Luxury Homes For Sale in Crystal Lake, Illinois

The incredible Lazy Willow estate is just a short commute from the Chicago, Illinois metropolitan area, and it’s one of the finest luxury homes for sale in Crystal Lake, Illinois. This premiere property features a French Chateaux style historic home on 14.63 acres. The property has access to 8 acres of lush wooded land that includes 6 acres of sparkling green lawn and a swimming pool and waterfall. Across the street, from the front of the house is a golf course, and the land around the property is all protected. This beautiful country state is located just 5.7 miles from the Chicago Commuter Train Station, and it is 50 miles from the Chicago Board of Trade. It’s rare to find such an opulent country style estate so close to the center of one of our greatest cities, but the Lazy Willow estate is just that. 

A Breathtaking Country Home

This historic chalet style home offers five suite bedrooms, along with six baths and four fireplaces, for a lifestyle that is utterly exquisite and welcoming. The house is 5400 square feet in its living space, and it also has 1300 square feet of space that offers an opportunity for home expansion. A spa room is available for healing and relaxation. There are two screened-in porches, too, for relaxing with family and friends. Two outside decks off another chance for enjoying the serenity of this setting, which offers views of a lush waterfall overlooking the yard as well as a 200 acre conservation area. A three-car garage is also available for the property’s residents and visitors. 

A Convenient Meeting Room Upstairs

A meeting room in the upstairs level of The Lazy Willow offers 1600 square feet in a meeting and recreation area. This room also features a kitchenette plus a bathroom, so it’s a very attractive place for group retreats or conferences. Downstairs there is a 1600 square foot shop space as well as a two-car garage.

On the property there are also two additional structures, including a converted 1933 log cabin, which is now used for storage, and a shed used for storage and as a garage.

This utterly unique property is truly one of a kind and must be seen to be believed. If you have been searching for a beautiful country retreat outside the Chicago area, The Lazy Willow is your dream home. 

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Buying Your First Boat? Here’s What You Should Know

Buying a boat for the first time can one of the most exciting things you’ll ever do. Whether you’re looking for something perfect for fishing or you’re looking for a luxury yacht to take you around the world, the excitement has more to do with the time you’ll spend on the water than how much you’ll spend.

However, even if you’re buying a boat that won’t break the bank, you still need to be smart with your money. If you’re like most people, you only have a certain amount of money to devote to your boat, and anything more than that will just be impossible.

Use this guide to help you get the best boat you can for the money. Whether you’re looking for something under $5,000 or something under $500,000 the principles are more or less the same.

Determine Needs

Before you can really start shopping for a boat, you need to figure out exactly what you’re going to be using it for. Will you be boating on a lake over the weekend with your family? Do you need a boat for fishing? Are you looking for a boat that will be safe out on the ocean?

Most people don’t realize that there are so many different types of boats out there, even among those in the same class. Determine capacity needs and how you plan on using your boat before you even begin the shopping process.

What’s Your Budget?

Buying a boat can be exciting, but you need to consult your budget. For the most part, you can spend about 90% of your budget on the initial boat costs if it is good shape.

Reserve the remaining 10% for repairs and maintenance.

Consider Repairs

A lot of people assume that when they buy their first boat that it will be in prefect shape. While that’s certainly possible, individuals on a budget may find it more feasible to buy a boat that needs minor repairs. This is especially true if the owner can do the work without the help of a professional.

When you’re buying a boat, you need to consider the cost of replacement marine parts for that model as well. Not all boats are cheap or easy to maintain, so what you thought was a great deal could turn into a nightmare down the road. 

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