Indian Hills Cottage

I am an unabashed lover of the cottage. I selectively try to steer my clients towards them, and I love nothing more than watching an old neglected Lake Geneva cottage be born again by new, loving owners, who are more interested in preserving the timeless appeal of such than they are forcing it to be something it is not. I respect the cottage, and I really, really hope you do too. Cottages can be limiting in a sense that applies easily to a primary residence. They are smaller than primary homes, and the floor plans dictate many smaller rooms in favor of a modern design of large rooms that flow one to another. Owning a Lake Geneva cottage isn’t without limitations, but those perceived limitations are in the eye of beholder.

I recently had a builder proclaim that a particular cottage I was showing had, and I quote “no potential”. Saying such a thing is a sure fire way to upset me, as cottages always have potential, but only if the desired end result is a cottage. In other words, if you want a cottage, buy a cottage. If you want a McMansion, please don’t buy a cottage and try to force it to become one. Now that that’s cleared up, let’s get back to the business of finding you your very own cottage. As luck would have it, I think I have just the property.

Indian Hills is a relatively small association on the south shore of Fontana, just East of Glenwood Springs and West of Club Unique. It’s a nice little association, with winding roads and a classic feel. It should be noted- not all homes in Indian Hills have lakerights to the lakefront park and pier system- but the home at 608 Agaming that I just listed this week, thankfully does. Not only does this classic cottage have lake access, but it has a boatslip, ramp space, and storage locker at the lakefront. If you love classic cottages and you just so happen to love the water as well, this place just might be perfect for you.

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It wouldn’t be a Dave Curry listing if it wasn’t a bit on the humble side and in need of some updating, so it does indeed possess both of those characteristics. But this cottage is of an enduring design, with two small gables facing forward connected by an enclosed front porch. Out back there’s an old glassed porch that should probably be torn off and turned into a traditional screened porch, but there is one distinct feature of that old back sun room- the room was built on top of an old flagstone patio that oozes lake charm. It could be a marvelous back porch, but at first glimpse it is indeed a bit of a disaster. The rest of the house is classically cottage, with what appear to be old wood floors shrouded by carpet, and a delightful living room with vaulted ceiling and a wood burning fireplace. This house, for all of its summer charm, would be a terrific place to spend snowy winter weekends.

Does it need some paint? Yes. Does it smell less like lilacs and more like an old cottage? Absolutely. But if someone is looking to do a masterful renovation (could probably get away with as little as $20k in improvements or as much as $125k depending on your level of desired cottage sophistication), there is opportunity in this property. If you want to do a considerable renovation, picture this with me… white clapboard siding, a graying cedar shingle roof, coffee stained hardwood floors made distinct by white painted paneled walls…. I blacked out for a minute. What was I talking about? Right. Listed at $549k, the price is pleasing enough to the market to have registered five showings in its first week on the market, and I’m optimistic that a buyer will see the undeniable charm that slapped me directly in my fat face the second I saw it. I’m around all weekend in the event that you would like to take a look at this humble cottage. For today, I’m off to the air show in OshKosh. If a plane crashes directly into me, please do set up a shrine with flowers and burning candles and drawings of me in front of my office at 49 West Geneva Street in Williams Bay. Thanks.