We get a number of calls and emails from homebuyers who want to live the lifestyle inherent in the City of Four Lakes moniker. In other words, they want lakefront living and contact us for advice on which lake is the best, which has homes in certain price ranges and more.
We’ve found it impossible to name which lake is the best – they all have their advantages. One of the most popular lakefront neighborhoods however, at least among our clients, is Spring Harbor.
Tucked onto the southwest shores of Lake Mendota, and up against the City of Madison’s western boundary, the more-than 400-acre Spring Harbor neighborhood is an active lakefront community with a lot to offer.
History buffs – listen up
Hickory Hill House was established as an official historic site in the 1970s. Built in 1842, the farmhouse originally belonged to John G. Hicks, a gentleman from New York. About 12 years later, he sold the home to James Falkner who had dreams of developing what he would call Mendota Village.
Unfortunately, a recession wiped him out financially so his dreams died. The home has passed many hands since then but Walter Scott had the longest tenure (more than 40 years) and he and his wife planted most of the trees on the property.
"There is a black walnut tree grown from seed gathered at George Washington's Mt. Vernon." -- Wisconsin Historical Society
Hickory Hill House is located in the Spring Harbor neighborhood at 1721 Hickory Drive.
Also located in the neighborhood is the John R. Commons house (1645 Norman Way), dating back to 1913. The original owners, John and Ella Commons, referred to the bungalow as “Hocheera,” which, according to the Wisconsin Historical Society, is a Winnebago Indian word for welcome.
Today, the home is a private residence but you can learn more about it on the society’s website.
Keeping the community close
There are a number of events held annually in Spring Harbor, including
- Fourth of July parade and picnic
- Halloween party
- History walk and guided tour
- Indian Hills Garden Club annual plant sale
- Labor Day concert
- Neighborhood Clean-up Day and Garlic Mustard Pull
- Neighborhood Garage Sale
Spring Harbor’s amenities
Outdoorsy types will love living in Spring Harbor, most especially because it is home to Spring Harbor Park. Ideally located on Lake Mendota’s shores, residents use the boat launch, lounge on the beach, watch the kids play on the playground equipment, launch their canoes, fish and walk their dogs.
Hikers typically take to the trails at the Kettle Pond Conservation Park and the neighborhood is home to smaller parks as well, such as the 2.57-acre Indian Hills Park and Merrill Springs Park, with a canoe and kayak launch and storage.
Golfers are just minutes from the fabulous Black Hawk Country Club, which takes up the neighborhood’s eastern border.
Although Spring Harbor is a primarily residential neighborhood you won’t be travelling far to dine out, shop or find services. All can be found in the middle of the community, along University Avenue.
Homes in Spring Harbor
You’ll find lots of single-family homes in Spring Harbor, many of them situated lakeside. About half were built in the 1950s. Current prices range from $325,000 to $899,000. The latter home is on the shores of Lake Mendota and boasts 55 feet of frontage.
You will also occasionally find townhomes and condos for sale in the neighborhood. You can view photos and details about the current inventory of homes for sale in Spring Harbor, here.
If you’re interested in learning more about what’s for sale in Spring Harbor, feel free to contact us. We’re happy to show you the homes available.
You’ll find the Spring Harbor neighborhood roughly south and west of Lake Mendota and north and east of Old Middletown Rd.
Posted by Jolenta Averill on