasses & cups
- Skillet & cooking pans
- Keurig K-Duo coffee maker
- Toaster
- Kitchen & grill utensils
- Dish towels & washcloths
- Dish drain and drying basket (located under the sink)

Please be aware that the garbage disposal switch is to the right of the sink. We kindly ask that you wash your dishes after use to avoid a cleaning fee of $25. Please be aware that if any items are lost or damaged, a charge will be incurred for their replacement.

Thank you for taking care of the Kitchen, and happy cooking!

How to Adjust Thermostat
The Thermostat is located in the main living room. There, you can adjust to the desired temperature."



Laundry Room Essentials
"We have provided a washer and dryer, as well as an ironing board and iron in the room attached to the kitchen for your convenience. You can find laundry supplies on the shelves located above the washing machine. However, please do not wash any of our linens and towels. If you need more, please give us a call, and we will bring you additional ones. Please note that we have left extra linens, bedding, and towels in the room for your convenience."
The sofa bedding is located in the storage compartment of the family room sofa.
You will be held responsible for any lost or damaged linen, bedding, and towels and will be charged accordingly.

Home Wi-Fi
You will have access to free Wi-Fi during your stay.
Network Name:
User:
Password:


TV guide
All the televisions in the house are Roku TVs. You can log in to any of your streaming services on these TVs to watch the shows that you like. If you have accounts with any other streaming services, you are free to download them on these TVs as well.

Noise Pollution
Please be aware that this property is not intended for parties or loud gatherings. We ask that you keep music and noise levels inside the house at a reasonable level so that they cannot be heard from outside the property. We also kindly request that you respect our neighbors and observe quiet hours between 10 PM and 8 AM. During this time, please refrain from any loud outdoor activities that could disturb the peace and quiet of the area.

The city has an ordinance in place that prohibits the use of loud outdoor music or noises that could affect the neighbors. As such, any music or noise heard from the property line is considered a violation of the ordinance. We take this matter seriously and will respond to any complaints from neighbors or the city regarding noise levels. Please note that anyone found violating the noise ordinance will be subject to fines by the city (usually $500 and $1,000), immediate eviction, and an additional $250 eviction fee.

To ensure compliance with these rules, we have installed noise monitoring systems inside and outside of the property. Please be aware that these devices do not record audio, but they will notify us if high noise levels are detected. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere for everyone to enjoy.

Number of Guests

If you want to rent our property, you need to provide a government-registered ID that shows you are over the age of 21.

Our property can accommodate up to 10 guests comfortably. The base price of the rental is for 2 guests, and we charge an additional $25 per night for each extra guest over the first 2. When booking, please let us know the total number of guests that will be staying so that we can provide enough bedding, linens, towels, and toiletries. Also, let us know how many beds you'll need at the time of booking. If you need additional supplies during your stay, don't hesitate to contact us.

If you are planning to invite extra guests who are not included in your reservation, please seek our prior consent. If the number of people exceeds the number specified in your reservation without obtaining our prior consent, we may be compelled to ask you to leave immediately, and you could also be charged an eviction fee of $250.

Please keep in mind that there is an additional charge of $25 per night for each extra guest after the first two people, regardless of whether they stay the night, share a bed, or sleep on top of a bed, on the couch, or on the floor. Minimum booking nights apply.


Parking
Arsula’s House has plenty of parking for your truck and boat trailer or horse trailer. Please remember that vehicles parked at the property must be parked within the driveway, not in the yard. Thank you.

We also strongly condemn drinking and driving. If you need a ride, please use Uber or Lyft to ensure your safety and that of others.

Smoking/Drugs

No Smoking
No vaping Allowed
No Drugs
We have a zero-tolerance policy for smoking, vaping, and drug use on our property. Violators will be evicted immediately and charged a $250 eviction fee plus a $400 cleaning fee.

Pets are allowed with a pet fee of $50 per pet. A maximum of two (2) pets are allowed.
Close the Doors
Please ensure that doors and windows are always kept closed to prevent bugs from entering and to conserve energy.

In the Event of Damages

In the event of any damages occurring, we kindly request that you inform us as soon as possible so that we can promptly replace or repair any damaged items. By renting this property, you agree to replace or repair any items that you or your guests damage or remove during your stay. Examples of such damages may include stains that cannot be removed after multiple attempts, broken or missing furniture, damaged or missing kitchen items, damaged or missing decor items, broken windows or doors, and so on. Any items that require replacement will be replaced with the same or equivalent item or charged at its value for irreplaceable items.

