Two Lake Geneva homes spark $10M sticker shock

Imagine starting your day with coffee on a porch overlooking Geneva Lake as sailboats glide by, and the water catches the morning light. For two buyers, that vision may soon become a reality at a price just shy of $10 million apiece.

Compass agent Bob Webster is preparing to list two waterfront estates, one on Lake Shore Drive in the town of Lake Geneva for $9.8 million and another on Bonnie Brae Lane in Linn for nearly $8.7 million. Each offers more than 7,000 square feet of living space, and both carry the kind of lakefront charm that’s made Geneva Lake one of the Midwest’s most coveted shorelines.

If the homes sell for near the asking price, they’ll rank among the area’s top deals this year. In June, a longtime McDonald’s franchisee and his wife sold their lakefront estate for $20 million, marking 2025’s priciest sale so far. Earlier this month, a South Shore Club home fetched $10.1 million before it even hit the open market.

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“The market is very strong in general and specifically the waterfront market in Lake Geneva is as strong as I’ve ever seen it,” Webster said. “The high level of buyer interest and the low inventory, that difference is probably as significant as I’ve ever seen it.”

Set on two acres, the 620 S. Lake Shore Drive home sprawls across three stories and over 7,000 square feet. It leans into warm elegance: beamed ceilings, white oak floors, and a three-season porch designed for lingering sunsets. Despite its size and privacy, it’s within walking distance of downtown Lake Geneva, a rare balance of seclusion and convenience.

Across the shoreline in Linn, the Colonial-style home at N2224 Bonnie Brae Lane offers sweeping lake views, its interiors anchored by a wine cellar and framed by perennial flower gardens. Like its Lake Shore Drive counterpart, it tops 7,000 square feet and comes with the promise of lakefront living that blends tradition with luxury.

Both homes are primary residences. One family is downsizing, but staying in the area, while the other is relocating to Illinois to be closer to extended family. Webster didn’t disclose names, but both families’ stories reflect a broader shift in how people use homes around Geneva Lake.

What’s happening in the Lake Geneva area mirrors a broader trend in second-home markets across the region. From Harbor Country in Michigan to Door County in Wisconsin and Galena in northwestern Illinois, agents report the same dynamic: too many buyers chasing too few second homes. As David Curry of Geneva Lakefront Realty put it, “Rich people are richer than they used to be,” and post-pandemic priorities have reset expectations. Waterfront property remains the crown jewel, scarce in supply yet endlessly pursued, whether on Geneva Lake or beyond.

Remote work has allowed city dwellers to trade skyscraper views for sailboat horizons, spending entire seasons, not just weekends, on the water. Geneva Lake’s proximity to Chicago, roughly a two-hour drive from the Loop, only adds to the allure.

With low inventory and high demand, every listing feels like a small event, and these two homes are no exception. Whether it’s the walk-to-town convenience of Lake Shore Drive or the sweeping views of Bonnie Brae, both properties highlight why Geneva Lake continues to command eye-popping prices: it’s not just about square footage, but about a lifestyle buyers are willing to pay dearly to claim.