What an amazing property!!!!
As soon as I booked the Wine Country House, Brian (host) contacted me to touch base and provide contact info. From the time we booked to the time we checked out, Brian was always available and quick to respond to any questions. He is the host with the most! :)
This place was absolute perfection- my friends and I all agreed we would be staying there again. The house is beautiful and spacious, but for us, the best aspects were outside. There are so many seating areas - a patio just outside the kitchen door, a fire pit area, AND next to the private lake (which has available kayaks and stand up paddleboards), plenty of lounge chairs and a covered seating area.
Near the house is a little barn with 3 very friendly mini horses we became best friends with. The Wine Country Farmhouse is so conveniently located to so many excellent hiking/trails- It's a quick drive to Giant City Park and Pomona Natural Bridge. The house feels so secluded and like you have so much privacy, but if, like my party, you forget charcoal or need cookies, there is store very close by.
(As an outdoors person, I also really loved that we were there right when the irises started to bloom.)
I can't wait until we're able to book the house again. If you're in the Southern Illinois area, you *have* to check out this place.