A Great Little Lake Erie Shores and Islands Video

Shores & Islands Short: Island Getaways from Lake Erie Shores & Islands on Vimeo.

The Longaberger estate, Eschman Meadows FOR SALE

Tami Longaberger, chair of the board and CEO of The Longaberger Company, America’s premier maker of handcrafted baskets, has placed her amazing 200-acre country estate outside of Columbus, Ohio, Eschman Meadows, on the market with Howard Hanna Real Estate Services.

Built over the course of four years, 1998-2001, the 57,000 square foot custom designed brick home is set very privately on 200-acres of rolling countryside. The luxurious home features Georgian architecture and consists of three wings. It is designed to be ideal for family and company entertaining. The three wings include the main residence, the guest wing and the ballroom wing which graciously accepts 300 guests in elegant style. The wings are connected via an orangery and a family room with each wing secured for privacy from the estate’s main living area.

In total, there are seven bedrooms, ten full-baths, three half-baths, seven indoor and two outdoor fireplaces. The property also has a diesel-run generator house, a six-car garage and radiant heat with all heated floors including the outdoor terraces. Tremendous formal gardens, fountains and a control-flow waterfall transform the back outdoor area into an oasis. Each floor of the home is poured concrete for ultimate soundproofing, and a computerized system controls all mechanicals and communication.

Featuring a six-stall horse barn, three pastures and three stocked ponds, Eschman Meadows is a wildlife sanctuary. The grand entrance frames a pastoral landscape of natural prairies and wetlands, transected by a stately driveway that builds your anticipation for the grand home at its terminus. And to not disturb this natural look, the property’s helicopter pad and additional parking lot are both covered in sod.

Ms. Longaberger owns much of the land surrounding the 200-acres of Eschman Meadows and has first right of refusal if neighbors ever wish to sell, possibly giving access to an additional 100 to 150 acres.

Last but not least, I am sure you are curious about the price. The Longaberger estate, Eschman Meadows, is offered for sale at $15,000,000.

Would you like additional information on this fantastic opportunity? Contact the Hisey Group, LLC with Howard Hanna Real Estate Services at 440-315-6000 or email me at leehisey@howardhanna.com.

Check out the initial video at: http://youtu.be/q6ta25R6tTU

The Advantage of a Second Home Close to Home!

What are the advantages of a second home close to home?

A vacation home within 4 hours of home means you spend time enjoying your time away from work rather than traveling to your second home. You don't need to wait for scheduled vacation time - you can go ANY TIME YOU NEED A BREAK!

Some travel times to Marblehead per Google Maps: (a central "Vacation Land" location)

• Columbus, Ohio - 122 miles or 2 hours, 37 minutes.
• Cleveland, Ohio - 80 miles or 1 hour, 30 minutes.
• Dayton, Ohio - 182 miles or 3 hours and 16 minutes.
• Toledo, Ohio - 60.5 miles or 1 hour and 6 minutes.
• Fort Wayne, Indiana - 150 miles or 3 hours.
• Detroit, Michigan - 106 miles or 2 hours.
• Canton, Ohio - 102 miles or 2 hours.

Within less than 4 hours you can be any of the following vacation destinations:

• Sandusky, Ohio
• Vermilion, Ohio
• Marblehead, Ohio
• Catawba Township, Ohio
• Port Clinton, Ohio
• Middle Bass Island, Ohio
• South Bass Island, Ohio (Port Clinton, Ohio)
• Huron, Ohio
• Kelleys Island, Ohio
• Ohio's other Lake Erie Islands

Sign-up for our e-newsletter today to view our listing updates - the form is at your right. Call us at 1-800-974-5184 or email me at leehisey@howardhanna.com to receive information on property you may be interested in touring or if you'd just like more information. (we can show you any agent or broker's property) Considering selling your home in Ohio's vacation region? We'd love to get with you for a free consultation.

http://www.HiseyGroup.com

Middle Bass Island Open House: Saturday July 23, 1 to 3:30 pm

Come to Middle Bass Island and spend the day looking at a variety of our listings. Signs and fliers will be available.

Vermilion, Ohio: A Beautiful Lakefront and Riverfront Community

Vermilion, Ohio was formed as a village in 1844. The oldest permanent structure was built in 1811. It had a small boat harbor, and was a fishing port. The Vermilion lighthouse was built in 1847. The river was never adequate for larger commercial traffic, but it prospered as a port for recreational boating.

Today's Vermilion has continued to be a tourist and summer home destination for many - and a wonderful home for the thousands of permanent residents. It has a reputation as a resort community, with many high end developments, waterfront condominiums, and marinas. In 1960 Vermilion merged with Vermilion-on-the-Lake to become a city.

Vermilion has a lovely downtown that hugs the banks of the Vermilion River. It is filled with flowers, shops, and a wide variety of dining experiences. A number of events are held every year, with the Woolybear Festival and the Festival of the Fish being two of the largest. There are several art galleries in town, and art festivals and showings are held on a regular basis.

