July 06, 2009

Yes, YOU can own a lakefront home!

Posted to Julie Sarton

For many years, since Chicagoans discovered the closeness and beauty of Geneva Lake, it’s become known as the millionaire’s playground. Steaming down the lake on any of the cruise boats, the vastness, elegance, and prices of the lakefront homes hugging the shores is staggering. But cheer up, you don’t have to be a millionaire to own a lakefront. Walworth County alone has over 25 navigable lakes, and nearby Kenosha adds another 5 popular lakes…… all with more reasonable price tags than Lake Geneva. I recently began working with a couple looking on Geneva Lake. Disappointed at what they could get for their budget on Geneva Lake, they were delighted to see what they could afford for the same dollars on Lauderdale Lakes, just 15 minutes north.

The range of possibilities is huge, from a $104,900 lakefront on 86-acre Pell Lake just 15 minutes south of Lake Geneva, to a $7,950,000 estate on the south shore of Lake Geneva, with many in between. While the lowest priced lakefront home on 5260-acre Geneva Lake is currently $965,000, it drops to $280,000 on 2072-acre Delavan Lake, $349,000 on 850-acre Lauderdale Lakes, $399,000 on 834-acre Beulah Lake, and $249,900 on 953-acre Twin Lakes. And, of course, there are terrific rock-bottom prices out there now with the housing slow-down, and plentiful inventories to choose from; Walworth County currently has a total of 222 lakefront homes listed on all of its lakes.

There’s never been a better time to splurge on a get-away lake home. Treat yourself to a weekend in the lakes area, and scout out some of the bargains. I would be glad to show you around!

Posted by:Julie Sarton



July 01, 2009

The Beauty of Wisconsin's Rustic Roads

Posted to Area Attractions & Events, Geneva Lake Area , Julie Sarton

Is the hectic pace of your life overwhelming you lately? Do you yearn for a silence so strong that you can almost hear your heart beat? Then turn off your cell phone, put on comfortable walking shoes and a backpack, brush the cob webs off your bike, or get into your car and meander over some of Wisconsin’s picturesque Rustic Roads. Wisconsin has designated 94 of its most beautiful back roads as Rustic Roads in an effort to preserve them for our enjoyment. To earn the designation, a road must display outstanding natural features such as rugged terrain, natural prairie, native vegetation or wildlife, wild lakeshore, or outstanding vistas that make the road unique. These treasures are lightly traveled, out of the way quiet paths waiting for your pleasure. Lake Geneva is lucky enough to be surrounded by 4 Rustic Roads, identifiable with a unique brown and yellow sign displaying an “R” prefix and a number.

R-29, my favorite, uncovers the serenity of Snake Road, with both ends joining Hwy 50 just west of town. My husband and I often walk this 2+ mile hilly natural beauty, framed by split rail fencing and wild flowers. On the lake side of the road you will see the unobtrusive entrances to some of the stunning, elegant lakefront homes and compounds of Lake Geneva.

Promise yourself the relaxing treat of a visit to these charming routes where nature and peaceful beauty are proud partners, and time stands still. For a free guide to Wisconsin Rustic Roads, call the Department of Tourism at (800)423-8747.

Posted by:Julie Sarton