Vacation rentals in Forest Lake

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.

Cozy 2-Bedroom Cottage Near Downtown Highland Park

Step into a warm, inviting retreat where comfort meets character! This beautifully updated suite features two cozy bedrooms, a private bathroom, and thoughtfully decorated living spaces in a modern farmhouse style. Nestled in the heart of Highland Park, you’re steps from great restaurants, boutique shops, scenic trails, and parks, plus a golf course across the street and just 1.5 miles from Lake Michigan. Whether it’s a family getaway or a business trip, it’s your perfect home away from home!

The Pleasant Hill Cottage North Shore Enchantment

Step into one of the North Shore’s most enchanting cottages, where every room feels as if an oil painting awoke from its canvas. Spend days on Lake Michigan’s luxury beaches, exploring its idyllic towns, the Botanic Garden, Bears Camp, the Naval Base, or hop a train to Chicago! Catch a star-lit concert at the legendary Ravinia, evenings glow w/ golden sunsets, candlelight & bonfires. Stroll to Highwood’s live music, global dining & breweries. All set in the heart of a kind close-knit village.♡

The Adorable "Blue Breeze"!

Enjoy time at our centrally-located, family-friendly home. Close by, you'll find a public fishing dock and the popular Phil's Beach. A peaceful space with an outside patio and grill, perfect for relaxing at end of day. We also have a large driveway that can accommodate your boat making it easy to enjoy a day on Bangs Lake or a short 15 min trip to Fox Lake. Nearby attractions include the Volo Museum, Jurassic Gardens, and Lake County Discovery Museum. Please note the backyard is not fenced in.

On the Fox River Front/Sauna/Hot Tub/Kayaks/Grills

On Fox River in Algonquin Kick back and relax in this calm, tastefully finished space. Nestled amidst a picturesque waterfront and greenery, this stylish property exudes an elegance, harmoniously blending into the serene natural surroundings. It is a perfect combination of comfort and convenience. Located within a short range to fantastic "Old Town District" of Algonquin/superb restaurants, pubs, entertainment as well as parks and trails, simply just mere moments away from array of amenities.

Modern 4BR Lake Retreat • Walk to Beach & Main St

Lakeside Haven, a 4BR retreat on Bangs Lake. Steps from Main Street’s dining, shopping, and beaches, this modern home offers:
 🌊 Lake views & open living spaces 💻 High-speed Wi-Fi & workspace 🍳 Fully equipped kitchen & laundry 🚤 Nearby hiking, boat rentals, & events 🛏️ King & queen beds 🪟 Blackout screens Perfect for families, Navy graduations, and long stays. Enjoy the Triathlon, farmers market, cruise nights, ice fishing derby, and more. Dates fill quickly in every season. Book today!

5BR with Sauna, Game Lounge, Poker Room, Darts etc

Welcome to The Gathering House, a massive 4-level retreat in Lake Zurich created for real together-time. With 5 bedrooms, 3 living rooms, 10-seat dining room, fully equipped kitchen with extras like a Crock-Pot and fondue set, it’s ideal for families, friends, or reunions. After game night in the basement with pool, poker, and darts, sauna, head out to nearby lakefront beaches, parks, trails, groceries, and local dining spots just minutes away. Brand new carpet on the top floor.

Cozy French Inspired Cottage in rural setting

Relax and escape to our charming, one of a kind cottage. Beautifully decorated with period furniture and tastefully updated with modern amenities. The cottage offers slate tile and hardwood floors. Original pine floors line the upstairs loft bedrooms. Cook in a French inspired country kitchen with butcher block counter tops. Rural setting, yet minutes away from everything! Downtown is a 20 min. walk and the Metra will take you to the city in 45 minutes!

Cozy Schaumburg 5 br/3.5ba w/ bonus rooms/office

Luxurious–Cozy Ranch Stunning 5-bedroom, 3.5-bath home offers spacious modern living on a quiet cul-de-sac. The home features a gourmet kitchen with a Viking 48” stove and Omega cabinets, a master suite with a coffee bar, his-and-hers bathrooms, and a jacuzzi tub. Enjoy two fireplaces, three wet bars, and a basement with a pool table, arcade games, an 85” TV, and a kids' playroom. Outside, the backyard has a patio, gazebo, and firepit.

Historic Downtown Libertyville Loft

Enjoy a stylish experience at this centrally-located 1600 square foot place. Located in the heart of Downtown Libertyville, half way between Chicago and Milwaukee. Close to Six Flags, Great Lakes Navy Base, Lake Michigan beaches, forest preserves, train station and the Chain of Lakes. Downtown Libertyville is a trendy town offering several restaurants, shops and fun events. Book one of the only units truly Downtown Libertyville.

Parkside Cottage Near the Train

This special place is close to everything, making it easy to plan your visit. The property is nextdoor to South Park with tennis, pickelball, baseball and basketball courts. The bike path to uptown is directly behind the house. It does back up to the train you can take to downtown Chicago, just 30 minutes away. 1 Mile from uptown Lake Forest. It has a unique charm having been built in 1920. There's only one toilet.

Home Sweet Home, minutes to Great Lakes Naval Base

Home Sweet Home is located 35 miles north of Chicago; 53 miles south of Milwaukee, WI; and just 4 miles east of Great Lakes Naval Base. Chicago is a 45-minute train ride away. O'Hare is a 30 to 40-minute commute. Great America amusement park and shopping venues, including Gurnee and Kenosha outlet malls, are all within 20 to 30 minutes away. Location makes this home an ideal respite for Midwest sightseeing.