Romantic, Private, Luxurious Cabin Getaway for Two

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As I take up the staff of Mithrandir to leave a message, I muse upon the beauty of this land that has entirely assuaged the pain and exhaustion of my soul. With the swiftness of Shadowfax we left our home in Chicago to come for a weekend of calm and relaxation in the Shire. Though before now, I had no memory of this place. Now I leave with fondest times spent. We thank you so much for your meticulous attention to detail, delicious pastries, good wine, and welcoming atmosphere.
Dearest Ed and Nancy, we will not forget soon the beauty of this land, nor the delight we had in it. There may come a day, when the strength of men fails, but it is not this day! Thank you so much!
Maria and Taylor”

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This has been a wonderful weekend and sad that it is time to leave :( Thank you for everything, from the farm fresh eggs to the cinnamon bread to the softest towels ever! We will definitely plan a trip back sometime.
Thanks again!
Tammy and Kyle, Carlyle, Il”

He Proposed!

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Thank you Ed and Nancy for creating such an amazing, beautiful romantic place for our first getaway! This place will always be a special place for us as Ted proposed to me the first night!
We will be back again and again!
Ted and Shelly/Belleville, Il”

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What a wonderful place you have provided. It was a perfect weekend. Exactly the space that we needed and were looking for. You provided such unexpected and nice touches throughout. Ed, it was a pleasure to talk with you and thank you for all your ideas for hiking, even though limited due to deer hunting. :) We will definitely recommend to friends.
Simply beautiul and relaxing!
Linda and Paul, St. Louis, MO”

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Thanks for everything. Hated to leave but we will return. Weather was perfect. Full moon, hot tub, fire pit - Life is good!
OMG! That white blanket is so soft!
The Brennans/St. Louis”

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Thank you for such a great stay! We really enjoyed our vacation. We watched all three Lord of the Rings movies while we were here!
Brooke and Derek/St. Louis, Mo”

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Thanks so much for an amzing place to unplug.
Sean and I needed this staycation big time and this place was perfect. We both are super relaxed!
Stephanie and Sean/Grafton, IL”

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Dan and I can't thank you enough for making our little get away so enjoyable. We had a fun afternoon touring along the wine trail and then to end up here...wow!
We are in love with this place. Very nice, hospitable and clean. We love the personal touches! It's a great location! We enjoyed our time at Blue Sky and meeting you two and talking with the owner.
Overall, perfect! Enjoy the holiday season and looking forward to a return trip. Dan and Kim / Ingraham, Il”

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We had the best time of all vacations!. Thank you so much for all of the personal touches. We loved the house, the recommendations, and the whole experience of southern Illinois. We honestly intend to return. You have created not only a beautiful place but are now permanently part of our memories of our second anniversary.
David and Jeannie/ Grand Haven, MI”

VRBO Reviews (more on VRBO)

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My husband and I stayed here for our honeymoon and we couldn't have chosen a better place. The cabin is wonderful. Quaint, cute, but still very luxurious. The sights are phenomenal! Looking outside in the morning with a hot cup of coffee (made with the provided gourmet coffee beans) was breathtaking. Everything was clean and tidy upon arrival. And they thought of everything! Cooking utensils, plates, cups, silverware, wine glasses, pots and pans, serving dishes, even grill utensils! There was even lotions and soaps in the bathroom! You could really get away with bringing yourself and a little bit of food if you wanted. And we can't forget about the hot tub! We sat in the hot tub under the covered pergola and watched the snow come down outside. Simply amazing. A scenic private path to Blue Sky Vineyard was a cherry on top of everything. The cabin provides seclusion or it's just 20 minutes away from Carbondale if you want to get out. The Cove is cozy, charming, relaxing, and over all excellent! And the owners make your feel right at home from the get go. We will definitely be back! !
Jeremy and Kendra/Okawville, Il”

VRBO Review

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We had a absolutely wonderful time at the Cove Cabin! Ed and Nancy were such great hosts! We were truly blessed to find such a perfect place for our honeymoon. We loved all the little details from the farm fresh eggs to the little touches in the bathroom! Ed and Nancy were also very accommodating to our situation of getting to the area around 3AM because of our train ride in. It's a very intimate area and so breathtaking! We also loved that there were plenty of things to do in the area, wineries, breweries, nature trails, and many more! We honestly can not wait to go back because we had such a wonderful time!
Betsy and TJ/Baton Rouge, LA”

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We could not have picked a better place for our wedding weekend. Our wedding party joined us here for pictures on our wedding day. We will cherish the pictures and the memories in this wonderful Cabin.
Your card and added thoughtfulness meant so much on our special weekend. Thank you for creating this beautiful and unique Cabin.
Jason and Megan/Naperville/Ill”

