Casting a line into the glassy pre-dawn water, carving graceful turns behind a ski boat, or cracking a cold one and floating all day on a pontoon…however you enjoy it, lake living can’t be beat. And here in the Midwest, we pretty much wrote the book on the lifestyle. That’s no surprise considering this part of the country is home to the Great Lakes, the Land of 10,000 Lakes, the Chain O’ Lakes, and a whole bunch of other lakes. From large spring-fed lakes like Geneva in Wisconsin, to small private lakes along the Illinois-Wisconsin border, to the inland ocean of Lake Michigan, Midwesterners have freshwater access almost everywhere we turn, and no shortage of homes from which to enjoy it. To celebrate the start of summer, here are five homes currently on the market in Michigan, Wisconsin and Illinois with docks or boat slips.
1177 Rocky Beach Road Johnsburg, Illinois 60051
Perched along Pistakee Bay, this five-bedroom, five-bathroom home is a slice of heaven for lakeside living. Pistakee Lake is part of the Chain O’Lakes, which connects 15 lakes and the Fox River in northeast Illinois, giving residents access to practically endless recreation on the water.
This contemporary 7,800+ square-foot home was completely renovated in 2010 and even includes a separate two-bedroom, two-bath guest house. Additionally, the home has multiple garages, walk-in closets, an open floor plan, a wine fridge, and heated flooring. Not to mention the picturesque lake views, with meandering stairs leading down to the shoreline and the home’s boat slip.
However, this house’s statement piece is the two-story glass-enclosed pool room. It has water features, ambient underwater lighting, a spacious second-floor deck, a full bath, and a seven-foot spa.
11170 Lake Shore Drive Berrien Springs, Michigan 49103
Down the road from 2020’s Nicest Place in America, Buchanan, this 3,500-square-foot lakeside home blends in with the encircling trees. Located along dreamy Lake Chapin, enjoy deeded access to a private dock with a boat lift, or savor the views from the home’s decks. The homeowner’s association also has a shared pool and sport courts for residents.
This home combines traditional cabin architecture with chic, contemporary living spaces. An open floor plan provides seamless transitions between the home’s main rooms. Built eight years ago, the five-bedroom, three-bath residence also has a large stone fireplace in the living room.
23033 W Schwerman Road Mundelein, Illinois 60060
In this home, which evokes the feel of a Swiss ski chalet more than a typical Midwestern lake house, privacy is paramount. Set back on a secluded 5.5-acre home site, this four-bedroom, four-bath property is a relaxing retreat. Surrounded by forest, the private non-motorized lake provides plenty of natural ambiance.
Stonework, woodwork, and vaulted ceilings fill the space with warmth, while the two-story fireplace brings tantalizing coziness to the home. Floor-to-ceiling windows showcase the property’s natural abundance, with a wraparound deck and gazebo outside to enjoy the landscape.
The outdoor pool has a spacious deck and waterfall feature and is just steps away from the pier. Nearby is also a land peninsula and a second gazebo for relaxing. This 7,100 square-foot home also includes a half bath, butler’s pantry, walk-in pantry, a billiards/game room, a wine fridge, custom-made bar, and three additional fireplaces.
210 E Water Street New Buffalo, Michigan 49117
Fittingly nicknamed Harbor House, this custom-built home’s ample outdoor spaces provide incredible views of the Galien River Nature Preserve and the New Buffalo marina. At 3,900 square feet with multiple porches and decks, it was practically made for alfresco entertaining. Plus, the private 45-foot boat slip gets boaters from their front door out onto Lake Michigan in no time.
This luxurious four-bedroom, four-and-a-half-bath home has an ensuite bath for each bedroom. The primary bath includes a jacuzzi tub and walk-in shower. The home also comes with a two-car heated garage, outdoor fireplace, security system, surround sound system, and screened-in porch.
3124 S Lakeshore Drive, Lake Geneva, WI
Dubbed ‘Aloha Lodge,’ this grand Lake Geneva estate comes with a large pier that holds five boat slips, giving residents ample opportunity to explore the 26-mile shoreline. The estate also features a swimming pool, hot tub, gazebo and two-story porch – all great spots for enjoying the lake.
Inside, the 16,000 square-foot home takes full advantage of its lakeside location, offering stunning views of the lake from nearly every room. High-end finishes, three separate living spaces, two elevators, a playroom with a manmade climbing tree, and 12 garage spaces are among the home’s luxury amenities. Designed by notable architect Howard Van Doren Shaw for Chicago hotelier Tracy C. Drake, the founder of the city’s historic Drake and Blackstone hotels, the luxurious 8-bedroom, 16-bath home is one of Lake Geneva’s most recognized mansions.