In 1848, Wisconsin officially became a state. In the same year, the Starboard Cottage was built on the northern shore of Geneva Lake. The home was originally built as a complimentary structure on the Maple Lawn estate, and today it rests comfortably at 1334 West Main Street. The house has most obviously undergone significant restorations and renovations over the years, which is why today it is offered not as an old historical cottage, but as a well kept example of the bygone era of lakefront living.
The home deserves plenty of conversation, but it’s the yard that captures most of the attention. That yard, it’s 84 feet wide along the lakefront, and dead level I might add, but it’s also nearly one full acre deep, and unlike most lots of that dimension, it’s grassed from house to pier. There is no slippery jungle to navigate between your screened porch and your canopied pier, there is just grass. Lots and lots of grass.
Inside this well cared for historical home there are five ample bedrooms, most of which boast wide water views over that gentle lakeside lawn. The master bedroom is on the main level, with full bath and fireplace, and if you so choose to open the two french doors you’ll find quick access to the massive lakeside screened porch. The kitchen has been refreshed with new Bosch appliances, the hardwood floors gleam as they did generations ago. There are built ins a plenty, unique nooks and crannies, and three and a half full baths. This is a vintage home, yes, but spend a weekend here and try to act like it doesn’t fulfill every lakefront need imaginable.
My clients who buy lakefront in the Geneva Manor have always done so with a pricing aim first, and a geographical aim a very unimportant second. They buy there because they find the right house at the right price, and they feel that lakefront living will be accomplished in that setting. After some short time of spending weekends there, I find that they all boast of the advantage that is walking into downtown Lake Geneva, without need for lacing up serious walking shoes and stretching their hamstrings first. Just as they do, this house easily does as well. The walk to town is short, and it’s easy, and if you feel like waking up and walking to town for your paper and a coffee, well then be our guest.
Beyond that, no designated driver would be needed if you were to walk to town with friends for a weekend dinner. The shopping and dining available to most of us only by car is available to this owner after just a few minutes spent walking the shore path, and in that there is a benefit that can only be truly understood by those who live within similar proximity.
Offered today for $2.375MM, this timeless lakefront home is now looking for the next steward who will take over from the current owner who has spent his weekends here for the past 18 years. The mechanical systems are up to date, the appliances have been replaced, and the house is ready for immediate occupancy. I’m happy to show this and every other lakefront home to you in the event that you’d like to spend your weekends in an entirely different frame of mind.