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Serene Estate Amid Nature & Wildlife at Tenkiller Ferry Lake on Illinois River

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January 2025

Photo gallery for Serene Estate Amid Nature & Wildlife at Tenkiller Ferry Lake on Illinois River

Exterior
4 bedrooms, desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi
Exterior
Aerial view
4 bedrooms, desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Reviews

9.6 out of 10

Exceptional

Entire home

4 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 133800 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Barbecue grill
    Barbecue grill
  • Hot Tub
    Hot Tub
  • Washer
    Washer
  • Pet friendly
    Pet friendly
  • Parking available
    Parking available
  • Kitchen
    Kitchen

Explore the area

Map
Park Hill, OK
  • Tenkiller Ferry Lake
    8 min walk
  • John Ross Museum
    6 min drive
  • Cherokee Heritage Center
    10 min drive

Room options

About the neighborhood

Tahlequah

Located in Tahlequah, this vacation home is on the waterfront, a 1-minute drive from Tenkiller Ferry Lake and 6 minutes from John Ross Museum. .This family-friendly vacation home is 4.5 mi (7.3 km) from George M. Murrell Home and 5.3 mi (8.5 km) from Cherokee Heritage Center.
View more Vacation Homes in TahlequahOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Cherokee Casino Tahlequah - 14 min drive - 6.9 miles
  • Cherokee Landing State Park - 17 min drive - 10.1 miles
  • Tahlequah City Hospital - 19 min drive - 10.3 miles
  • Northeastern State University - 19 min drive - 10.7 miles
  • Cherokee National Capitol - 19 min drive - 9.5 miles

Getting around

  • Tulsa International Airport (TUL) - 79 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Subway - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪White Wolf Steakhouse - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Casey's General Store - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Sonic Drive-In - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Arby's - ‬16 min drive

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Serene Estate Amid Nature & Wildlife at Tenkiller Ferry Lake on Illinois River

Discover Bending Waters

Nestled on five private wooded acres at the threshold of Lake Tenkiller, Bending Waters is a serene escape just steps from the beautiful Illinois River. This modern, 3,800-square-foot home blends nature with contemporary elegance, comfortably accommodating up to 13 guests.

Luxurious Living Spaces

Bending Waters boasts four bedrooms, two and a half baths, and two family rooms with wood-burning fireplaces that open onto a deck with breathtaking river views. The primary suite features a private two-person Jacuzzi, a spacious walk-in shower with body sprays and a rain-head, and a gas fireplace. It also offers direct access to the upper deck, where you can enjoy the soothing sights and sounds of the river below.

Gourmet Kitchen and Dining

The fully equipped kitchen features a cozy eating area with stunning river views, a hearth room with a fireplace and television, and access to an upper deck with a gas grill for perfect outdoor dining. Adjacent to the kitchen is a formal dining room, ideal for special gatherings.

Nature at Your Doorstep

Large windows throughout the home provide stunning views of the river and wooded acreage. The property is equipped with a security system for your peace of mind. Wildlife abounds here; you’ll spot hummingbirds, eagles, deer, turkeys, and more. The Illinois River offers exceptional fishing right in your backyard, with species like crappie, trout, bass, and catfish.

A True Escape

Bending Waters is surrounded by thousands of acres of Corps of Engineers land, accessible via a paved road and a solid rock drive. A pond with a waterfall and lilies welcomes you to this tranquil retreat, nestled in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains and surrounded by dogwood forests and beautiful foliage.

Endless Adventures

Illinois River: Enjoy kayaking, canoeing, or rafting on 70 miles of scenic waters with outfitters providing rental equipment and shuttle services.
Fishing: Year-round fishing for black bass, white bass, striped bass, crappie, catfish, and more. Fly-fishing classes and guided trips are available.
Lake Tenkiller: Just 0.5 miles away, offering clear waters for boating, sailing, water skiing, wakeboarding, and more. Marinas provide rentals, supplies, and floating restaurants.
Scuba Diving: Explore sunken vehicles, planes, boats, and historical artifacts in waters up to 165 feet deep.
Hunting and Wildlife: Enjoy state game management areas and wildlife observation opportunities, including migratory geese, ducks, bald eagles, and more.
Golfing: Scenic championship courses are nearby for a relaxing round of golf.
Nature and Hiking: Explore trails and parks, observing diverse wildlife and stunning rock formations.
Whether you're seeking tranquility on the back deck, adventure on the river, or fun on Lake Tenkiller, Bending Waters offers an unforgettable retreat in nature. Come and create lasting memories at this beautiful home!
Make yourself comfortable in this air-conditioned vacation home, which features a fireplace and a Smart TV. There's a private balcony. A kitchen is outfitted with a refrigerator, an oven, and a stovetop. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and a DVD player is provided for your entertainment. The bathroom with a shower/tub combination features a jetted bathtub and a hair dryer.
Don't miss out on recreational opportunities including a water park and a spa tub. Additional amenities at this vacation home include concierge services, an arcade/game room, and gas grills.
Guests will find features like internet access and onsite parking.

