Shadow Lakes offers vacation living year 'round

Remember how a vacation can make you feel rested and relaxed?

Shadow Lakes in Braidwood gives its homeowners that serene vacation-like experience 365 days a year.

Since 1988, Shadow Lakes, a natural resort on 600 acres, has been home to year-round residents and weekend property owners.

Single-family homes on spacious lots in a variety of styles, from traditional homes to log cabins, are surrounded by 240 acres of crystal clear lakes, sandy beaches, nature areas and hike and biking trails.

"It's a great get-away place," said Keith Eastman, of Shadow Lakes Realty, noting the peaceful resort community is only 45 minutes from Chicago, and close to neighboring towns of Morris, Joliet, Channahon and Wilmington. "There is such a variety here, not just the home sites but the community and surrounding communities."

The clubhouse is a year-round gathering point for the resort-like community with a variety of organized activities. Swimmers can take laps in the heated pool or cool off along a sandy beach at one of the many lakes.

Pontoon boats are reminders of the slow and relaxed atmosphere and fishermen can cast their lines from a fishing boat in the middle of the lake or find a remote spot along 20 miles of shoreline.

"One family recently told me about their first fishing outing at Shadow Lakes," Eastman remembered. "They caught a fish and were so excited and their little daughter wanted to take it home as a pet."

"I was showing another family the area and we drove out to the nature area and they had teenage kids and they had never seen a deer in the wild before," Eastman added.

"Kids can swim anywhere and there are nice beaches for that, there are piers and docks and fishing can also be done just about anywhere," Eastman said. "It's a maze of interconnecting lakes."

"Most people say that they love it out here," Eastman added. "And the hardest thing about Shadow Lakes is having to go home on Sunday night."

"We've seen changes in the 19 years since we started," Keith Eastman, of Shadow Lakes Realty said. "It used to be more of a vacation type resort, and now it has become a little more permanent through the years."

Hence, the town homes of Lighthouse Cove, built by Hawk Lake Homes, came along about 10 years ago, giving people a home with little upkeep, yet with all the conveniences.

Priced from the $150,000s to low $200,000s, the townhomes are maintenance free with full access to resort amenities. Homeowners can choose from four different models, including a ranch style home with loft or two-story home with walk-out levels with one to four bedrooms and one to three full baths. Two-car garage, central air-conditioning and selected appliances are included, as well as a variety of floor plans to choose from. Unique upgrade options are also available.

Whether it's a cozy, efficient ranch, a two-story with open floor plan, or a three-level with vaulted ceilings, you'll find the style right for you.

Waterfront homes, wooded back yards, or private lot with wrap around deck, every home is different, both inside and out.

"The homes are all unique and there are 900 properties in a gated community," Eastman said. "A little over a third of the homes are occupied full time; it's a weekend type place. Shadow Lakes appeals to everybody, single men, women, middle aged and retirement and such a variety of ages."

"There really is something for everybody," Eastman said. "Prices range from $30,000 to over $300,000, and there is a good variety of things in between."

"Shadow Lakes is in the city limits of Braidwood, so all properties have city water and city sewer and several other amenities. It's only miles from shopping, surrounded by small towns with very nice atmosphere and lots of festivals."

"For buyers, I would tell them it's a perfect time to be buying," Eastman said. "We probably have about 25 listings right now and for us and our size that is not a big turnover, but a healthy turnover."

"If your dream has been to own a home by water or a weekend getaway place, low interest rates and with the large inventory of homes, this is the time to get out and buy," Eastman said. "It's a great time to be looking."

"Sometimes I come down here and I pinch myself and realize how lucky I am," Eastman said.

Shadow Lakes is in southern Will County at the corner of Route 129 and Coal City Road in Wilmington. To visit take I-55 South to exit No. 238 (Route 129 towards Braidwood). Go about 1.5 miles. The Shadow Lakes Realty reception area will be located at the junction of Coal City Road and Route 129. The address is 24019 West Coal City Road, Wilmington, Ill., 60481.

Office hours are Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Additional hours are available by appointment. Call (815) 458-2151. Email info@shadowlakesrealty.com.