Dane County Lakefront Real Estate Statistics
| Average Price | $1.9M |
|---|---|
| Lowest Price | $450K |
| Highest Price | $4.4M |
| Total Listings | 21 |
| Avg. Days On Market | 82 |
| Avg. Price/SQFT | $579 |
Property Types (active listings)
Browse All Dane County Lakefront Real Estate for Sale
Yahara Chain of Lakes: A Brief History
During the last Ice Age that took place approximately 15,000 years ago, the last of four large glaciers originating in Canada blanketed much of Wisconsin, sliding over what geologists believe were ancient river and valley park lands, creating a wide terminal moraine a few miles south of Lake Kegonsa. As the glacier melted it carried massive amounts of sand, rocks, and sediment into the old river valley, partially filling it. The melting ice also dropped huge loads of glacial rock and debris on the park lands. The old valley, now dammed in areas by glacial debris, is now home to Madison’s famous “Four Lakes”: Lakes Mendota, Monona, Waubesa and Kegonsa. The chain of beautiful lakes that resulted was formed on top of the glacial debris that buried the ancient valley floor. Present-day Yahara River serves to connect all four lakes.
Lakefront Real Estate in Dane County
Thinking of buying or building on one of Dane County's lakes? There are many different types of waterfront homes to choose from including stunning luxury estates, spacious single-family homes, older cottages and lots for sale. Established single-family homes are often upgraded to include modern amenities such as gas fireplaces, gourmet kitchens with modern appliances, and boat houses.
Want to build your dream waterfront home? Be prepared to tear down a small cottage or, if you're lucky, you might find something that can be renovated, restored or added onto. The closer you buy to the capitol the more you'll pay of course. And most likely you'll be looking at building a 2 or 3-story home since lots are often narrow and there are strict setback and zoning laws that prohibit homeowners from blocking the lake views of their adjoining neighbors.
When building new, you can choose from a wide variety of architectural styles. However some styles work better than others for maximizing outdoor spaces such as a deck off a master bedroom or main floor, or a patio off a walk-out basement. If you have a long narrow lot, you might consider a detached 3 or 4-car garage where you can store your boat in the off season rather than pay to have it dry docked.
Older homes typically have partial basements or crawl spaces with varying degrees of accessibility. Living on the lake is not particularly conducive to a dry basement, so when building new, you'll want to consider eliminating basement crawl spaces and relocating your storage to above a garage, or in a spare room along a hallway on a high floor. Leave room for an oversized mudroom with shower facilities, as you and your guests will be frequently in and out of the lake.
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Lake Living & Lifestyles
Be prepared to put up with bugs when you buy a home on a lake. It's true, you'll encounter a lot more bugs due to the proximity of the water but that's just a reality of living on a lake. More importantly, whether you decide to make your Dane County lake home your permanent full-time residence or to take up residence in warmer climes in the wintertime, you'll have regular access to gorgeous sunrises and sunsets that will make you forget all about inconveniences like bugs or pulling up your pier at the end of the season.
Whether you want to spend your free time boating, sailing, water skiing, fishing, birdwatching, canoeing, kayaking, ice skating, ice fishing, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, or sipping cocktails on your patio or pier, we've got a lakefront home to fit your lifestyle! If a single-family home is not for you, check out our lakefront condos page.
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Regardless where you plan to make your next home, we've got the lakefront expertise to guide you. Contact a Lake & City lake homes specialist today!