Selecting a Northwest Wisconsin lake home or cabin can be an adventure and help you achieve a dream you’ll enjoy for years to come.
Have you ever dreamed about owning a lakefront property? Maybe you have childhood memories of being at the lake, visiting a resort or VRBO lake home every summer, or want a place to hang your fishing hat with the guys. These are all valid reasons to begin your search for a lake home or cabin property.
Lake homes in Northwest Wisconsin are highly desirable and usually move quickly once they hit the market. There are many options to choose from, including both seasonal and year-round occupancy, condos, cabins, cottages and lake homes in a variety of styles. If you find that a lake home has been around for a while it may be due to location, price, or needing some repair, all important considerations in your search.
When looking for your Northwoods retreat property, elevation also plays a role. Higher elevation may seem less desirable to some than property that is closer in direct proximity to water; however, you may be more enamored with vast views that are spot on, therefore you may not be concerned with elevation and steps to water access. Consider your goals and where you want to be. Keeping your personal preferences front of mind will guide you toward your dream cabin or getaway property.
Chalet-Style Condo on Premier Round Lake featuring vaulted ceilings, beautiful windows overlooking the lake, and an open floor plan perfect for entertaining. 12910 W South Shore Road #5, Hayward, WI.
What to look for in a cabin or lake home
There are so many considerations when on your lake home search! Many you’ll already have on your priority checklist, but some require a closer look, and possibly area research. This is where a local realtor who knows the area well can really be of help.
Considerations for your lake home, water access and surrounds:
Is the soil sandy, mucky, or rocky?
Is the water clear, green of algae, weedy?
Are there neighbors right next door or is there a bit of privacy?
Can you jet ski, use motorboats, or go faster than 10 mph?
Can you add on to the home or cabin?
Are there restrictions or covenants?
Some lakes have restrictions on use of enjoyment, so it is best to check with a knowledgeable Realtor when looking at lake property.
The difference between a 3-Season and 4-Season Cabin
Depending on what time of year you will be using the cabin, this may be a key factor when choosing the right property to purchase. A 3-season cabin is great for spring, summer, and fall however, generally not suited for winter temperatures. One major reason for this is the lack of insulation in walls or roofing for retaining heat and protecting water pipes from freezing. One good way to know whether a cabin is 3-season is to check the heating type. If the dwelling only uses a wood stove to heat the home, this is doable if you are continually at the property, but makes it hard to retain interior temperatures long-term.
Price Lake 3-Season Cottage with beautiful western sunsets down by the shore, just 15′ from the water. Price Lake is a quiet 90-acre lake great for fishing and watching wildlife. 10721 N Berg Rd, Phillips, WI.
Converting a 3-Season Cabin to a 4-Season Cabin
There are things to consider when looking at cabins to convert a 3-season cabin to 4-season. First, you have to determine if this is going to be a full-time residence or a secondary home. Other factors include adding insulation to meet code, not only in the walls and roof but also below the foundation or crawl space. Check plumbing and see where the lines run. If piping runs on the exterior walls that are generally 2 x 4 construction, then re-plumbing those lines would be necessary for a 4-season conversion. Adding a secondary heat source using propane will be necessary, unless you will be at the property full-time. Installing a pellet stove could be an alternative. Most rural areas have propane as a main heat source. Checking with a knowledgeable Realtor and a general contractor will ensure you have clear answers. For a cabin in Northwest Wisconsin, where temps can range from -40 degrees to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, these are critical considerations.
3-Season Condo on Richardson Bay, Round Lake. Enjoy breathtaking views on one of Haywards Premier Lakes. This 3 Season condo sits 10′ from the water’s edge in Richardson Bay on beautiful Round Lake, known for great fishing and recreational activities all year long. 12618 W Holiday Avenue #3, Hayward, WI.
Lake homes in Northwest Wisconsin
Lake homes and cabins range anywhere from 400 square feet to over 5,000 square feet in this area of the Northwoods. Not only is the floorplan important, so is the elevation and added maintenance costs of owning a lake home or cabin. The views you get from owning a lake home can be breathtaking. Waking up to the sound of loons calling while the sun shines across the water can bring you many peaceful and enjoyable moments in time for as long as you own your property. With a knowledgeable Realtor, your perfect lake home, land to build, or fixer-upper is right around the corner. You’ll enjoy making it your own, and turning your dream into reality!
Moss Creek Northwoods Retreat! This home is located on Moss Creek which flows into the Chippewa Flowage, with over 500 feet of meandering frontage on 2.17 acres. 10034 W Hwy B, Hayward, WI.
4-Season home on Lac Courte Oreilles Lake. This home has breathtaking views as it sits high above the water with wooden steps that lead to the lake and 75 ft of frontage. 14347 W Courte Oreilles Lake Drive, Hayward, WI.
Full Recreational Lakes in Sawyer County, Wisconsin
Are you looking to be on a full recreational lake like Round Lake, Grindstone, and Lac Courte Oreilles where you can boat, ski, use wave runners, swim and fish? These lakes offer it all, with limited restrictions. If you prefer a quiet lake like Ghost Lake, Teal Lake, or Lost Land Lake, you will be limited to motorboats with speed limits of 10 mph max, which is best suited for fishing, swimming, and enjoying that evening pontoon ride. Asking your Realtor about lake size, depth, and use will ensure your enjoyment.
List of Full Recreational Lakes in Sawyer County:
Barber Lake, Barker Lake, Birch Lake, Black Lake, Black Dan Lake, Blaisdell Lake (*25 hp motor max restriction and 10 mph max before 10am and after 4pm), Blueberry Lake, Chippewa Flowage, Connors Lake, Deer Lake, Grindstone Lake, Hayward Lake, Lac Courte Oreilles, Lake Chetac, Lake Sissabagama, Lake Winter, Moose Lake, Nelson Lake, Round Lake, Sand Lake, Spider Lake, Stone Lake, Tiger Cat Flowage, Windigo Lake, and Whitefish Lake.
Turn your dream into Reality!
If buying a Lake Home is what you have been dreaming about doing, it is time to make it a reality! Let Route 63 Realty in Hayward, Wisconsin, gather current listings for you. See available lake homes:
We can provide you with current lake home properties and set up showings for you. If you decide this is your time to buy, our real estate agents offer superior communication and area knowledge, especially with lake homes.
Stop by or give us a call at Route 63 Realty in Hayward, Wisconsin 715-558-7846. Our staff are readily available to help answer any questions you may have.
“Start seeing properties today, so tomorrow you can begin building memories!” – Route 63 Realty
