The Cottage on Lake Galena

With high ceilings and lots of space, this rustic yet modern rental property in the Galena Territories manages to be both enormous and cozy at the same time. The custom-built log cabin offers two bedrooms--a spacious master upstairs, in a room with a skylight, and a smaller but perfectly comfortable boudoir on the main floor. The rest of the main floor is open, with a kitchen (stocked with higher-end appliances and utensils), a dining area and a living room. (Don't feel like cooking? You're only about 10 minutes from quaint downtown Galena, and all the dining and shopping on tap there. The owners are happy to recommend spots to eat.) There are gas fireplaces upstairs and down, laundry facilities and entertainment options including satellite TV and radio and Wi-Fi. Maybe best of all is the all-season hot tub on the porch outside. In midwinter, it's a chilly scramble to get in, but once you're there, it's rather heavenly. The vibe is DIY, especially for the price ($290 for two occupants)--you'll need to bring your own provisions (don't forget coffee!), and while there's a cleaning service, guests are expected to take care of little details like resetting the thermostat. Payment is by cash or check, no credit card. (Note that cell-phone service can be spotty, too.)