Racine, WI

On the sandy western shore of Lake Michigan, centrally located between Chicago and Milwaukee, is the 300 year old community of Racine — a place where you can enjoy the neighborliness of a small town yet be within commuting distance of two great cities. And right on the lake shore, with its own private beach, is one of Racine’s most impressive properties, exquisitely renovated in 2008 for today’s living. 

If you love to entertain, this is the home for you. Indoors, a huge kitchen with commercial grade appliances, a butler’s pantry and separate bar and cooking areas let you cater for a crowd. The first floor temperature controlled wine cellar with wet bar, dishwasher and fridge/freezer is an oenophile’s dream. Serve your guests in the formal dining room or living room, both with stunning views of the lake. 

Outdoors, a freeform infinity pool, multiple patios and a loggia with grill and fireplace offer endless entertaining possibilities, from a pool party for the kids to a barbecue accompanied by your signature cocktails. And, of course, at the bottom of the garden steps is your private beach, where you can put your jet skis directly into the water and go! Even the driveway is double-wide for convenient guest parking.

When your guests depart, there are plenty of comforts just for the family, including a breakfast nook for casual meals, a family room overlooking the pool and lake and a secluded office full of built-in shelving. The second floor master suite encompasses an entire wing of the residence, with fireplace, hardwood floors and his and hers dressing rooms/baths with heated marble floors. Two lakeside guest bedrooms have en-suite baths. The other two bedrooms (also accessible from the rear staircase) are perfect for extended family stays, an au pair suite or perhaps a theater or game room.