Take a step back in time... Built in 1910, this fully restored Craftsman Cottage is reminiscent of days-gone-by but with a few modern day amenities (hello rain shower!). Decorated in the Victorian style that was popular at the turn of the century, this cottage sits on 15 acres, making it the perfect serene location for quiet & privacy. The marbled, wood burning fireplace adds ambiance on cold winter nights. A fully stocked kitchen is at your disposal. Come take a long soak in the claw foot tub - that's original to the house - or enjoy a luxurious rain shower. With the in-line water heater, you will never run out of hot water! The three upstairs bedrooms & double thick air mattress can accommodate 8 guests. The back deck hosts a patio set & grill. There's even a fully functioning, old time, merry-go-round for the kids to enjoy! Just minutes from the Shawnee National Forest (with it's many State Parks), Lake of Egypt, Tunnel Hill Bike Trail, Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, Antique Malls, Novelty Shops & many other activities, you will never run out of things to do.

We are a mom & daughter team who purchased this property across the road from our family farm. We took 10 months to completely restore the cottage & we couldn't be more proud of the results. Ellie is a retired RN, MSN who specialized in Obstetrics & Lactation for most of her nursing career. She lives on her grandpa's farm which is the same farm where she grew up. She is a Momma of 4, a MeeMaw of 1, & best bud to her English Bulldog, Bristol. Ellie enjoys most outdoor activities (horse riding, camping, hiking, gardening...), along with scrapbooking, & antiquing. She walks 3-5 miles a day (rain or shine) & works entirely too much for someone who is supposed to be "retired." Ciara lives on the family farm with Cody, the love of her life. She works full time as the Rental Coordinator for her dad's rental company. Ciara enjoys spending time with her 3-legged yellow lab, Daisy, along with reading & shopping. She loves to travel, with Colorado being her favorite destination, but a visit to Scotland & Ireland are on her bucket list.

Creal Springs is a small, rural, farming community, but only minutes from popular Southern Illinois activities, shops, & restaurants. Close to the Shawnee National Forest & a multitude of State Parks, hiking, picnicking, fishing & horse riding are not far away. If you enjoy the water, the Lake of Egypt & Crab Orchard Lake, along with pontoon, kayak, & jet ski rentals, are nearby. The Tunnel Hill Bike Trail and it's railroad trestles are a must see when visiting the area & if you prefer not to bike, many people choose to look at the beautiful landscape by walking . The Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, with its many vineyards & wineries, is conveniently close at hand. If you like to antique, Creal is literally surrounded by locally owned, antique shops & malls. There's lots of things to do in Southern Illinois, but if quiet & tranquility are what you seek, there is no better place than Sandbank Cottage to watch a sunset while listening to the birds singing, crickets chriping, & frogs croaking.