Gated Waterfront Nature Retreat 5 minutes from Starved Rock State Park

Discover this estate providing the ultimate multi-purpose property. Behind the privacy gates, you will find one of the best kept secrets along the Illinois River Valley and Starved Rock State Park area.

This property has a gorgeous custom home that is 2,250 sq. ft. overlooking the water. Truly a masterpiece of design and craftsmanship with a grand 14’ double door entrance, large fully screened porch, and wall of windows showcasing a pond that provides picturesque sunsets. Inside you will find a large open concept floor plan along with tall ceilings, beautiful finishes, two large bedrooms, two full bathrooms, radiant heated bathroom floor, gas log fireplace, charcoal grill, gas grill, several custom cabinets, high-end appliances, new furnace, nest thermostat, automatic gate opener and door access keypad.

When you are not enjoying the views from the home, you will find 2 additional fishing ponds. The property has proven to be excellent for fishing, kayaking, bird watching and much more. The property is located between Dee Bennet Road and the I&M Canal Trail, creating a natural barrier to the south and north. The property creates the perfect private year-round retreat to enjoy with family and friends.

In addition to enjoying your own private ponds, you can launch your boat into the IL river at multiple nearby locations, the closest being Starved Rock Yacht Club, located directly across the road. The Wide Waters Yacht Club is also across the road with great public dining and boat rentals.

The property is adjacent to Buffalo Rock State Park and the I&M Canal National Heritage Trail.

Buffalo Rock State Park is a 298-acre park that offers bike trails, American bison, hunting, canoeing, cross country skiing, geocaching, hiking trails, baseball field, horseshoe pits, playgrounds and shelter.

The I&M Canal National Historic Area borders the property with private access from the property directly onto the I&M Canal Trail. Many activities are allowed on the canal’s 77+ miles of well-maintained trails. The I&M Canal offers may different experiences including boat trips, horseback riding, snowmobiling, biking, hiking, walking, canal towns, dining and many more.

Just across the river is Starved Rock State Park, one of the Illinois’ most beautiful destinations and the #1 most visited state park in Illinois. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the park’s 18 canyons featuring vertical walls of moss-covered stone formed by glacial meltwater that slice dramatically through tree-covered sandstone bluffs. More than 13 miles of trails allow access to waterfalls, fed season runoff or natural springs, sandstone overhangs, and spectacular overlooks. Recreational opportunities abound, from hiking to camping to fishing, boating, or hunting.

Just a few miles further down the road is Matthiessen State Park that offers canyons, streams, prairie, and forest. Visitors can expect to see beautiful rock formations in addition to unusual and abundant vegetation and wildlife. All of this, along with park and picnic facilities, make Matthiessen State Park a popular choice for an outing.

Vermillion River is also a local attraction that is 112 miles long offering an abundance of activities. The Vermillion River is a fisherman's paradise, with numerous eddies, slack pools, overhanging and downed trees, deep holes, and rocky shorelines. The Vermilion is a great place to go fly fishing. For a full experience, drop a pole while drifting the river in a raft or canoe. Rafts are available at the Vermilion River Rafting Company.

Utica is just minutes away and it is known as the Gateway to Starved Rock. Utica has festivals, fine and casual dining, live music, pubs, wineries, shopping, open air market, and much more.

Ottawa, IL has a deep history with several public attractions and a very active Chamber of Commerce. There are 15 Parks to choose from in Ottawa. Click to learn more about Ottawa’s downtown, dining, parks, economic development, LaSalle Speedway, golfing and bustling tourism. If you are awaiting an adventure or endless outdoor recreation, you are able to take full advantage of the thousands of public lands in the direct vicinity. As you can see, Ottawa is a very charming town in the middle of everywhere!