Property manager

Ken Lightcap

Languages

English

Property amenities

Ski

  • Close to skiing

Pool/Spa

  • Spa tub

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Car required
  • Onsite parking options include a garage

Kitchen

  • Coffee grinder
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Ice maker
  • Kitchen island
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 4 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 2.5 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Jetted bathtub
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Living room
  • Separate dining area

Entertainment

  • DVD player
  • Games
  • Smart TV with cable/satellite channels
  • Stereo
  • Video library

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • Gas grill
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Yard

Laundry

  • Laundromat nearby
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Desk

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • Welcoming dogs only
  • 3 pets total

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Concierge services
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • Near a hospital
  • Near the marina
  • On a river
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Arcade/game room
  • Bicycles
  • Boat
  • Golf
  • Kayak
  • Optional golf privileges
  • Water park
  • Water sports equipment
  • Basketball nearby
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Hunting nearby
  • Ice skating nearby
  • Jet skiing nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Rafting nearby
  • Rock climbing nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Scuba diving nearby
  • Snorkeling nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Water skiing nearby
  • Water tubing nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby
  • Windsurfing nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Bicycles
  • Garden
  • Unit size: 3,800 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 25

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
3 total pets
Restrictions apply; for more information contact the property at the number on the booking confirmation
Note from host: Fee covers 3 dogs, extra dogs per request + fee

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site; maximum attendees: 40
Note from host: Events Fee $1500.00 ($500.00 Refundable) 40 Guest
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

We should mention

A car is required for transportation to and from this property

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 121 out of 142 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 15 out of 142 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 142 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 142 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 142 reviews" "

9.8/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Jeffrey C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Nice Spot Near Tahlequah
Nice property. Lots of space and beds. Close to the access for the river (2 minute drive/15 minute walk). Communicative host. And great location. I think the only thing I'd say I wish was out of their control. The river was pretty low. Where you walk down to get to the river from the property was really just stagnant water followed by super high weeds/grass area so you couldn't really get to water whereas I thought I'd be able to sit and fish or something. I'm sure it's better when the river is higher but that was the only thing that bummed me out. It was still sweet because we just hopped over to the access area which has a ton of space to park and fish. Again, out of their control and still an extremely great place and I wouldn't drop any stars.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Genevieve F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Long weekend!
House is nice. The trail down to the water is steep, but views from the house are terrific!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Scott D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing River Views
Great home for our family stay! Enjoyed the views of the river, wildlife, and birds! We even caught a glimpse of a Bald Eagle soaring over the river!!!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Trina H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely home!
The property is beautiful and the deer come right up in the yard! The house is very spacious and cleverly built plenty of places to relax, will definitely be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nate P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Nice getaway
Beautiful views, very quiet, pet friendly.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

8/10 Good

Courtney S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Right on the River
The House ia very spacious and just a short hike to the river. Very secluded and wildlife everywhere including snakes and a Bald Eagle!! View is great! The manager Debbie is very helpful!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Julie W., Tulsa, OK

Liked: Cleanliness
Summer vacay
We had a very relaxing time. The house was very comfy! Thanks
Stayed 6 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Barbara L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Graduation
Excellent property! Fit our needs perfectly and was a bird watchers dream!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jerry M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Very nice views of the river and wild life
Im going to stay again when i go back to oklahoma too see family.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Eileen K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing House w Amazing Views
Our host, Ken, was incredible. Very communicative and helpful. The house is beautiful and well stocked, The walk to the river from the house was difficult with all the leaves covering the steps so w drove to the river, less than 5 minutes. Packed a lunch and the dog. We have a wonderful time. We will come back again
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Angel W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful Place
We had a great time! Home was beautiful! Didn’t want to leave!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Family stay for Powwow
Beautiful property. A little drive to anything but that made it better. It was very secluded, like walking into a nature wonderland..
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Barbara K., Winter Park

