House in Illinois
12 guests · 4 bedrooms · 2 baths
Reasons to book
Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
Great for petsBring all your friends and family, even the furry ones
High-end valueWell priced for this area
About this house rental
Come stay at the beautiful and historic Whiffletree place. Located just 25 miles to Downtown Peoria, and on the main route from Chicago to Peoria, It’s the perfect place to escape and spend time with friends or family. Nestled on sprawling acres, boasting with panoramic views of the whole river valley, star lit skies & cozy nights await you.
THE HOUSE:
Whiffletree has a lot of character, that's why we love it so much. It’s old and historic, yet modern with current creature comforts. This spacious and newly renovated 2 story red brick home has plenty of room for a large family gathering or reunion and can accommodate 12 guests comfortably. We have WiFi, a hot tub, 4 smart TVs, a fully stocked kitchen, plenty of acres to explore, a game room, kids bedroom equipped with toys and tons of space for relaxation.
There have been many famously known individuals who have enjoyed a stay at Whiffletree place, many of them on get-aways from the Chicago area in the early 50s. With the likes of Al Capone and Joe Louis as frequent visitors to name a few, this house leaves you with a feeling of historic pride. Questioning the past and imagining the stirs and noises that this home has heard.
During your stay explore the adjacent 41 acres of public land known as the Wightman Lake Wildlife Management area. Go bird watching from the birdwatch. Take a short walk to the Illinois River to fish or up water street to Frank park to let the kids play, hoop on the court or have a picnic at the pavilion. Or stay back and enjoy a fire at the outdoor firepit, relax in the private hot tub or take it all in and stargaze.
HUNTING/FISHING:
Marshall State Fish & Wildlife Area is just minutes from your stay with 3 areas.There is a 6-acre picnic area, fishing, and access to hunting and hiking trails adjacent to Route 26/29. The habitat ranges from upland forest to riverbottom to cropland. There are over 3,000 acres of public hunting land in Marshall county and surrounding Whiffletree. The Illinois River in Sparland is also known to be very good fishing, just a 5 minute walk from the house.
Guest access:
The house and surrounding 41 acres are free to explore. The west sunroom is still under renovations and will be locked. The east sunroom is accessible and free to enjoy just note it is not 100% completed. There is a closet on the main level and two closets on the second level that are locked in addition to the door to the basement. On the exterior of the property there is a smaller red building that is locked.
-We are close, so if a problem does arise we can promptly come out to the property to address any needs. Communication is best so that everyone can have a great experience! So please be sure to let us know about anything.
Other details to note:
We do provide smartTVs, we do not provide general cable due to the secluded/rural area. Wifi is available. Window AC units in almost every room May/September. The grocery stores in Lacon may not carry untraditional items or be as stocked as what you are used to. Kroger in Chillicothe is the best bet if you are looking for organic items. Or try out Lacons seasonal Farmers Market on Saturday mornings in the courthouse parking lot.
-We take many precautionary measures to eliminate insects. However, due to being near many farms, the river and the rural location in general. It’s possible you may see insects around the home. Country living is the best living!
-We do provide some fishing poles and gear that are available to use. Please notify us before your stay if you’d like to use the poles. Please know, if you are above the age of 16. You will require an IL state fishing license to fish public waters.
-Just across the bridge in Lacon is a quaint and cozy downtown. Many small shops and boutiques await you to explore, come experience the true heart of small rivertown living!
LOCAL:
1.7 miles to Lacon Marina/Downtown Lacon
6.5 miles to Chillicothe Sportsman Club
8.5 miles to downtown Chillicothe, IL & The Town Theatre
6.9 miles to Marshall County Fish & Wildlife Lacon, 1.0 miles Spring Beach Unit between Sparland & Chillicothe
7.7 miles to Chilli Paintball inc.
23 miles to downtown Peoria Heights, IL
27 miles to downtown Peoria, IL
28 miles to downtown East Peoria, IL
38 miles from Starved rock State Park
35 miles to Matthesion State Park
2 hours from Chicago
THE HOUSE:
Whiffletree has a lot of character, that's why we love it so much. It’s old and historic, yet modern with current creature comforts. This spacious and newly renovated 2 story red brick home has plenty of room for a large family gathering or reunion and can accommodate 12 guests comfortably. We have WiFi, a hot tub, 4 smart TVs, a fully stocked kitchen, plenty of acres to explore, a game room, kids bedroom equipped with toys and tons of space for relaxation.
There have been many famously known individuals who have enjoyed a stay at Whiffletree place, many of them on get-aways from the Chicago area in the early 50s. With the likes of Al Capone and Joe Louis as frequent visitors to name a few, this house leaves you with a feeling of historic pride. Questioning the past and imagining the stirs and noises that this home has heard.