Reporting any issues
Upon arrival, we kindly request that you conduct a thorough check of the property, both indoors and outdoors, to identify any issues. In case you notice any problems, please report them to us immediately so that we can troubleshoot and resolve them as soon as possible. However, if you choose to report any issues after 4 p.m., we will make every effort to fix the issue, but we cannot guarantee that it will be resolved until the next day.

Checkout Instruction
Please leave the house in a tidy condition to help our house cleaners complete their work within their allocated time. Failure to do so may result in an additional cleaning fee, depending on how much longer they need to clean. We kindly request that you vacate the property no later than 10 a.m. so the cleaning staff can begin their cleaning and reset process for our next guest.

Here is a checklist of everything that needs to be done:
1. Please leave everything the way you found it during check-in.
2. Keep the bedding on the beds for our staff to change and reset. Place used towels in the tub/shower. There is a laundry basket located in the laundry room.
3. Ensure all doors and windows are locked.
4. Please do not leave trash in the house. Take the trash to the garbage bin outside. Please do not leave bags of trash on the side of the road, as the city may fine you $100.
5. Take a moment to look around for any belongings you may have overlooked.
6. Send us a quick message letting us know that you have checked out on time.

Backyard and game room Rules
Please note the following rules and guidelines regarding the various amenities available at this property:


The Grill:
1. The property has an outdoor grill on the patio that you are welcome to use.
2. Please keep children away from the grill.
3. Put out the coals when you are done cooking and clean the grill after use.
4. If the grill is left dirty and has not been cleaned, there will be a $50 grill cleaning fee charged.
5. Ensure children are at least 5 feet away from the grill.
6.
During your stay at this vacation home, you're just a quick walk from Shawnee National Forest. The vacation home offers free WiFi and a kitchen.
  • Air-conditioned home with kitchen, washing machine, and 3 bathrooms
  • Free WiFi
  • 0.1 mi (0.1 km) from Shawnee National Forest and 12.3 mi (19.7 km) from Saline County Area Museum
This vacation home offers its guests barbecue grills and a garden. The front desk is open around the clock.

Property manager

Keith

Languages

English

Property amenities

Internet

  • Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • On-site parking

Kitchen

  • Fridge
  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Dishwasher
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware/dishes/utensils
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bed sheets provided
  • Sofa bed

Bathrooms

  • 3 bathrooms
  • Combined shower/bath
  • Towels provided
  • Hairdryer

Living spaces

  • Fireplace

Entertainment

  • Smart TV
  • Games

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue
  • Garden
  • Firepit

Laundry

  • Washing machine and dryer

Work spaces

  • Desk

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • On the lake
  • On the waterfront

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector installed (host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector installed (host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • First aid kit

General

  • Unit size: 1980.6 sq ft (184 sq m)

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

  • Pets are welcome
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions. You will also receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account which will enable you to manage your booking.

Property is also known as

199876
Vrbo Property
Quiet, Secluded With a View of Shawnee National Forest Stonefort

Rustic charm meets modern comfort at Arsulas House Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 52 out of 54 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 54 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 54 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 54 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 54 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Bob B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gerri S., Essex, IL

Liked: Cleanliness
Hilltop getaway
This property is in a quiet, secluded area with plenty of property to explore and enjoy family time. The house is perfectly appointed, very clean and has rustic charm with all the modern amenities. The coffee nook was a nice touch as well. The location is in the middle of all the activities we participated in, hiking, zip lining, swimming, antique shopping and wine tasting. I recommend this house and location for a trip to southern Illinois.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Susan A.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Juan M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great place! Beautiful area
The house was beautiful inside and out in the yard. Firepit and grill available on site .
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Skyler R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great place near waterfalls
The house was great and the people were great
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Richard S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fantastic home
We needed to get away for a bit and this home was the perfect place. The house is fantastic and it was so quiet there. Just what we needed. We did cut our trip short but that was only due to the weather.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Latonya D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Peaceful
Wonderful. Clean. Private. Safe.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

