Lake Holiday is a private community centered around the water
Among the many lake-centered communities within two hours of Chicago, Lake Holiday stands out for its rural atmosphere and private amenities. There's a feeling of exclusivity, with resident-only access to the marina and beaches, and a 24-hour security patrol. However, it's not a gated community, and although golf carts are allowed within the neighborhood, locals have to hop in the car to reach any city amenities. "It's a nice, quiet community where you can get away from the city," says Matthew Clifford, the facilities & operations manager with the Lake Holiday Property Owners' Association. According to him, many of the residents are young families and older couples.
Lake Holiday is at the center of the Lake Holiday neighborhood.
The Somonauk Public Library near Lake Holiday is a great place to grab a new book.
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A variety of home styles with a semi-rural feel
The Lake Holiday community began construction in the mid-1960s and steadily added homes until the early 2000s. There are a few properties from after 2010, and some open lots for custom building. With architecture that varies from midcentury ranch-style houses to spacious New Traditional designs, Lake Holiday feels more like a small-town neighborhood than a master-planned community. "Our streets are more wide-open than suburban," Clifford says. "It's kind of a joke around here that we don't have curbs — it keeps things a little rural." Off the water, prices range from $230,000 to $500,000 based on size. Properties with lakefront access typically go from $550,000 to $1 million. "Houses go fast here, especially when they are not on the lake," Clifford says.
To the east of Lake Holiday, the private subdivision of Wildwood is a 55-plus manufactured and mobile home community. Prices for homes range from $45,000 to $120,000. This community does not have access to Lake Holiday's amenities.
Residents of Lake Holiday enjoy having easy access to the water.
Lake Holiday residents appreciate the convenience of attached garages for their vehicles.
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Monthly dues support events like the Fourth of July festival
All Lake Holiday residents are part of the Lake Holiday Property Owners' Association, which has monthly dues. Residents who want to get more involved with the association can join a variety of planning committees or social clubs. The Fishing Club sponsors kids' fish tournaments, and the Ladies Club puts on craft fairs and house walking tours. In addition to fishing competitions and garage sales, the association plans a popular Fourth of July festival. "It's just a fantastic show, with the fireworks reflecting off the water," Clifford adds.
Fishing, swimming and jet skiing on a resident-only lake
Private green spaces in Lake Holiday offer wooded walking trails, a skate park and pickleball courts. But the main attraction is the lake, which is accessible at various parks and fishing spots around the community. Kids enjoy the zip-line at one of the sandy swimming beaches, and families can take a vacation without leaving the neighborhood at a private campground. In the summer, the lake is open to jet skis and stocked with fish. In the winter, locals continue to ice fish and can take snowmobiles out on the frozen surface. For those who don't have personal docks, the Lake Holiday Marina has boat slips for rent. “It's life on the beach," Clifford says. He says that his tagline for the community is: "Bring a towel."
Lake Holiday Marina can rent boats to locals and visitors for a day on the water.
Lake Holiday residents love to head out on the water to fish.
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Split between the Sandwich and Somonauk school districts
On the eastern side of Lake Holiday, kids are part of Sandwich Community Unit School District Number 430, which gets an overall B rating from Niche. The western side is served by Somonauk Community Unit School District Number 432, rated an overall B-plus. Somonauk schools have slightly higher ratings, but Sandwich schools have the offerings of a larger district, including their own football team.
James R Wood Elementary is a great place for Lake Holiday students to start their education.
Somonauk Middle School is right next to James R Wood Elementary.
Sandwich High School was founded in the year 1855.
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Homestyle diners and bars, with Walmart for shopping
Locals can take the boat to Lee'z Place Bar & Grill to dine on a waterfront patio. Lee'z serves classic pub food and hosts live bands that play late into the night. Less than 5 miles north, Somonauk has several homestyle diners, and Sandwich has some small city amenities. Sandwich is home to a small grocery store, a movie theater and Northwestern Medicine Valley West Hospital. By taking U.S. Route 34 towards Plano, residents can reach a Walmart, 7 miles away.
Shops along East Railroad St. in downtown Sandwich are under 5 miles for Lake Holiday locals.
Lake Holiday locals enjoy waterfront dining at Lee’z Place Bar & Grill.
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Two Interstates lead 65 miles into Chicago
Downtown Chicago is about 65 miles away, by connecting northeast to Interstate 88 or southeast to Interstate 55. The drive is typically an hour and a half, but it can be around two hours with traffic. Plano, less than 10 miles away, has an Amtrak stop that goes into the city. It's about 60 miles to Chicago O'Hare International Airport.
Plano Station offers Lake Holiday locals Amtrak service to Chicago’s Union Station.
Chicago's O’Hare International Airport is about 60 miles from Lake Holiday.
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The community is patrolled by a private security force
Lake Holiday has its own security force, which has 24-hour patrols. For emergencies, the community is served by the LaSalle County Sheriff's Department, not the nearby Sandwich or Somonauk police forces. The community has a CAP Index Crime Score of 2 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4.
Written By
Catherine Lashley
Photography Contributed By
Daniel Willingham
Video By
Patrick Johnson
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Reach out to
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This one is a ranch - and not a small one. Spacious, open concept main level with vaulted ceilings and a gas fireplace that makes the living room feel warm and inviting. The kitchen features granite countertops and flows right into the dining and living space, with a sliding door out to the deck for easy access to the backyard. Solid oak 6-panel doors run throughout - a detail you don't see every
A solidly built all-brick ranch home with 3 bedrooms on the main level plus a 4th in the lower level. Includes 3 full baths, all with new fixtures. Has 1,320 sq. ft. on first floor and another 1,320 sq. ft. in the finished lower level, for over 2,600 sq. ft. of living space. Recently remodeled up and down, all newly painted inside. Main floor includes large living room, master suite, bedrooms 2
Wildwood Estates South premier 55+ community, quiet and quaint! Lovely updated home on a dead end culd-de-sac with miles of cornfields in your back yard. Home features an attached two car garage with a STORM SHELTER right in your garage in case inclement weather. Step into a family room from the large deck on the front of the home, and walk right into your large Kitchen with and Island, Stainless
This one is a ranch - and not a small one. Spacious, open concept main level with vaulted ceilings and a gas fireplace that makes the living room feel warm and inviting. The kitchen features granite countertops and flows right into the dining and living space, with a sliding door out to the deck for easy access to the backyard. Solid oak 6-panel doors run throughout - a detail you don't see every
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A little imagination can go a long way in creating your own little slice of heaven on the shores of Lake Holiday! Wake up to a beautiful sunrise every morning! There are only a few lots left so don't miss your chance to own one of THE last flat waterfront lots available in Lake Holiday! The custom renderings provided were created specifically for this lot and can show how a walkout home would be
Deborah ChristensenColdwell Banker Real Estate Group
#CharmingLakeHoliday - Welcome to 925 Suzy, an updated and well-maintained home nestled in the desirable Lake Holiday community! This 4-bedroom, 3.1-bathroom home offers the perfect blend of comfort, style, and lake living, just steps from Lake Holiday's beautiful amenities. Inside, you will find gorgeous hardwood floors refinished in 2021 that flow through the bright and spacious living and
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