I'd like to think that one of the things that sets this blog apart from other real estate blogs is the fact that I purposefully try to steer clear of talking about my own listings too much. I read the real estate blogs that just spew about the listings of the "writer"/broker and scoff at the lack of objective thought. I see blogs that are only updated as often as the "writing" agent procures new listings and cease to wonder why the public distrusts the biased opinions of Realtors. I try to discuss the very narrow vacation home market here, and in doing so, only discuss my listings when it is necessary to provide you with another vacation home option. Today is one such occasion.


I've been working on several listings over the past month, and want to bring to your attention two of those listings that are both interesting options for entirely different reasons. If you've been reading along, you might remember that I spent a summer renting a townhouse at Fontana's Abbey Ridge a couple years ago. That summer was a fine summer, and I developed a pretty strong appreciation and affinity for the Abbey Ridge development. I found the location ideal, and thoroughly enjoyed waking up on Sunday mornings and walking (about a 4 minute walk from AR) down to the Abbey hotel for either breakfast or coffee, all the while looking over the boats that dot the Abbey harbor. And as much as I enjoy a purifying swim in Geneva Lake, I did frequently enjoy a late afternoon frolic in the refreshing swimming pool on the Abbey Ridge property. I was particularly fond of the Fontana lakeside location, a location that enabled me to easily meet friends at Gordy's for lunch, walk the shore path, or run (fine, drive) up to Sentry for dinner groceries. When considering a launching point to all things Lake Geneva, Abbey Ridge is pretty darn convenient.



I listed a three bedroom unit at Abbey Ridge last week, with an asking price of $519k. That price is about $80k less than a three bedroom unit was listed for just last summer, putting this price squarely in line with the realities of a soft market. This unit offers just about everything a buyer could ever want, including loads of square footage that is typically not available in this market outside of Geneva National. The traditional style condo units that were built in the 1960's and 1970's here are usually of quite simple designs. Two and three bedroom units with flat ceilings and two baths. This unit at Abbey Ridge was built in 2001, so the construction is modern and the layout better suited to fit a larger number of people. The pictures of this unit (placed here and above) don't relay the space very well, but the smart layout, combined with soaring ceilings and a plethora of windows create a very comfortable, very spacious weekend retreat. Abbey Ridge added new decks a couple years ago, and those new decks are both very large, and very well suited for entertaining.


The unit boasts low dues (only $315 per month), and is meticulously maintained. There are three bedrooms, a living room, dining room, large kitchen, in unit laundry attached garage (rare in this market outside of GN) and a separate loft style den that with a few studs and some drywall could painlessly be converted into a fourth bedroom. The unit is bright and airy, and located very close to the association swimming pool and the Fontana lakefront. Boatslips are available at additional cost through the Abbey Harbor if so desired. If you're looking for a Lake Geneva getaway but require more space and more modern finishes, this Abbey Ridge three bedroom is worth a look. If a two bedroom is more to your liking, Yvette Somerville, who works with me, has a picture perfect two bedroom unit available in Abbey Ridge for $449k.

The other unit is also a three bedroom condo, but that's right about where the similarities end. This three bedroom lakefront unit at Lake Geneva's Vista Del Lago is on the opposite end of the lake, and features everything that someone seeking condominium style lakefront living could ever want. This three bedroom lakeside unit is priced at $595k and features a preferred, transferable, deep water boatslip, complete with canopy and electric hoists, an indoor swimming pool, tennis courts, detached garage, and 14 acres of fantastically manicured lawns. The unit has been updated from the original and will impress with its Wolfe range, Sub Zero refrigerator, and neutral color scheme. Inside the unit you'll find a fireplace, in unit laundry, three bedrooms and two full baths all leading out to a large lakeside balcony with lake view.



Most times, buyers looking for lakefront property on Geneva, be it a condominium or a single family home, end of compromising on some inclusions that they originally deemed necessary. The condo might have a pool, but not a garage. Or you'll find boatslip and no swimming pool. Such limitations do not exist at Vista Del Lago, and anyone seeking a water based, year around vacation home here would do well to give Vista a look. As of today there is a two bedroom unit available, and two four bedroom units, both priced at $699k. The residence here is offered furnished, for a turnkey, buyer pleasing sale. Close on this unit by Memorial Day, and enjoy a summer at the lake like you've never enjoyed before. Just bring a bathing suit and toothbrush, because using the current owners bathing suit and toothbrush would be gross. There is even a boat that would be available for purchase, making the transition from bored weekend suburbanite to tanned, water splashed, Lake Geneva loving vacation home owner even easier.


While these two new listings are quite different, they both share a similar theme. They both offer the new buyer a chance to own a maintenance free, lock it and leave it style residence, that will provide a wonderful respite from their hectic life. Both of these units are available to be shown this weekend, so if you'd like to come up and gawk at the snow sculptures and then gawk at some real estate, I'm all yours.