On the Pond

By Mark Loehrke
Appears in the January 2025 issue.

This home boasts a true suburban rarity—a private lake

It’s not unusual to find large-scale water features or retention ponds nestled within neighborhoods throughout the western suburbs. But as appealing as these ponds may seem, they’re often human-made spaces added as part of a flood-control plan rather than as scenic and recreation amenities. Unfortunately, they’re often highly regulated too (usually with strict “No Fishing, No Swimming, No Boating, No Skating” signage), so if you’re angling to angle or go for a paddle, you’re often out of luck.

However, a private aquatic escape is the defining draw of the home at 26W108 Tomahawk Drive in Wheaton (currently on the market for $1.499 million), where three of the property’s four acres are occupied by water—namely, a private lake with its own aeration system and plenty of fish (“a hidden oasis in the heart of a traditional neighborhood” is how listing agent Kendra Schultz of Baird & Warner describes it). Naturally, the five-bedroom home itself has been designed to take full advantage of this waterfront setting, with excellent views of the lake from several rooms, including the screened-in porch. Plus, the detached garage/workshop can store all the water toys. Is January is too soon to be dreaming about lake life? Maybe the kids are up for an elaborate family ice-skating extravaganza?

Photos: Jason Bryce of VHT Studios