Intro:
I affectionately refer to this house as “The House That Built Me.” Referencing (of course) the title of country artist Miranda Lamberts hit song, from 2010. The lyrics couldn’t be more accurate. My name is Crystal, and this is The House That Built Me.

My father bought this property in 1970. He married my mother and her two children in 1976. I was brought home from the hospital to this home in 1977 & raised here with my siblings, until eventually we all married and left home.


The space:
This is a beautiful 3 bedroom, 2 bath lake house, in the sweet little town of Wauconda, Illinois.

Situated on almost one acre of lakefront land, this property is unique as it is arranged and shares land with a few other small cottages, and longterm tenants. All neighbors are very friendly. You will feel extremely safe and welcome.

Property runs parallel to Homer T. Cook park. Recreation center, running/walking nature path, skateboard park all only footsteps away.

Perfect location for those who enjoy the outdoors; fishing, biking, paddle boarding, kayaking, etc...

Guest Access:

Access to lake is included with your stay. We allow all guests and longterm tenants to use our kayaks, paddle board, row boat and paddle boat. We have a few fishing poles, some (limited) tackle, life vests and flashlights. We recommend any avid fisherman, bring their own poles & tackle. What we offer is much more amateur, level.

In addition to what we provide, there are many options as far as opportunities to rent boats, jet skis, wave runners, etc... as well as a few local bait shops.

We have just about everything imaginable in the kitchen to prepare meals. A plethora of pots & pans, wok, serving bowls/dishes, juicer, crockpot, coffee maker, toaster oven, waffle maker, bread maker, etc... Often times many spices and oils are left behind to share.

We provide a hair dryer, iron and ironing board, plenty of bath towels, washcloths and two bath robes.

Supplies: We have shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, body wash, etc.. on hand, however we request these are used as a backup to forgotten products, opposed to your unlimited supply. We have basics in the way of medication, feminine products, bandages, sun screens, bug spray, etc… to use in unprepared situations.

To get you started, we provide 1 roll of paper towels, 4 rolls of toilet paper, a handful of trash bags, hand soap and a mini bottle of dish soap. In the event you surpass the initial provided quantity, we do not restock these supplies. We provide all the laundry detergent needed, to wash linen, during checkout.

Extra amenities include: 4 bicycles, 3 fire pits, cornhole game, adult yard games, coolers, beach towels, tree hammocks, a picnic basket, cable, WiFi, a wireless/bluetooth printer and speaker, several adult card and board games, as well as a few essential oil defusers.

We try to provide some extras, for traveling families with little ones. Things we would appreciate if traveling with children, like: a portable crib/playpen, high chair, stroller, bouncers, sippy cups, toys; dolls, barbies, blocks, trucks, puzzles, games, sleeping bags, teepee tents, 2 scooters, helmets, etc... and most recently, a really fun tree swing!

There are 3 propane tanks in total, on the property. Two firepit tanks and one grill tank. They’re approximately $25 each, to switch out at the local gas station. This expense/hassle is NOT covered in your stay, if any should need to be refilled. Owner frequently manages from afar, and doesn’t have the ability to “test” tanks. You’re most welcome to enjoy the fire pits/grill as a bonus amenity, but please keep in mind owner does not check them, fill them, OR REFUND the expense for switching them out. We only make sure 3 tanks still remain on property at the end of each stay.

In addition to the gas grill, we also provide a charcoal grill. We do not provide charcoal.

Summer 2020: There is currently no private dock on the property. Sadly, it saw its last year in 2019. Fortunately, there are two public docks within steps from our water bank.

FOR GROUPS OF PEOPLE WHO HAVE MORE THAN 4 GUEST OR USE MORE THAN 2 BEDS:

*** Hensley’s Cornerstone does NOT charge extra per person.***

To keep the price down for larger groups, we require our “extra guests” (groups larger than 4, or using more than 2 beds) to make sure (all) bed and bath linen is washed per provided instructions, before checkout.

We appreciate our larger groups for helping us to cleanup on a larger scale (in exchange) understanding the trade off is that your group is not being charged extra, per person.

If your travel time does not allow for extra cleanup, we request you please communicate this upon booking, so we can prepare for extra flipping time AND an additional laundry fee.

WE honor your trip by keeping price down & not charging per person. We request you honor this agreement in good faith, in return.

Sleeping arrangements:
1 King bedroom (sleeps 2)
1 Queen bedroom (sleeps 2)
1 bedroom with 2 twin beds (sleeps 2)
A Queen size blowup mattress (sleeps 2)
2 twin cots (sleeps 2)
Couch (sleeps 2)

Hensley’s Cornerstone will sleep 12 total. Twelve is tight. Some don’t mind this, and others don’t prefer it. We want you to do what is most comfortable for you, however please keep in mind after the 4th person, you’re now a party of 5+ and expectations for extra laundry comes along with this booking.

Interaction with my guests:

This property is shared with a handful of longterm tenants who rent out smaller cottages. While only VRBO guests have access to the main house... the parking area is shared with longterm tenants who also occasionally walk down by the lake and/or use kayaks.

Owner lives part-time in cottage on property, but is most frequently traveling.

Notes:

After the passing of my father in 2013, I inherited my childhood home and hold this property to the highest of sentimental value and treasure. The last 8 years have been a labor of love! I have worked very hard to transform many aspects, while trying to maintain the integrity of some of the original craftsmanship. It is an ongoing work in progress, as I’m still in the process of refurbishing. A new dock and beach area, a newly paved driveway etc.. are all part of the dream, for the future of Hensley’s Cornerstone. Every year we see success, is another project we can tackle!

I’m very grateful to have been given the opportunity to hold something so meaningful, and share with my family and children, as they too created their own unique memories at the lake house.

My deepest desire is that you and your family/friends will feel all the love that will surround you, during your stay. My dads heart would explode with happiness, if he could see other families enjoying his home and land.

We are on a heavily wooded piece of land, and with that comes some friendly spiders & bugs. Please understand it has nothing to do with cleanliness. It’s the nature of the land. :)

This house has the original kitchen setup, from the 1940’s and does not have a dishwasher. You will have to wash dishes the old fashioned way. Rustic living at its finest.

The Neighborhood:

Wauconda a modern day Mayberry.
My property is a work in progress.

Everything you will need in Wauconda is within walking/biking distance. Or a short car ride away.

Library
Public dock
Skateboarding park
Gym
Shops
Restaurants
Brewery’s
Bakery/Coffee
Wine & Martini
Beaches
Gas
Grocery

Great Lakes Naval Base, 6 Flags Great America & Ski Resorts, within a 30 minute drive.

Getting Around:

rental car is ideal.

•• BIG PLUS ••

One of the greatest parts about Wauconda, Illinois... is that you’re geographically situated in a location that puts you about an hour from Chicago (in one direction) and an hour from Milwaukee (in the other.) You could easily mix your small town “Mayberry” type vacation, with a little bit of a faster paced “city” experience, as well. Hit Wrigleyville for a Chicago Cubs game. Tour some of the original architecture of the iconic Frank Lloyd Write. Transportation is easy, as Metra Train stations run locally (at all hours until about midnight) and are the most hassle free way to travel to the city. And of course, Uber is just a click of an app away!

Can’t go wrong. 😊

Please follow parking instructions (photos) carefully as it can be a little confusing. Longterm tenants have designated parking spots, as well as Airbnb guests.