tedd j.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great stay
Thus was an excellent home for a group of 5 adults. Beautiful setting. Quiet. Well stocked kitchen. Spacious fire pit/gathering spot. Host was very helpful
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Debbie L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Restful and Relaxing
We were in Carbondale to meet family for an afternoon so decided to take a mini vacation in the Shawnee National Forest. After checking hotels in the area, thought should check out VRBO and found this lovely gem in a quiet little town. The property was quiet and private, sitting a top a hill. I was not expecting the $52 fee to VRBO but it stands to reason they would have a listing fee. The last night, my husband and I enjoyed sitting out by the fire pit. Also, enjoyed speaking with Keith and learning more about all the beautiful aspects of the home and decor. We plan to go back with friends. Thank you for sharing your home.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dru K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fantastic
This place was great. Very clean and very well decorated. Wonderful host very friendly and helpful. Pictures do not do this place justice. Would recommend 10 out of 10.
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Laura R.

Liked: Cleanliness
What an amazing place!
We stayed here for a few days while visiting Garden of the Gods and other places in Southern Illinois and Kentucky. Everything was perfection. Such a lovely home and beautiful grounds. Loved the deer that came to visit and we had a visit from a great horned owl. The owners were wonderful and thought of every detail.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Deborah K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Hiking Adventure
Great place to stay if hiking the eastern portion of the Shawnee National Forest. Numerous trails are within easy driving distance, including the popular Garden of the Gods. House was quite comfortable, perfectly clean, and well-equipped for our cooking needs with deer visiting outside the home most mornings and evenings.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Shane W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Peaceful, beautiful and perfect for groups!
My husband and I were so happy to have snagged this home last minute for our trip to Shawnee National Forest! The grounds are absolutely beautiful! The home is comfortable, well-stocked, clean and would be perfect for a family or group getaway! The home has so many lovely touches that made it feel “homey”. The property has a pond, fire pit complete with hot dog/marshmallow sticks, a picnic table and a tree swing! We watched deer in the field morning and evening! We were sad to be leaving after just one day! I would recommend stopping at that market on your way and eat in, there is no need to go out to restaurants, which are at least 15 minutes away. We hiked trails in the Garden of the Gods-be sure to catch the observation trail at sunset or early morning sunrise! The host was super quick to respond when I had questions. The check in process couldn’t have been easier. I am looking forward to returning to this gem!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Courtney R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Getaway
Overall, great place to stay. I was a little disappointed that the listing states 4 bedrooms and we only found 3.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023

8/10 Good

Linda S.

Liked: Cleanliness
House is beautiful
My only problem was the road to the house was in terrible shape. I thought my car would be damaged so I only went 5 mph. Once there house and grounds were very nice.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sarah L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect
Arsula's House is a wonderful place to stay and hard to leave
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Cindy A.

Liked: Cleanliness
July 2023 stay
This place was beautiful and very clean. Fred was very kind and informative. Would highly recommend.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Gordon B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Discipleship
We came with another couple to bond together in Christ. The place was clean, well maintained and had all the comforts of home. The host has a sticked coffee bar as well as a few snacks that we enjoyed while windung down from our day.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Amanda F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing stay at arsulas house
Met up with my sister and her family. Large group 11!of us. Stunning property with everything we needed. The kids loved the pond for catch and release fishing. We could lounge by the fire pit while they fished and played. The house was so unique and comfortable with everything we needed. Fred was an awesome host and available for any questions.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Penny P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Memorial day weekend stay
House was super clean and nice...we loved our stay
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

8/10 Good

Joy B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Family Fun
We had a great time at the house. Keith was easy to work with. Everything was great. Close to Jackson Falls and great hiking. Also Tunnel Hill Trail was blocks away.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Diana C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great
House was very clean. Location was great. Very comfortable and would definitely stay there again.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

John C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great house near Garden of the Gods
Fantastic property that is clean and comfortable. Has all the necessary amenities. Hosts are great!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Richard H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Love this place
We love staying here. Peaceful, quiet, relaxing no one around. We have stayed here twice both times everything was great. Our last trip we discovered the house is only 4 tenths of a mile from a 50 mile bike trail. We will be planning a return trip for late spring
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Keri H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great stay
This house was immaculate and comfortable for our weekend. There was unique and beautiful decor throughout and the attention to detail in everything was noticable. We even found 2 ice creams in the freezer, the perfect amount for our kids. I dont know if that was intentional but it sure felt like it. Loved Arsula's house.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023