Lakefront Home at 1100 S Lakeshore Drive B on the estate property of historic Clear Sky Lodge Estate
From the curve of the road to the water’s edge, Geneva Lake’s south shore in Fontana, Wisconsin, has long been prized for its lifestyle, history, and real estate value. Properties like 1100 S Lakeshore Drive, Unit B, showcase exceptional positioning, architectural integrity, and thoughtful design. This Adirondack-style log home, originally part of the Clear Sky Lodge estate by R. Harold Zook, sits on 1.08 acres with waterfront access, featuring a private pool, tennis court, greenhouse, fireplaces, and a coveted pier slip. The log beams, transported by rail and floated across the lake in the early 1900s, highlight the craftsmanship that defines this shoreline.
Built in 1988 and carefully restored, the home blends historic charm with modern updates. Fontana’s south shore is a valuable corridor due to its walk-out lakefront and dual exposure to both lake and road, ensuring strong lifestyle appeal and market performance.
The sales history of 1100 S Lakeshore Drive illustrates how timing, valuation, and shoreline positioning yield strong returns. Sold for $3.5M in 2005, it later sold for $5.215M in 2018, and closed quickly in 2023 as a private listing for $7.5M—a 191% increase reflecting high demand for turnkey lakefront homes in Fontana. Listings that missed the market moment, such as those in 2009 and 2018, expired after long market times. This property’s trajectory proves exceptional lakefront homes don’t linger when properly positioned.
What fuels this demand is the surrounding lake lifestyle. Geneva Lake offers spring-fed clarity, year-round boating, paddle boarding, and lakeside dining within walking distance of Fontana’s shops and Abbey Marina. The nearby 21-mile Geneva Lake Shore Path weaves past historic estates, enhancing the living experience.
The choice to list this home as a one-party private sale was strategic, capitalizing on limited lakefront inventory and allowing controlled marketing and buyer engagement. This approach maximized value without public exposure by leveraging deep market knowledge and buyer networks.
Ultimately, 1100 S Lakeshore Drive, Unit B, exemplifies how shoreline positioning, architectural heritage, and lifestyle integration create not only luxury but lasting value. For those who know Geneva Lake, true worth lies in how a property harmonizes with the lake, road, sun, seasons, and legacy.
For more on Geneva Lake’s historic architecture and market trends contact Hans Melges to see how shoreline positioning drives long-term returns.