Considering Vermilion, Ohio? Come to Vermilion and enjoy the boating, fishing, sandy beaches, and beautiful neighborhoods. For more information email me at leehisey@howardhanna.com or call us at 1-800-974-5184.

Middle Bass Island, Ohio Saturday Open Houses

Join us on Saturday, July 23rd from 1:00 to 3:00 pm for our annual "All Island Open House" on Middle Bass Island, Ohio.

We will be holding open high-rise lakefront condos, free standing condos on the lake, and homes and cottages. A total of TEN yes 10 units will be held open!

Take Millers Ferry over from Catawba Island or Middle Bass Island Ferry (Sonny S) from Put-in-Bay on South Bass Island (leaving the Boardwalk).

Email me for more details at leehisey@howardhanna.com

Middle Bass Island, Ohio's East Point Preserve

The 7.8-acre Middle Bass Island East Point Preserve is located near the tip of the island’s northeastern peninsula.

The preserve overlooks Schoolhouse Bay, a popular, shallow-water destination for boaters and swimmers. The site features approximately 600 feet of natural shore with a pier near the eastern property line to aid in water-borne access.

The property has a diversity of habitats including natural beach lands, mature hardwood forest and grasslands—the combination of which attracts large numbers of migrating bird and songbird populations. The property also provides habitat for the Lake Erie water snake and potential habitat for other listed plants and animal species.

The preserve was donated by the Black Swamp Conservancy to the Put-in-Bay Township Park District and opened to the public in October 2010. Funding for the purchase included $844,000 from the Clean Ohio Fund, $70,000 from the Ohio Land and Water Conservation Fund and $70,000 from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Coastal Management Assistance Grant program. Smaller amounts were provided by the Lake Erie Protection Fund, Ohio Ornithological Society, Frost-Parker Foundation of Sandusky, Friends of Magee Marsh, Firelands Audubon and many private donors.

A conservation easement held by the Black Swamp Conservancy protects East Point as a natural area. The site is managed as a nature preserve and a park for launching of kayaks and canoes only. Passive recreational activities also include fishing, hiking and bird-watching from dawn to dusk. No motorized vehicles or bicycles are allowed. Location Map:
Select for larger static map

From:
http://www.ohiodnr.gov/Coastal_Main_Menu/PublicAccess/Ot_MBI_EastPointPreserve/tabid/23508/Default.aspx

Sandusky, Ohio Boathouses - A Neighborhood of Boathouses

A boathouse is a building built along the water that is actually over the water. You have the ability to pull your boat or boats into the equivalent of a boat garage. Many boathouses have lifts that have a lift capacity based on the size of the bay. Modern boathouses have garage door openers that allow you to literally pull your boat in as you would your car into your garage. With the lift and shelter boats can generally be stored over the winter giving you more control of your boat and expenses.

The modern private boathouse often has a home built in front of and above the actual boat well(s). This may be a primary residence, a vacation home, or a guest residence. Sometimes, a boathouse may house a boat or rowing club. They may also hold a restaurant or even a hotel.

Some of the most famous boathouses in the United States are along Boathouse Row along the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is made up of approximately 15 boathouses in a row. It is primarily made up of social and rowing clubs. Muskoka, Ontario Canada has some amazing boathouses - many are truly beautiful. Conduct a picture search to see some truly beautiful Muskoka boathouses.

Other boathouse neighborhoods exist throughout the United States, and I hope to cover some of those areas in future entries. I will also be covering the Sandusky, Ohio Boathouse fire history and some of the boathouses we currently have listed.

We'll be putting together a very simple website at http://www.OhioBoathouse.com to help define this unique real estate type from Cleveland's Westside to the Lake Erie Islands.

Considering purchasing a boathouse in northern Ohio? Do you have a boathouse you'd like to sell? Contact the Hisey Group, LLC with Howard Hanna today at 1-800-974-5184 for a free consultation, or email me directly at leehisey@howardhanna.com.

North Coast Stuff

• My wife, daughter and I enjoyed a wonderful 4 day "Mini" vacation in Traverse City, Michigan this week. What a beautiful area our Great Lakes region is! The annual National Cherry Festival was busy - and we enjoyed some kayaking, walking excursions, and great food.
• We have two wonderful homes listed - one in the lakefront community of Bay Village, and one in Avon Lake. Both are priced well below $200k and have been loved by the previous owners. Considering a move? Give us a call!
• We may have another Sandusky boathouse listing this month. Remember - our next TV Open House will be held on Sunday, July 31st from 2 pm to 5 pm. Watch for the ad in the morning and come visit us in the afternoon! (www.OhioBoatHouse.com is under construction to bring focus to this unique style of home for the boating enthusiast!)
• We have sold several "Vacation Land" building parcels this year - but we have more! Buy your parcel and pay it off - and build when your ready!! Call or email me at leehisey@howardhanna.com for details.
• Remember to sign-up for our e-newsletter on Northcoast happenings and real estate. (right side of this screen) Your email STAYS WITH US - we will never share it.
• Considering listing or buying a property along Ohio's Northcoast? We are proud to serve "Cleveland's Westside to the Lake Erie Islands". Call us today at 1-800-974-5184

