Special homes for special people
Unique communities blend with natural, man-made assets
Chicagoland may be a brief vacation spot to conference attendees, visiting family, and reverse snowbirds who get tired of all that Southern sun and want to feel the seasons change.
But to those who live and work here, it has traditionally been just "home."
Sure, we have natural and man-made assets ... the Chicago Lakefront, Lake Michigan, the Illinois River, beaches, parks, forest preserves, trails, museums, etc., but those are generally incorporated into daily living and, well, taken for granted.
In Ottawa, for example, Heritage Harbor offers a full-time residential community with a large marina that offers instant access to the Illinois River. In LaPorte, Ind., there is Outlook Cove on 600-acre Pine Lake, with channel access to 160-acre Stone Lake, a nature lover's paradise. Shadow Lakes in Braidwood is a 600-acre "natural resort" community surrounded by 240 acres of lakes, sand beaches, nature areas and trails. There's Harbor Isle Resort, a condominium and marina community in St. Joseph, Mich., where the St. Joseph River meets Lake Michigan.
Add to the growing list River Bluff, an architect's delight of luxury single-family homes on a 78-acre heavily wooded site on the bluffs overlooking the Galien River, just a few minutes' drive from downtown New Buffalo and Lake Michigan. And how about Atwater at Gaslight Pointe in Racine, Wis., a condominium community where residents and visitors enjoy Lake Michigan views from every side, and are a short drive time away from Chicago's delights.
Let's not forget the range of clubhouse communities and "uniques" like West Point Gardens in Elgin, with its spectacular balconies and porches and unique gardens, or Ravine Woods in Channahon, where the community has been designed around and within ravines and other natural features.
Such communities offer many, many lifestyle options. For example, a family can live within the community full-time, or enjoy a weekend getaway as a second home less than two hours' drive away. "Access" is key. Have it here, or have it there, but have it at-hand. Easy to live with, easy to get to, easy to enjoy.
Here's a brief rundown on some of these special communities. More detail is provided throughout this section.
• Heritage Harbor Ottawa. Cottages priced from mid $300,000s and condominiums priced from the mid $200,000s. Attractions include full-service marina on the Illinois River, yacht club, swim club, HarborTown specialty shopping and dining, access to Ottawa and its Old Town District, area attractions such as the historic I&M Canal, Starved Rock State Park, golf courses, Skydive Chicago, hiking, biking, picnicking areas and trails.
• Harbor Isle Resort, St. Joseph, Mich. Luxury condominiums pre-construction priced beginning at $299,000. Waterfront townhouses also available. Attractions include full-service marina, aquatic center, health center, nature trail. Area features include Lake Michigan access and views, St. Joseph lighthouse, quaint downtown St. Joseph, 11 miles of lake shoreline with three beaches, lighted sidewalks and bike trails.
• Outlook Cove at Pine Lake, LaPorte, Ind. Finished or architect-design condominiums. Direct access to Pine Lake and water recreation, navigable channel access to Stone Lake and natural areas, beaches, playgrounds, picnic areas. Area amenities include Blue Chip and Four Winds casinos, Swan Lake Golf Academy, historic downtown LaPorte, Dunes National Lakeshore, and Harbor Country (wine tasting, and U-Pick apple orchards).
• Shadow Lakes, Braidwood. Single-family homes in designs ranging traditional to as well as townhomes and homesites. Amenities include 240 acres of lakes, sandy beaches, nature areas and hike and biking trails; year-round clubhouse with heated pool, pontoon boats and fishing, 20 miles of shoreline. Easy access to Braidwood.
• Atwater at Gaslight Pointe in Racine, Wis. Condominiums priced from $190,900 to $444,900. Features include a to-be-built rooftop recreation area. Area amenities include Lake Michigan views, Root River and scenic bridge and historic clock tower, Windpoint Lighthouse, North Beach, Racine Yacht Club, Festival Park, Reefpoint Marina, restored historic downtown Racine.