LIVE LEGENDARY

There are golf communities and then there is the community of Geneva National.

Named one of “America’s 100 Best Master Planned Communities” three times, and ranked among the top 50 nationwide in Where to Retire magazine, this peaceful retreat for resort-style living is set amidst 1,600 acres of Wisconsin’s glacier-carved environmental corridors, wetlands and woodlands.

Just over an hour drive from Chicago and Madison and even closer to Milwaukee and Rockford, Geneva National positions itself on the map for travel convenience. As a result, many have discovered this private gated community and gravitated to its verdant backdrop for the summer, or call it home all year long.

The Residences
Roughly 1000 housing units, including charming club cottages, condos, executive villas, single-family homes, and multi-acre estates, have been built into this lush landscape over the past 25 years.  While the majority of single-family residences range from $400,000 – $700,000, buyers can also find condos starting under $100,000 and luxury options priced as high as $1.5 million or more. In addition to a healthy supply of existing properties, there are over 500 available homesites for those looking to build. With several established local builders actively working in the community, prospective homeowners benefit from pre-built to custom options in a variety of price ranges.

Geneva National is truly a one-of-a-kind option for those looking to live in an active community with low-maintenance living, and in close proximity to major metropolitan areas.
TOM KEEFE
CEO, KEEFE REAL ESTATE

Keefe Real Estate owner Tom Keefe states, “Geneva National is truly a one-of-a-kind option for those looking to live in an active community with low-maintenance living, and in close proximity to major metropolitan areas. The value of having all of this, while still enjoying the comfort of a gated community is unmatched not only in Southeastern Wisconsin, but throughout the Midwest.”

Like its own town, Geneva National is divided into numerous sub communities, each with distinct architectural personality and purpose. Weekenders often opt for maintenance-free condo-style living, while families and full-time residents often reside in single-family homes.

Scott Kartsounes zeroed in on The Residence Club’s stately villas for his young family’s second home.  “It’s perfect for us on the weekends. We show up, enjoy and go home,” he says. “And the property retains its value because all maintenance is kept up and performed uniformly.”

The Club Life
At the heart of this established community is the semi-private Geneva National Resort & Club, which boasts a sprawling 56,000-square-foot Clubhouse and an award-winning golf trifecta, distinctly designed by masters Arnold Palmer, Gary Player and Lee Trevino. Everyone from GOLF Magazine (Best Courses Near You) to Golfweek (Best Resort Courses) and Golf Digest (Top 10 Wisconsin Golf Courses and America’s Top 50 Golf Courses for Women) has swung the praises of Geneva National’s legendary courses.

“We’re avid golfers, and when we found not one, not two, but three world-class golf courses here. It was love at first sight,” says Barbara Degnan, who lives in a year-round home with husband, Brian, and has joined the Member’s Club of Geneva National. “Most golf members can’t say they have the opportunity to change courses daily and play designs by the best of the best,” adds Brian, who was particularly drawn to Geneva National’s uniquely warm and welcoming culture.

That doors-always-open atmosphere is largely due to the Chambers family, who own and operate the Resort & Club, live on the property, and are vested in the venue’s staff, its members, and the community. For them, Geneva National Resort & Club is an extension of their desire to create not only an exceptional golf experience – but also a tradition that fosters family, fitness and fun.

“There’s no doubt that 54 holes of championship golf make Geneva National special, but there is so much more beyond the game happening here,” says Garth L. Chambers, owner of Geneva National Resort & Club and President of Paloma Resort Properties. “The Club’s social and wellness calendar provides a platform for getting to know your neighbors – whether it’s working out together at the gym, gathering for game nights at the Grill Room, meeting up at the monthly Member receptions, or getting to know another parent while watching the kids at a golf clinic.”

Indeed, the Club maintains a vibrant and growing golf and social membership, currently 500 strong, with half the Clubhouse reserved for member dining, activities and events – from family holiday brunches and weekly live music on the veranda, to dinner-dances and Independence Day fireworks. In addition, one golf course daily is designated solely for members, who also have a private putting green and range, upgraded carts, and a state-of-the-art Wellness Center overlooking the shoreline.

Separate from the golf club, the pool and tennis facility is community-owned and operated – and undergoing a splashy facelift! When it reopens on Memorial Day weekend in 2018, the Swim & Racquet Club for residents will feature a zero-depth pool with an interactive children’s area as well as a separate adult-only lane pool and a redesigned restaurant and lounge.  Lighting will be added to two adjoining and refurbished tennis/pickle ball courts as well.

With or without a membership, Geneva National residents have access to many of the Resort’s amenities – including golf leagues and instruction, junior golf camps, a shoreline driving range, and dining at the casual Clubhouse Grill Room and award-winning Hunt Club Steakhouse.

“I walk every day, and the nature trails through the woods and along the fairways are simply gorgeous,”
JILL HANSON
FULL-TIME RESIDENT

Ensconced in nature, this tranquil haven is protected by 24-hour security and double gates to entry.  While seemingly tucked away from the well-traveled tourist track, Geneva National still is just a 10-minute drive to the charming lakeside destinations of Williams Bay, Fontana and Lake Geneva.

Planting Roots
Those enticed by Geneva National might consider an extended visit. A case in point: When the Box Family were looking to relocate to be closer to their grandchildren, they rented a condo on the property for three weeks. “I played the courses; Stephanie played tennis. We ate in the restaurants and shopped the local grocery stores. We knew this was going to work,” said Mike Box. Even better, all that time on the course led Mike to a scenic lot upon which to build.

Still, Geneva National is more than vistas, views and a few birdies. It is a lifestyle. “People move here and plant roots,” says Chambers. “We see members buy condos at 35, move to a big house, and then relocate to a smaller home as empty nesters. Often, we’ll see their adult children buy here as well, because they’re familiar with the exceptional resort living offered here.”

“When our realtor took us on a tour of the golf club, through the community and then up to the pool, we felt like we were at a resort hotel,” says Kartsounes. “This is what we want to feel – like we’re on vacation. Geneva National definitely accomplishes that goal.”

Next Steps
If you would like to learn more about the Geneva National community, or take a private tour, please contact Keefe Real Estate at 800-690-2292. With an exclusive sales office located at the main entrance of the community, our Geneva National sales experts are available seven days a week to give you a guided tour of the community and available properties, as well as to connect you with the Paloma team so they can walk you through the golf and club amenities.

Photographer: Matt Haas
By: Barbara Karabas