Cottage vacation rentals in Lake County

Re-imagined 1880s cottage by Highwood, Metra, Lake

Step inside Step back in time Cozy, 1880 built, re-imagined, ravine edged garden cottage Your home away from home. Escape the city and relax in our newly renovated historic cottage and gardens. Peaceful yet centrally located, vintage yet modern, Mere Cottage has so much to offer. Inside: You'll enjoy updated amenities in harmony with a distinctive vintage charm. The common area has an open layout, perfect for socializing. The kitchen and pantry (my favorite room!) are new from top to bottom and are fully stocked with any cooking gadgets you may need. Two bedrooms are joined by a Jack & Jill bathroom. The living room has a sofa that pulls out into full size bed. Outside: Jordan and I had fun redesigning the grounds from front to back. Enjoy the front garden from the rocking chair on our wrap around porch. Out back we've added a vegetable and perennial garden for you to take in. Dinner out on the back deck overlooking the garden is highly recommended! Guests have access to the entire home and grounds. Jordan and I live in the neighborhood and will be available if you need us! Our cottage is located in Highland Park, about 25 miles north of Chicago on Lake Michigan. We like to think we have the best of both worlds- being in a quiet residential neighborhood with walking access to numerous amenities right around the corner. We're a quick 5 minute walk to Highwood (the north shore’s restaurant district) and an 8 minute walk to the Metra train that can take you from Chicago to Kenosha and any place in between. We're also right on the North Shore bike path (bring your bikes!). Fort Sheridan is also close by and worth exploring for its interesting history, architecture, and nature trails. On foot: Many errands can be done on foot. We have some of the best restaurants and watering holes north of Chicago within walking distance. There is also a Walgreens convenience store 2 blocks away. By car: Getting around by car is also easy. Parking is readily available almost anywhere you'll visit. You can get to downtown Chicago in 30 minutes in ideal traffic. Train: The Metra (our train system) can also conveniently get you to and from various attractions including downtown Chicago (a scenic 45 minute ride), Ravinia music venue, the Chicago Botanic Gardens, Great Lakes Naval Base and many more. Bike: Pack your bikes! We're located on the north shore bike trail. Head north on the trail to check out the beautiful Fort Sheridan, Lake Forest, and quaint Lake Bluff. Head south to Ravinia, Chicago Botanic Garden, and numerous other beautiful villages along Lake Michigan. I bike often and will gladly point you to some great hidden gems! If you're flying into O'hare, we recommend taking an Uber to our cottage. We're about a 30 minute drive from the airport. Six Flags Great America is also a 25 minute drive away. Keep in mind that the bathroom is a Jack & Jill and is accessed from either bedroom. There is no access from the common area, so it could pose an issue at night when sleeping our max number of 6. Please keep things tidy and wash any dishes used during your stay. Out of respect for our neighbors (this home is located in a quiet residential neighborhood), no parties or large gatherings are allowed. No pets allowed.

#4: Cute 2 bedroom cottage on the beach!

Come relax at Turtle Beach Marina! Rent a Pontoon or a Kayak. Spend the day at the beach and at the beach bar (Beach bar is open mid May until the first weekend in October). There is a restaurant and gaming room (slots) on the property. Quaint cottage has 2 bedrooms with a full bed in each. Up to 4 people allowed. There is no oven but has a 2 burner electric cook top. A grill is also available. Beach themed cottage is completely remodeled. 💜

The Bluff House @ The Cottages on Petite Lake

Just steps away from the lake, this house is full of cottage charm and character. The three-seasons porch has floor-to-ceiling windows and sweeping views of our gorgeous Petite Lake for morning coffee or a relaxing afternoon. After a long day on the lake, head back to the cottage and end the night with a steam shower/whirlpool tub combination shower.