For many second home buyers, their priorities go beyond finding a relaxing weekend retreat; often, they also want an investment property they can rent out when not using it themselves. In the Chicago area, buyers will find a variety of homes matching these criteria at Heritage Harbor Ottawa Resort, a waterfront marina resort community along the Illinois River in Starved Rock Country.

Located at 1970 N. 2753rd Road in Ottawa, Illinois, just 90 minutes southwest of Chicago, Heritage Harbor Ottawa is a 142-acre master-planned development of single-family homes, townhomes, vacation cottages, carriage homes and condos, centered on a 32-acre harbor and full-service marina. The community offers a resort lifestyle with boating amenities and waterfront living, as well as access to the region’s plentiful recreational opportunities including Starved Rock State Park and the I&M Canal Trail.

“Purchasing a vacation home with the intention of also renting it out can be a great way for owners to offset the cost of ownership,” said Tammy Barry, director of sales and marketing for Heritage Harbor Ottawa. “But to make sure the home is a source of relaxation rather than stress, buyers should look for a low-maintenance property well-suited both as both a personal getaway retreat and a rental property. At Heritage Harbor Ottawa we design many of our homes with just those purposes in mind. Not only are our residences maintenance-free, but homeowners can also opt to place their residence in our on-site vacation rental pool, which we manage, so it is simple to own and rent out a second home here.”

Barry noted that when homeowners make their residence available in the Heritage Harbor rental program, the management team fully markets the property including listing it on booking sites such as Airbnb and FlipKey, coordinates bookings, checks guests in and out, and provides cleaning and linen service. “We make it easy so our owners can enjoy the home while they are here, and receive a check when it is rented out,” said Barry. “Investors can even work with our team to purchase a fully furnished home that’s ready to place directly into the rental pool.”

Additionally, the location of Heritage Harbor Ottawa within Starved Rock Country makes it an ideal destination for a second home as well as vacation rental investment property due to the region’s plentiful recreational amenities.

“Our homeowners love that there’s so much to do here in the way of boating, biking, hiking and simply getting away and enjoying small town life,” said Barry. “Those same factors create excellent demand for our homes as vacation rentals for a weekend or week-long getaway. In fact, during prime season from May to October, we average from six to eight rental inquiries a day. But we also have year-round rental interest from those looking for a wintertime getaway as well as long-term executive rentals.”

She added that Heritage Harbor Ottawa’s location just 90 minutes from Chicago adds to the community’s appeal for vacation home buyers and investors alike. “The drive is short enough for our homeowners from Chicago that they can just come for a day trip, an overnight visit, or even extend a weekend stay by leaving for work directly from Heritage Harbor Monday mornings,” she said. “And for investors, it makes it easier to keep an eye on their property and check on things when the home is so close to their primary residence.”

Among the homes at Heritage Harbor Ottawa specifically designed with vacationers and second home owners in mind are the Cottages at River Row, a pocket neighborhood of single-family homes and duplex residences surrounding a new community pool on the resort’s West Peninsula.

“These homes have charming cottage aesthetics and beautiful finishes buyers will love when they are enjoying the home themselves,” said Barry. “These are also the first pool-side homes we’ve built at Heritage Harbor, which adds to that vacation vibe that makes them extremely appealing as a rental.”

Priced from $249,000 to $299,000 and ranging from 800 to 1,250 square feet, the three single-family homes in the Cottages at River Row have one to three bedrooms and 1 to 2½ baths. The four duplex residences will measure approximately 1,300 square feet and will feature multiple outdoor spaces including front porches and rear decks. Priced from $259,000, the duplexes have two bedrooms and 2 ½ baths.

Also equally well-suited as a vacation rental investment property or a weekend getaway are the West Harbor Lofts, multi-level townhomes priced from $259,900. These 1,380-square-foot homes feature two bedrooms, two baths, first-floor flex space, large roof decks overlooking the harbor, and boat slips available for lease immediately in front of the residences.

“We call these our adventure homes because they’re right on the harbor and ready for someone to take full advantage of our marina and waterfront location,” said Barry. “They also have flexible areas that can accommodate extra overnight guests, storage for boating equipment and outdoor gear in the garage, and of course a huge deck that’s perfect for relaxing after a day of fun.”

Homeowners and vacation renters alike have access to the plentiful amenities at Heritage Harbor, from the community’s full-service marina and harbor to an on-site restaurant, beautiful green spaces with seating areas and fire pits, and neighborhood pools.

For information on Heritage Harbor Ottawa and available homes, call (815) 433-5000 or visit www.heritageharborottawa.com.

About Heritage Harbor Ottawa
Heritage Harbor Ottawa is a 142-acre master-planned marina resort community of 600 homes located on the Illinois River in Ottawa, Ill., just 90 minutes from downtown Chicago. Featuring a 32-acre marina surrounded by pocket neighborhoods of waterfront custom homes, condominiums, cottages and townhomes, Heritage Harbor Ottawa is a unique residential option in Starved Rock Country for those seeking a vacation, retirement or full-time home on the water. For more information, visit www.heritageharborottawa.com.