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This was an amazing trip. Better than we could have ever expected. Couldn't describe how great it was to turn on the TV and see Battle of the Five Armies on while I drink my coffee. This place was magical. Plus, we got engaged!!
We plan on being back. Love this place.
Drew and Ashley/Highland, Il”

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This house is so wonderful. I am so glad we were able to stay for a couple of nights at this magical place.
Pulling up to and walking into the The Cove was a mystical experience. The scenery and the wooded trail are PERFECT! In addition to the exterior, the interior of this amazing place is just beautiful. Great decor and other detail. As soon as we got settled we looked out the window to see a hummingbird taking advantage of your beautifully landscaped plants.
This was a wonderful place for us to get away for a couple of days while we contiue to save for our honeymoon! You two are great and your properties never disappoint!
Newlyweds as of 9/5/15, Amanda and Matt/Pontiac, Il”

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We stayed for our honeymoon! This was a great and relaxing trip! We mostly stayed in, enjoying the house and each other.
Thank you Ed and Nancy for only being a phone call away and of course, than you for the goodies that were waiting on us when we arrived. That was such a welcoming suprise!
Kaleb and Kirsten/La Place, Il”

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This place is amazing, the pictures online don't even compare to how lovely this place is.
Thank you for letting us spend our first couple of nights here as husband and wife. From the hot tub, fire pit, Blue Sky and the DVD, we truly enjoyed everything this cabin has to offer - and we will definitely be back to enjoy it again sometime soon. Have a wonderful holiday season and happy new year.
Jessica and Paul Prospect Heights, Il”

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Ed and Nancy, what you have here is truly something special and we are so appreciative that you have chosen to share this little patch of heaven with us and all of the world.
Ed - the construction and woodwork in this house is beyond words. Nancy - your special touches made this truly feel like home. Justin could not have picked a better place to honeymoon at.
We have always been incredibly close as a couple, but this has allowed us to get back to our roots, ignore the hustle and bustle of our city life, and reflect on our love and the many blissful years to come as husband and wife. I am sure we will see you again on this crazy journey we call life. You have touched our lives with your home and hospitality in ways we cannot express.
Justin and Meghan/Chicago, Il / 9/5/16”

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We were here in May for the 1st time. Had to come stay for another relaxing vacation. Went to the winery for the 1st time. Absolutely beautiful! The wine was great! Each time we come to the The Cove it is like home away from home.
Great accommodations and the hot tub sets the mood!! :) Can't wait to check out the new hut they are building. We will difinitely be back for more. Awesome little Get Away!! Thanks again Ed and Nancy for a memorable stay.
Kim and J.R./Red Bud, Il”

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We had anticipated a beautiful place and a well stocked little home, but nothing really prepared us for what we found!
The Cove was so perfect for a relaxing break from our daily routine. Thank you so much for everything and for anticipating the wants of your guests. We will return.
Marcia and Jim”

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Thanksgiving weekend at the The Cove. Best Thanksgiving ever! Beautiful day, hike in Panther's Den, back to the house for a fire, relaxed in the hot tub, and filet on the grill for dinner. Then cozy up on the couch for the night next to the fire.
Jennifer and Matthew/Tinley Park, Il”

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Thank you so much for all your work and creativity in making the cabin come to life! My husband and I came for a relaxing pre-holiday getaway and the Cove comforts did not disappoint! We are heading home to our two little ones (5yrs and 7yrs) rested and rejuvenated and ready to take on the busy holidays. Warm wishes for a merry Christmas and beautiful New Year!
Chet and Jessie / Effingham, Il”

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From a simple internet search to a much needed enchanting stay at the magical Cove. Many thanks to Ed and Nancy for having the dream and vision to create something so extraordinary...if you build it, they will come. Your personal touches and welcoming hospitality just made everything perfect...the sweet smell of the peonies was so much like home. Thanks again fo rshowing your beautiful vision.
Lynn and Amy / Lincoln, Il”

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Thank you for creating a place that we "grown ups" get to go to and play for the weekend! The house exceeded our expectations and we are very grateful for the "southern hospitality"! Our first trip to the wine trails and likely a new tradition here at the the Cove. We are so glad you, like us, are CUBS fans and we kicked off the second round of the playoffs! Many new memories made and lots to cherish! Go Cubs!
Manda and Bobby / Mahomet, Il | October 2016”

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What a wonderful way to relax and find peace. The coyotes sang to us every night. We found magic in every spot. Loved watching the hummingbirds come out in the early afternoon and the butterflies the rest of the time. What a great getaway. You guys have out done yourselves. We will definitely be back. Just absolutely beautiful!!
Jax and Karin / Peoria, Il | September 2016”