Liked: Cleanliness
Respite at Lake Tenkiller
My sister, niece, and I stayed here for 4 nights. We had the best time. The set up of the home was perfect for our needs and had all the necessary amenities. I loved the setting of the house in the woods. It was beautiful and peaceful. We tried tubing one day on the Illinois River but the water was so low that it was not great tubing. One day we went to the Cherokee State Park and swam with tubes off the rocky beach. It was so much fun! Lunch at Nancy's Homemade Pies and Cafe provided us with delicious homemade pies for lunch. Ken was a super good host. The property manager was great, too, keeping up with our needs.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Debbie A.

Liked: Cleanliness
Birthday Paradise
The stay at Bending Waters for a birthday celebration was wonderful. The views were amazing. Sitting on the back deck and seeing the river and watching the birds was a treat. The kitchen was a dream-literally everything was provided to prepare meals. The additional fridge in the garage was a blessing! The open spaces made it very comfortable for ten people. The drive to the lake was very easy and convenient. All we needed was another day or two...or more. It's a trip we will all with hold dear to our hearts.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kim Q.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful location
We loved our stay here. The river was a treat that we all enjoyed even though it's not the easiest to get down to. The home was large enough to accommodate our group of 11 very comfortably. It was well stocked and the owners/property manager were very attentive.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness
Great Family Trip
We really enjoyed our stay here. It is a beautiful property - very quiet and comfortable. The owner and property manager were very responsive and helpful with any questions we had. A windstorm came through the first night, and the owner called the next morning to ensure everything was ok. There is a very nice area with easy access to the river just few minutes down the road for those that don't want to go down the steps at the house.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ward S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Overall a good experience
Met family there for a three night getaway right before the Fourth of July. That portion of the Illinois river at horseshoe bend has really low traffic compared to the northern portions of the river. House is well set up and comfortable sleeping many guests. Your own private gravel bar on the river awaits you below the house. Only disadvantage I can mention is that the walk to the river is pretty steep and hard to get the kids under 8 up and down safely carrying any gear. Overall quite satisfied and would recommend this location to anyone wanting a spot on the river that is not completely packed with partying floaters.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Adelle B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful place for a family vacation
Bending Waters was an immaculate home to stay in for our family vacation. The lower level was perfect for our adult children and their significant others. The main floor made me feel at home. With 6 adults and one child, I never felt cramped, and I didn't have to wait in line to use the bathroom. The little one wanted to spend all the time down at the river, and though the hike was a little tricky, we were able to get down & back up again pretty well. The location feels very secluded, & that is what we were looking for. We were able to tow our boat & jet ski onto the property using a little caution on the one switchback like turn. A boat larger than 20ft, may be more difficult if you're not experienced. There's a gas station & Dollar General right down the road, and Lake Tenkiller was a relatively quick drive away. I don't have anything negative to say about this property, managers, or communication. The managers were very proactive with letting us know they were available if we had any questions or problems.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

6/10 Okay

Carla B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Access to river
The house was nice but getting down to the river with small children was not easy at all. You are basically walking down a cliff. The water is very nice once you get to it. The kayaks were great and the accessibility of the boat ramp was convienent.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

6/10 Okay

Nolan B.

River stay
House was as advertised. Very communicative owner and the property manager was very nice.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Eva T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great stay!!!
We stayed here for our daughter's graduation from NSU. We had a great stay! We hope to come back in the future to enjoy the river!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Charlotte B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fantastic stay!
Very enjoyable vacation! Owner was very helpful with getting us geared up to kayak and showed us the perfect area to launch for a fantastic trip on the Illinois River!
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Brenda D.

Liked: Cleanliness
magnificent location
The property was super nice and the owner and manager were so nice to us. Had a great time with my family and I would love to stay there again. I highly recommend this VRBO
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Chelsea C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely friend getaway
We had a wonderful time staying at this property! It was absolutely beautiful and provided everything we needed.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Wendy S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Nature lovers paradise
Very private and lots of wildlife! Hummingbirds everywhere, squirrels, deer, lizards, frogs, and we saw a few eagles too!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2022