Vacation getaways
Discover two perfect locations within two hours of Chicago
Summer is here and that means it's time to get away. If you're looking for a summer weekend getaway, here are two great spots not far from home.
Located just over the Wisconsin border in Racine, is New England Builder's new four-story, 40-unit condominium building, Atwater at Gaslight Pointe. Only an hour drive from Chicago, many people have chosen The Atwater and its beautiful Lake Michigan views as their vacation getaway retreat. One- and two-bedroom condos are affordably priced from $190,900 to $413,900.
A variety of incentives tailored to renters, people with homes to sell or prospective purchasers who can move-in immediately are available from New England Builders.
If you want to take advantage of summer on the lakefront, there are a few one-bedroom with den and two-bedroom, two bath residences ready to go. Priced at $210,900 to $305,900, these homes allow buyers to enjoy spectacular views of the Root River and Lake Michigan from private balconies.
Floor plans range in size from 757 to 1,836 square feet and feature one-bedroom, 1½ baths to two-bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths. Building amenities include spacious balconies or expansive paver terraces; heated underground parking with large private storage; and secured lobby entry in a state-of-the-art elevator building.
Homes at The Atwater feature gourmet kitchens with 42-inch cabinets; granite countertops; stainless steel appliances; raised height, double vanities with under mounted sinks and Corian tops; walk-in closets; in-unit laundry; oversized balconies; and an abundance of recessed lighting. Luxury amenities include 9-foot ceilings; porcelain or wood floors in foyer and kitchen; maple, oak or white cabinets; Corian counters; Frigidaire stainless steel appliances; solid core six-panel doors; soaker tubs or walk-in showers in master bath with porcelain tile surrounds; Weathershield Proshield vinyl clad, double-hung wood windows with low E glass; individual high-efficiency gas, forced air furnace and central air.
If you're not ready for immediate move-in, some homes can be ready for late summer occupancy, allowing buyers time to personalize them.
New England Builders and Wispark LLC have partnered in this $13 million dollar joint venture to redevelop the final harbor front property in downtown Racine's Gaslight Pointe.
"Great views and affordable pricing have helped us reach our 60-percent sales plateau," said Chris Rintz, executive vice president of New England Builders. "Our innovative condominiums reflect Racine's historic waterfront landmarks with its New England shingle-style architecture. The building is crowned with an architectural-shingled roof and has cedar shake siding and a beautiful stone water table, all natural materials selected to blend seamlessly into the neighborhood."
An entertainment deck has been built on the rooftop of the carriage house parking garage and may be reserved for special functions. Residents are within walking distance to Racine's restored downtown district featuring a multitude of entertainment and shopping venues.
Summer months in downtown Racine offer vacationers an abundance of outdoor activities. From free concerts at Monument Square to the Art Fair on the Lake, to fishing tournaments, the Racine Symphony Pops Concert, Gallery Night, the Boat Show and Yacht Club Hook Race, there's never a dull moment in the downtown district.
Special events and parties galore continue into the fall with a public art event, tours to the top of the Wind Point Lighthouse, a soap box derby race, Great Lakes Brewfest, Apple Picking & Scarecrow Festival and the Racine Festival of Trees. The fun never stops even during the cold winter months with Holiday Parades, Tree Lighting Ceremonies and Symphony Concerts. Downtown Racine is definitely a city for all seasons.
The Atwater at Gaslight Pointe is located on the triangular peninsula formed by Lake Michigan and the Root River, assuring residents of picturesque views. For more information on Atwater at Gaslight Pointe in Racine, call (262) 637-7801. The Sales Center is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
If the Lake Geneva area is more your style, then the Cliffs of Fontana in Fontana, Wis., is the place for you.
"The majority of our buyers, to-date, have been from the Chicago area and are purchasing a second residence at the Cliffs," said Charles Lorenz, president of Par Development Inc., the developer of the Cliffs of Fontana. "Fontana and the recreationally-rich Lake Geneva area has long been their playground and rather than rent a home for weeks they've decided to purchase a home at the Cliffs within minutes of the shores of Lake Geneva and the Abbey Resort and Spa."
The Cliffs of Fontana is a picturesque community of 66 single-family homes that offers all of the recreational opportunities that visitors to the Lake Geneva area desire as well as a proposed neighborhood pool and pool house.
Buyers have a choice of four floor plans that range in size from 1,957 to 2,584 square feet with two or three bedrooms; two to two-and-a-half baths; dens and lofts, per plan; kitchens with breakfast areas leading to outdoor patios or decks; formal dining rooms; expansive great room; full basements and attached two-car garages. Walkout and lookout basements are also available.
Features included in all homes at The Cliffs of Fontana are full basements; central air conditioning; pre-finished oak wood floors in foyers, powder rooms and kitchens; vaulted ceilings or nine-foot, first-floor ceilings per design; and kitchens featuring GE gas ovens and ranges, microwaves, dishwashers and garbage disposals, furniture quality cabinets, and Corian countertops. Baths include ceramic tile floors and surrounds; furniture-quality wood cabinetry with Corian vanity tops; and master baths include luxurious soaking tubs. Additionally, buyers may opt to have Par Development, Inc. finish their basement or add oak doors and trim, recessed lighting, skylights per plan and central vacuum systems.
"There really is so much to do in this area," Lorenz said. "Boating, waterskiing, hiking, fishing, biking, shopping ... all at your fingertips. And, during the colder months this area becomes a terrific snowboarding and skiing destination as well as a mecca for snowmobilers."
To find out more about The Cliffs of Fontana located on Fontana Boulevard just two blocks north of the Abbey Resort and Spa on Route 67 and 2nd Street, call (262) 275-6000. The sales center is open Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Buyers may also find out more about The Cliffs of Fontana by visiting www.pardevelopment.com or www.cliffsoffontana.com.