Farmhouse 80 Acres Rec Room Peddle Boat Lake Fishing Nature Trl 2 ml to Grafton

Pet-Friendly Country Retreat — Come On In & Make Yourself at Home

You won’t find another guesthouse in Grafton that offers this kind of peaceful, down-home country experience. Nestled on 80 private acres, this charming 2-bedroom, 1-bath guesthouse sits beside a spring-fed, one-acre lake—and the entire farm is yours to enjoy.

Bring the kids, bring the family pet (additional $25 per pet), and slow down as you reconnect with nature and each other. Whether you’re fishing at the lake, pedaling across the water, or relaxing on the porch, this is a place to truly unwind—just two miles from Grafton.

The Homestead Hangout

Looking to simply “hang out” with family and friends? You’ll love the Homestead Hangout, featuring ping pong, foosball, and a cozy sofa perfect for reading. Forgot your book? No worries—we have plenty to choose from, and you’re welcome to take one home if you don’t finish it.

Explore Hedge Apple Point and snap a photo with “The Three Sisters.” After dark, grab a flashlight and head to Starry Nights for incredible sky viewing, or place a wish into a bead and hang it on the Wishing Tree.

Amenities Include:

Just 2 miles from Grafton

½-mile nature trail

Spring-fed fishing lake

Dock & pedal boat

Horseshoes

Bonfire pit

BBQ grill

Ping pong & foosball

Huge covered porch

Fully equipped kitchen

Complimentary snacks

Smart TV

Free fiber Wi-Fi

DVD player with 100+ movies

Gather, Celebrate & Explore

The property can accommodate large gatherings, family reunions, weddings, retreats, and even RVs. Please note: the standard nightly rate covers up to 12 guests. Events or larger groups require additional pricing—please inquire for details.

Just minutes away, Grafton offers wineries, bars, shops, live local bands, and an all-around good time.

Get outside. Enjoy each other. We’re always creating new experiences for our guests—don’t be surprised if you’re surprised.

“I hope you find the peace and God’s presence here that my family found at this special place.”

Welcome Home,
Shirley & Patricia
Owner / Operators

A Little Bit of History

In 1943, my parents purchased this 80-acre farm, farmhouse, and barn for $2,800. The current home was built in 1944 on the site of the original homestead. The white barn—still standing—is over 100 years old.

Because World War II limited building materials, the home was constructed entirely from reclaimed lumber purchased in Brighton, Illinois. There was no basement originally—my dad dug one by hand using a scoop pulled by mules, and my grandpa hand-hewed a massive white oak beam from the farm. That beam still supports the house today.

At first, there was no electricity, no gas, and no running water. We lived by kerosene lamps, cooked on a wood stove, and used rainwater collected in a cistern (still visible behind the house).

In 1964, a living room addition was added, requiring the hand-poured concrete steps to be moved—using my dad’s old John Deere tractor. Those steps still sit nearby.

In 2003, with help from my family, the Homestead Retreat became one of the first guesthouses in Grafton. A new porch, a sunroom conversion, fresh paint, and a few pillows later—we were ready. Mostly, it’s just as Mom and Dad left it…only now with running water and indoor plumbing!

Turning my childhood home into the Grafton Homestead Retreat has been—and continues to be—a true labor of love.