During your stay explore the adjacent 41 acres of public land known as the Wightman Lake Wildlife Management area. Go bird watching from the birdwatch. Take a short walk to the Illinois River to fish or up water street to Frank park to let the kids play, hoop on the court or have a picnic at the pavilion. Or stay back and enjoy a fire at the outdoor firepit, relax in the private hot tub or take it all in and stargaze.
HUNTING/FISHING:
Marshall State Fish & Wildlife Area is just minutes from your stay with 3 areas.There is a 6-acre picnic area, fishing, and access to hunting and hiking trails adjacent to Route 26/29. The habitat ranges from upland forest to riverbottom to cropland. There are over 3,000 acres of public hunting land in Marshall county and surrounding Whiffletree. The Illinois River in Sparland is also known to be very good fishing, just a 5 minute walk from the house.
Guest access:
The house and surrounding 41 acres are free to explore. The west sunroom is still under renovations and will be locked. The east sunroom is accessible and free to enjoy just note it is not 100% completed. There is a closet on the main level and two closets on the second level that are locked in addition to the door to the basement. On the exterior of the property there is a smaller red building that is locked.
-We are close, so if a problem does arise we can promptly come out to the property to address any needs. Communication is best so that everyone can have a great experience! So please be sure to let us know about anything.
Other details to note:
We do provide smartTVs, we do not provide general cable due to the secluded/rural area. Wifi is available. Window AC units in almost every room May/September. The grocery stores in Lacon may not carry untraditional items or be as stocked as what you are used to. Kroger in Chillicothe is the best bet if you are looking for organic items. Or try out Lacons seasonal Farmers Market on Saturday mornings in the courthouse parking lot.
-We take many precautionary measures to eliminate insects. However, due to being near many farms, the river and the rural location in general. It’s possible you may see insects around the home. Country living is the best living!
-We do provide some fishing poles and gear that are available to use. Please notify us before your stay if you’d like to use the poles. Please know, if you are above the age of 16. You will require an IL state fishing license to fish public waters.
-Just across the bridge in Lacon is a quaint and cozy downtown. Many small shops and boutiques await you to explore, come experience the true heart of small rivertown living!
LOCAL:
1.7 miles to Lacon Marina/Downtown Lacon
6.5 miles to Chillicothe Sportsman Club
8.5 miles to downtown Chillicothe, IL & The Town Theatre
6.9 miles to Marshall County Fish & Wildlife Lacon, 1.0 miles Spring Beach Unit between Sparland & Chillicothe
7.7 miles to Chilli Paintball inc.
23 miles to downtown Peoria Heights, IL
27 miles to downtown Peoria, IL
28 miles to downtown East Peoria, IL
38 miles from Starved rock State Park
35 miles to Matthesion State Park
2 hours from Chicago
Amenities at Historic Whiffletree place, 4br, riverview, no neighbors
Free WiFi/internet
Air conditioning
Non-smoking
Pets allowed
TV
Refridgerator
Kitchen
WiFi/Internet
Microwave
Dishwasher
Washing machine
Dryer
Patio
Kitchenware
Kettle
Oven
Stove
Laundry services
Fireplace
Bath or shower
Children's high chair
Ironing facilities
Towels
Hairdryer
Map of Illinois
Ratings and reviews
10.0 / 10.0Outstanding·Oct 2025
The home was very clean and inviting when we arrived. Any questions that we had were quickly answered by the host. The property is located close to comfortable shopping without the big city hustle. It was fun to learn the history of the property and the surrounding area by the Illinois river.
10.0 / 10.0Outstanding·Aug 2025
My family was very impressed by the amenities this house provided. The house provided enough space for my four children and my husband and I. We loved seeing and reading the articles about the house, which gave us a glimpse into its history while incorporating modern necessities that most families desire. Tyler was quick to respond with any questions I had and stayed in touch with any updates. My children are already asking if we can come back next year!
10.0 / 10.0Outstanding·Aug 2025
Great historic house with just the right updates for modern comfort!
10.0 / 10.0Outstanding·Jun 2025
We totally enjoyed this place. Quiet. Spacious yard. Coolest kitchen. Had everything you could ask for. Had family in Chillicothe...so just down the road for a short bit. Will def stay here again when in the areaThank you so much!!!
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Top rated by guests
10.0Outstanding
(10 Ratings)
"The home was very clean and inviting when we arrived. Any questions that we had were quickly answered by the host. The property is located close to comfortable shopping without the big city hustle. It..."
Joseph B.Don't miss out! Price and availability may change
