An upscale lake hideaway in Chenequa
The village of Chenequa provides residents with a peaceful retreat in the Lake Country region. While some nearby communities have commercialized with waterfront restaurants and bars, Chenequa’s lake frontage has remained private and strictly residential. “It’s just that quieter, upscale atmosphere,” says Jennifer Stoehr, a Realtor with the JJ Hausmann Team of Compass who has worked in the Lake Country for more than a decade. “The feeling of those lakes is so different than the larger lakes like Pewaukee and Okauchee. It’s more secluded and wooded.” The serene atmosphere and the community’s high-end homes attract those looking for a lakefront hideaway.
Private lakefront homes in Craftsman or farmhouse styles
Narrow residential drives jut off the main roads that circle Pine Lake, cutting through the Wisconsin woods before fanning out near the lakeshore. Most homes are located on the edge of Pine Lake, though others front North Lake or Beaver Lake. A smaller number sit landlocked, on large lots surrounded by the peaceful forest. While Colonial Revival-style homes can be found away from the water, Craftsman-influenced builds and farmhouses are most common along the shore, including newer builds. “You’re not seeing many teardowns of those little cottages anymore. Most of those have been taken over in the past 10 or so years, and people are building these beautiful, large homes,” Stoehr says. “It definitely has more of a luxury feel, for sure.” Homes rarely come on the market, with four selling over the past year between $1.2 million and $4.6 million based on size and proximity to the water. While some residents live in Chenequa full-time, some homes are vacation properties for owners.
Residents enjoy recreation on Pine, Beaver and North lakes
Recreation in Chenequa revolves around its three lakes. Private docks jut out from the property of almost every waterfront home, while Pine Lake and Beaver Lake each have public boat launches. In particular, Beaver Lake’s water quality attracts those looking to boat or swim. “Beaver is known for its absolutely sparkling blue water, and people gravitate there just for that,” Stoehr says. Each lake has its own yacht club, organizing sailing events and social get-togethers. Meanwhile, the private Chenequa Country Club has an 18-hole golf course, several tennis courts and a lakefront clubhouse.
Students attend highly rated schools, including Arrowhead High
Chenequa is divided between several elementary school districts, though the entire community is included in the Arrowhead Union High School District. Students mainly attend Lake Country School, Swallow School or Stone Bank School, all of which teach kindergarten through eighth grade. Lake Country receives an A-plus rating from Niche, Swallow gets an A and Stone Bank receives an A-minus. Arrowhead High School receives an A and offers career education pathways in health sciences, engineering and business. Private options include University Lake School, which serves kindergarten through 12th grade and receives an A-plus from Niche.
Shopping and dining options in nearby communities like Nashotah
While Chenequa’s lakeside residential areas feel isolated, shopping and dining options are nearby. Pick ’n Save is located across Highway 16 for groceries, alongside restaurants including Asian Kitchen for Chinese takeout and Papa John’s Pizza. More eateries sit off Lakeland Drive in the adjacent Nashotah community, including the local favorite The Picnic Basket, which serves pizza and sandwiches. Residents often head to Delafield, Oconomowoc or Hartland for more shopping and dining opportunities. “All three of those have fabulous restaurants,” Stoehr says. “When you’re thinking ‘where are we gonna go for dinner,’ everything’s within a 10-minute drive.”
Outdoor concerts and other events in nearby cities
The Chenequa village government is relatively basic, maintaining a peaceful environment for its residents. But nearby communities like Hartland put on plenty of events. Alongside summer festivals like the Bark River Bash and Hometown Celebration, the village hosts weekly concerts at Nixon Park, less than 3 miles from Chenequa. Oconomowoc also has events like a weekly farmers market and waterfront festivals.
Driving to destinations in Lake Country
Residents tend to drive to their destinations, as Chenequa’s residential areas are fairly secluded. State Highway 16 is the area’s main route and connects to Interstate 94 roughly 10 miles away. Milwaukee is about 30 miles from Chenequa and is home to the nearest commercial flights at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport. ProHealth Oconomowoc Memorial Hospital is about 10 miles away and has the closest emergency room.
