“Our daughter-in-law had attended a business retreat at Heritage Harbor and just couldn’t say enough wonderful things about her stay,” 

We researched Heritage Harbor online and then rented a townhome for a week there last September. We were so impressed with the marina, amenities, staff and relaxed atmosphere, we started the process of buying a home while we were there.”

Water Tower condo residents, Scott and Dawn Harding, have always enjoyed a second vacation home, the most recent, being in the Caribbean. The reality, however, that they weren’t jetting off to the Caribbean enough to justify their investment coupled with their daughter-in-law urging, led them to Heritage Harbor in Ottawa. 

“Our daughter-in-law had attended a business retreat at Heritage Harbor and just couldn’t say enough wonderful things about her stay,” said Scott Harding.  “We had sold our place in the Caribbean and were interested in purchasing another vacation home. We researched Heritage Harbor online and then rented a townhome for a week there last September. We were so impressed with the marina, amenities, staff and relaxed atmosphere, we started the process of buying a home while we were there.” 

“Heritage Harbor allows us to have the best of both worlds,” Scott said.  “We enjoy views of Lake Michigan and the hustle-and-bustle of the city and within an hour and twenty minutes, door-to-door, we are relaxing on the water and decompressing at Heritage Harbor.” 

The Harding’s chose a villa in the Heron’s Landing neighborhood on the East peninsula at Heritage Harbor.  One, two and three-bedroom cottages range from 700 to 2,000 square feet and, currently, three move-in ready are available. Heron’s Landing also features a neighborhood clubhouse with kitchen space for events and outdoor pool.   

“Heritage Harbor offers us a turnkey, maintenance-free lifestyle,” Scott said.  “We love the four decks we have on our home. The two in the back provide views of the marina and the two in front offer views of the river.  The 7-foot ceilings, full basement and storage were also important to us but the exceptional architecture and quality workmanship sold us. We have plenty of room for our children and their families to come visit.  In fact, my grandchildren, who live in Warrenville, were just here over Easter for the parade and egg hunt.  Because Heritage Harbor is so close, we can easily come for a week or just a couple of days.” 

In addition to Heron’s Landing, buyers may choose from low-maintenance homes, priced from $309,000 to $395,000, in the Boat House neighborhood. Homes are also available in the new  enclave of 12 Low maintenance homes, called Port Place.  Port Place offers ranch and two-story homes, with main level master bedroom suites, ranging from 1,196 to over 2,287 square feet, with prices starting in the mid-$300s.  Navvy Town, another new neighborhood, is coming soon and offers two-story, multi-family quad buildings, called the Canal Quarters, will include one and two-bedroom condominiums ideal for investors and renters while the  open-concept, two-story cottages with two bedrooms and 2 ½ baths are perfect for second-home owners who want to maximize their time on the river enjoying the harbor life. 

Custom homesites, starting in the $180s, are offered in the Pinnacle Point neighborhood. Buyers can access the preferred designers and builder’s network at Heritage Harbor or choose their own builder. Homes range from 1,705 to over 3,512 square feet with 3 to 5 bedrooms, 2 ½ to 3 ½ baths, first -floor owner’s suites, island kitchens open to great rooms, guest suites, screened porches, decks, finished walkout lower levels, garages and some of the homesites can accommodate a private pool.  Homes with homesite are priced from the $550s to over $1 million.

“We’ve joined the boat club through Quest and are excited to start using it this summer,” Scott said.  “I can’t say enough about the A+++ amenities here. The marina, Tiki bar, Red Dog Restaurant, pools, exceptional staff and charming downtown Ottawa make owning a home at Heritage Harbor a first-class experience.”  

Only 15 minutes from Heritage Harbor, the 2,630-acre Starved Rock State Park, known for its steep sandstone canyons and waterfalls, attracts hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Just three miles from the community, historic Ottawa, site of the 1858 Lincoln-Douglas Debate, offers shops, restaurants, craft breweries and more.  Also nearby, visitors enjoy the August Hill Winery and Illinois Sparkling Co. Tasting Room, Illinois River Winery, Utica Electric Bike Rental, LaSalle Canal Boat tours and the Grand Bear Falls Indoor Water Park. 

“We’ve met some wonderful people and look forward to meeting more this spring and summer,” Scott said.  “Everyone here, whether they are a second homeowner, full-time resident or vacationer, have one thing in common- they’ve come to Heritage Harbor to relax, unwind and enjoy life. “

Interested homebuyers can learn more through the ‘Live Like a Homeowner’ Discovery Package currently available at Heritage Harbor.  The package includes a two-night stay for two adults and two children under 21 in a cottage, $50 gift card for the Red Dog Grill, private tour and customized Starved Rock experience for $249.   

Heritage Harbor is located at 111 Harbor View Drive in Ottawa. Please call (815) 433-5000 Ext. 1 to preschedule a one-on-one appointment or email tammyb@heritageharborottawa.com. Enjoy a virtual drive-through of the community by visiting  www.visitheritageharbor.com. 

Whatever you choose to do, we are certain you will enjoy living the Harbor Life.  We love to hear from you! Share your favorite Harbor Happenings with us.

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