C'mon In - The Water's Fine!

During the sweltering days of summer, perhaps nothing seems as inviting as a home on the water. This summer, Chicago-area homebuyers who want a home with waterfront access as well as opportunities for boating and other watersports can choose from a number of nearby developments, from lakefront luxury homes, duplexes and waterfront townhome communities to a riverside vacation home resort. Here’s a rundown of just a few new-construction options:

Willow Lake, Lake Forest, Ill.
At Red Seal Homes’ Willow Lake community, residents enjoy more than just beautiful views of the community’s two lakes. They also have access for fishing, canoeing and kayaking. The property, which was originally part of Marshall Field’s private estate, features a preserved wooded shoreline surrounding portions of the lakes.

“Homes with water views are always at a premium, but being able to access the water takes the amenity to an even higher level,” said Brian Hoffman, vice chairman of Northbrook-based Red Seal Homes. “It’s definitely rare for residents of a newly built community to have access rights to a lake, and our residents take full advantage.”

Located off Route 60, just east of Interstate 94 and across from Conway Farms Golf Club, Willow Lake offers seven duplex floor plans ranging in size from 2,495 to 4,338 square feet with two to three bedrooms, 2½ to three baths, and attached, two-car garages. They are priced from $800,000. For more information, visit http://rswillowlake.com.

Heritage Harbor Ottawa Resort, Ottawa, Ill.
Boaters in search of a waterfront home where they can maximize time on the water will find a convenient option at Heritage Harbor Ottawa Resort, located just 90 minutes from Chicago within Starved Rock Country. Situated along the Illinois River, this master-planned marina resort community is built around a 32-acre harbor and full-service marina. In addition to providing its residents water access and full boating amenities, Heritage Harbor Marina offers a Quest Express boating membership, which gives participants access to a fleet of boating equipment for an annual fee.

“Heritage Harbor is a terrific option for Chicagoans who want a second home they can get to easily to enjoy boating and water sports,” said Tammy Barry, director of sales and marketing for Heritage Harbor Ottawa. “Plus, our boating season in Ottawa is typically one to two months longer than what they would get on Lake Michigan thanks to the differences in weather and water conditions, so dedicated boaters can really get the most out of a waterfront home.”

Heritage Harbor Ottawa’s West Harbor Lofts, a collection of new-construction townhomes available for immediate delivery, even offer boat slips directly in front of the residences. Priced from $284,900, the 1,380-square-foot townhomes feature two bedrooms, 2½ baths, first-floor flex space, and tandem two-car garages with storage area for water toys. Other housing options at Heritage Harbor Ottawa include custom single-family homes, carriage homes, townhomes, condos and vacation cottages. For more information, visit www.heritageharborottawa.com.

Lansdowne Estate, Lake Bluff, Ill.
Resting on the bluffs of Lake Michigan, Lansdowne Estate is a 21-acre lakefront community of seven custom luxury homes - including the historic Lansdowne mansion that was designed by famed Chicago architect Benjamin Marshall in 1911. The community not only gives buyers spectacular views of the lake, but also offers a few lucky homeowners their own private beach. For residents at Lansdowne Estate that do not have their own private beach access, several public beaches are only minutes away.

“Living by the water with its picturesque views and natural surroundings provides a peaceful retreat that holds a lot of appeal for homebuyers,” said Peter Brennan, president of Foxford Communities and developer of Lansdowne Estate. “Not to mention the fact that owning a home on Lake Michigan with private beach access is a dream come true for many potential buyers.”

To date, Foxford has sold three lots, two of which are already under construction, and is building a 7,000-square-foot quick-delivery home that includes five bedrooms and 5½ baths. Home prices at Lansdowne range from $2,500,000 to $5,000,000, with the announced quick-delivery home listed at a pre-construction price of $2,999,900. For more information, contact Jeff Ohm at 847-821-9090 or visit http://www.premierlistingshowcase.com/orders/2012/02/02/10644/index.php.

Somerset Townhomes, Lake Zurich, Ill.
Foxford Communities is offering another opportunity for buyers to purchase a home in proximity to the water with Somerset Townhomes, an upscale 39-unit townhome community located in downtown Lake Zurich. The community provides a maintenance-free lifestyle within walking distance to Breezewald Park beach, complete with lifeguards and a playground, as well as numerous restaurants and shops in downtown Lake Zurich.

“Somerset offers homebuyers waterfront living right outside their backdoor, with a majority of the homes boasting views of Lake Zurich,” said Brennan. “For those who count boating, fishing and kayaking among their favorite pastimes, the 250-acre Lake Zurich offers all of these activities, while Somerset offers homeowners a quiet retreat in a beautiful setting.”

Somerset Townhomes range in size from 1,986 to 2,242 square feet and include three bedrooms, 2½ bathrooms and a two-car garage. Homes are base-priced in the $290,000s. For more information, contact Jeff Ohm at 847-821-9090 or johm@prg123.com.