Celebrities seek places with nature and privacy because they’re always surrounded by so many people in normal times. So, in their free time, they at least deserve some privacy. Lake Geneva matches all those standards at once.
It’s no wonder Lake Geneva has become the top hideaway for the rich and famous. Over the years, the lake has quietly hosted a glittering list of icons.
That’s why many celebrities, such as the Wrigleys, the Schwinns, Otto Young, and Richard Driehaus, have all called it home at some point.
Today, we’d like to glimpse into their homes and discover more about Lake Geneva.
Mapping the Celebrity Hotspots
Takze Geneva isn’t just a Midwest getaway. It’s a celebrity sanctuary with a laid-back charm that’s hard to beat. With over 5,000 acres of clear blue water surrounded by wooded hills and grand estates. It offers the kind of peace and privacy that stars seriously crave. It’s luxury without the flash.
And the climate?
Just right. Summers are warm and breezy, ideal for boating, barbecues, and lakeside walks. Winters bring a cozy vibe, with snowy scenes that make you want to curl up by the fire with a view of the frozen lake. It’s that perfect year-round retreat.
Despite the calm, Lake Geneva isn’t sleepy. Some of the most iconic and celebrity-favourite spots include:
- Maple Park District – Historic homes, quiet charm.
South Shore Club - Snake Road
- Downtown Lake Geneva
- Fontana & Williams Bay
So why do celebrities choose Lake Geneva over hotspots like Malibu or the Hamptons?
Simple: Privacy, space, and a deep sense of history.
Iconic Celebrity Homes (Spotlight Section)
Some celebrities wouldn’t ignore Geneva’s beauty, so they decided to live there forever. You must be curious about who they are, right? There are many, but some of them have the most stunning homes.
Here they are,
Gary Gygax House Lake Geneva
None other than Gary Gygax, the co-creator of Dungeons & Dragons. Yep, the father of tabletop fantasy lived in a cozy, unassuming home in the small town of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, where it all began. This wasn’t a sprawling villa or a $50-million lakeside estate. It was even cooler: the birthplace of imagination for millions of fantasy fans worldwide.
Fans still make pilgrimages to Lake Geneva, not for luxury villas but to walk the same streets where Gygax dreamt up dungeons, warriors, and realms beyond our own. His legacy lives on through conventions like Gary Con, held every year in his honor.
Otto Young – Stone Manor, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
Have you ever heard of Stone Manor in Lake Geneva? It’s an absolute showstopper, originally built as Younglands by Otto Young, a real estate mogul who made his fortune in Chicago after the Great Fire of 1871. Otto, a German immigrant
He was living the American Dream when he decided to build this massive mansion on the shores of Lake Geneva in the late 1800s.
The place is huge—seven levels, including two basements, and packed with lavish details like gold-plated fixtures and even a bowling alley in the basement.
Fast-forward to today,
Although the mansion has been split into luxury condos, it still retains its old-worldcharm. Due to its architectural and historical value, it was even included in the National Register of HistoricPlaces in 1979.
Richard Driehaus Glanworth Gardens, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
When Richard Driehaus bought this estate in 1998, he didn’t just move in. He brought it back to life. Nestled on Lake Geneva’s shoreline, Glanworth Gardens is a 13-bedroom Colonial Revival mansion with a guesthouse, orchard, and over 600 feet of lake frontage.
True to his flair for elegance, Driehaus hosted glamorous summer parties here that felt straight out of The Great Gatsby.
He lovingly restored the property and named it after his mother’s Irish hometown. In 2022, the estate was sold to billionaire J. Christopher Reyes for $36 million, setting a record for the area. Glanworth Gardens isn’t just a luxury home—it’s a legacy on the lake.
The Culture of Discretion: Why You Won’t See Paparazzi
Lake Geneva might be full of A-listers, but don’t expect to see paparazzi lurking in the bushes or helicopters flying overhead for that perfect celebrity shot. It just doesn’t happen here. Why? Because Geneva plays by different rules.
For starters, the they take privacy very seriously. Like, seriously seriously.
But it’s not just the laws. It’s also the culture. People here value discretion. It’s an unspoken rule: mind your business and let others live peacefully. Even the locals and neighbours treat celebrities like anyone else. No one’s chasing autographs or leaking info to the press.
Real Estate: Want to Be Neighbors?
Okay, so let’s say you’ve read all this and now you’re thinking… “Wait a minute, can I actually live in Lake Geneva, too?”
The answer? Yes, you totally can if you’ve got the budget and a love for peaceful luxury, Lake Geneva would be the best option to live in.
Cause honestly, it’s a little bit of a pricy place. So what’s the price tag?
Let’s break it down a bit:
- Lakefront mansions & estates: $4M–$36M+ (think historic gems like Glanworth Gardens)
- Homes with lake views (not directly on water): $1.5M–$3M (popular areas like Snake Road & South Shore Club)
- Off-lake cottages or cabins nearby: $500K–$1.2M (still charming, still close)
What About Taxes And Fees?
Well, it’s pretty reasonable in Lake Geneva. The total sales tax rate for 2025 is 5.5%, which includes the 5% Wisconsin state tax and 0.5% from the county. The city of Lake Geneva doesn’t add anything extra, so no surprise local tax.
Not bad for a place with this much charm. It’s not dirt cheap, but hey, lakeside luxury doesn’t come free!
Outro
Lake Geneva isn’t just beautiful. It feels like home the moment you arrive. Quiet, elegant, and full of charm, it’s no wonder celebrities choose it to unwind. If you’re dreaming of a peaceful place with a little star power, maybe it’s time to call it home, too.