Huron River Fest: Huron, Ohio July 8, 9, & 10, 2011

20th Anniversary Celebration
Huron, Ohio

Friday, July 8th

5:00 pm - Midway & Rides Open
6:00 pm - Opening Ceremonies
7:00 - Cold Sweat - Live Entertainment on stage at the Huron Boat Basin
10:15 pm - Fireworks over the River

Saturday, July 9th

8:00 am - NOMS/Tiger 5k Run
For more details please log on to: huronriverfest5k.com
Awards following race at the Huron Boat Basin
9:00 am - 4th Annual Car Show
9:00 - 3:00 Car Show
2:00 - Judging
2:30 - Awards
11:00 am - Midway & Rides Open
11:00 am - Huron River Fest Lion's Club Parade
1:00 pm - Parade Awards at the HBB Amphitheater
1:15 pm - Queen's Crowning at the HBB Amphitheater
4:00 pm - Mad River Fest Ride
4:00 pm - The Todd's
Live Entertainment on stage at the Huron Boat Basin
7:30 pm - Womack Brothers - Live Entertainment on stage at the Huron Boat Basin

Sunday, July 10th **Family Fun Day**

8:00 am - HHS Band Pancake Breakfast
9:30 am - Registration @ Lakefront Park
10:00 am - 1st Annual Critter Crawl
10:00 am - Pet Parade
11:00 am - Midway & Rides Open
1:00 pm - HHS Cheerleaders
2:00 pm - Children's Games
3:00 pm - The Slush Buckets - Live Entertainment on stage at the Huron Boat Basin
5:30 pm - St. Pete's Duck Race

Lake Erie Island Waterfront Condominiums - Hidden Ohio Gem

East Point Villas is a beautiful development consisting of 10 free standing condominiums nestled on Lake Erie lakefront. Situated on the shores of Middle Bass Island, units include:

• Electric Heat Pump/Heating and Air Conditioning.
• Crawl Space
• Outside Storage Room
• Anderson Windows with Low E-Glass
• None of the Units are in the Floodplain

The Association Fee is ONLY $120/Month and Includes:

• Insurance on Your Condo
• All Property and Liability Insurance
• Lawn and Grounds Maintenance
• Electric for Wells and Wastewater Plant
• Lakefront Land Lease - 300 ft !

The development has 300 ft of lake frontage and is situated on 2 3/4 acres of common grounds. It is backed by woodland and there is a Lake Erie view from every unit. View other islands, and Perry's Monument from you front porch!

Contact the Hisey Group today for more information at 440-315-6000 or LeeHisey@HowardHanna.com.

Put-in-Bay, Ohio on South Bass Island

I've heard of a wonderful weekend brunch at the Crescent Tavern - but until yesterday morning I'd never found the time to pay them a visit to give it a try.

After catching the Miller Ferry from Catawba to South Bass Island my wife and I grabbed a shuttle bus (for only $2.50 each) into the Village of Put-in-Bay. If you've never been to Put-in-Bay you may be surprised at the weekend activity. Put-in-Bay is filled with dining and shopping opportunities, numerous types of accommodations, and historical attractions.

After a brief discussion (too many possibilities) we settled on brunch at the Crescent Tavern. With a huge bowl of fresh fruit, eggs fried on the spot, cheese potatos, bacon, sausage gravy and biscuits, two kinds of scrambled eggs, and more - we left full and happy.

A ride on the Sonny S which departs on the hour from the Boardwalk (another great dining spot) and we were heading for Middle Bass Island, our final destination, to hold an open house at the East Point Villas condominiums. Dinner was at J.F. Walleys on Middle Bass - a local favorite.

Another day on the Lake Erie Islands.

Put in Bay, Ohio Garden Club Garden Tour July 20th

Don't miss the Put-in-Bay Garden Club walk on South Bass Island, Ohio. This year six gardens will be featured on Wednesday, July 20th. Meet at the Dollar Estate to get a program and your tour pass.
There will be lunch served at 1:30 pm at the dollar house, with a silent auction adn raffle following the meal.

Gardens will include:
Ken and Kay Benjamin's Stonehenge Estate on Langram Rd.
Time and Jeanette Luecke's gardens on Langram Rd
Chuck Corso's Puddin Cove on West Shore
Larry and Julie Parsons gardens at Shore Villas
McCann's Put-in-Bay Winery at the Dollar Estate
The Duggan Family's Butterfly House

Lunch: $20 in advance ($25 the day of the tour)
Tickets: Barb Chrysler 419-285-5101 or 419-285-2107
or Kendra Koehler 419-341-2725

Or send your check to PIB Garden Club, P.O. Box 815, Put-in-Bay, Ohio 43456