Bunker Hill Farms, a private 490-acre resort-style estate near Woodstock, Illinois, with a luxury timber-and-stone lodge, a six-suite guest cottage, a private 18-hole golf course, a 60-foot-deep trophy lake, and a one-of-a-kind treetop silo spa, listed at $27,000,000.
Most luxury homes are measured in square feet. This one is measured in acres, miles, and holes of golf.
Tucked into the countryside of McHenry County in northern Illinois, just outside the historic town of Woodstock, Bunker Hill Farms is one of the most extraordinary private properties in the Midwest.
It covers roughly 490 acres. It includes a main lodge, a large guest cottage, a private championship-length golf course, stocked lakes, a shooting pavilion, miles of groomed trails, and a spa built inside a silo that rises to the tops of the trees.
Altogether, the residences offer 11 bedrooms, 15 bathrooms, and about 12,000 square feet of living space. The asking price is $27,000,000.
This is not a house in the usual sense. It is a private world. Let’s take a closer look at everything it includes.
Property Overview
- Name: Bunker Hill Farms
- Location: Brookdale Road, Woodstock, Illinois 60098, McHenry County
- Price: $27,000,000
- Acreage: Approximately 490 acres, gated
- Bedrooms: 11
- Bathrooms: 15 (11 full, 4 half)
- Living space: Approximately 12,000 square feet
- Year built: 2010
- Main residence: Luxury lodge of about 7,000 square feet
- Guest residence: Cottage with six bedroom suites, each with its own bath
- Garage: Heated drive-through garage of about 2,800 square feet
- Golf: Private 18-hole course, 6,709 yards, par 72
- Water: 60-foot-deep main lake plus additional stocked waters
- Recreation: Shooting pavilion, trap and skeet field, around 15 miles of trails, sled hill
- Signature feature: Treetop Silo Spa with glass elevator and glass floor
- Sale includes: Furnishings, equipment, and operational assets
A Farm Transformed Into a Private Resort
The story of this estate begins with farmland.
Like much of McHenry County, the land was once used for agriculture. Over time, it was reshaped on a massive scale. According to the listing, more than one million cubic yards of earth were moved to create the landscape that exists today.
The result is dramatic. Where there were once flat fields, there are now rolling hills, sculpted mounds, engineered lakes, restored prairie, and wooded areas.
More than 20,000 trees have been planted across the property, including hardwoods, evergreens, fruit trees, and sugar maples. Those plantings add beauty and privacy while also creating habitat for wildlife.
Gravel roads, timber bridges, and gated entries tie the whole property together. Perimeter berms help shield the estate from the outside world.
It is rare to see private land shaped with this level of vision and effort. It feels less like a farm and more like a destination resort built for one owner.
The Main Lodge
At the heart of the estate is the main lodge, a residence of about 7,000 square feet.
The lodge is built with heavy timber and carefully selected stone, a combination that gives it the warmth of a mountain retreat with the polish of a luxury home.
Inside, ceilings rise to around 20 feet in the dramatic main spaces. Stone fireplaces anchor the rooms and create natural gathering spots on cold Illinois evenings.
Large windows open the interior to the surrounding grounds, bringing in natural light and framing views of the lake and landscape.
The lodge includes formal dining, an expansive three-season room, and multiple bedroom suites.
The Lodge Kitchen
The lodge features a gourmet kitchen designed for serious cooking and entertaining.
It is equipped with Viking and Sub-Zero appliances and high-end quartzite countertops. Additional features listed include double ovens, a wine refrigerator, a bar fridge, and a freezer.
A kitchen like this is built for hosting. It can handle intimate family dinners and large gatherings with equal ease.
Decks, Terraces, and the Lakeside Jacuzzi
Outside the lodge, a large wraparound deck and terrace system extends the living space into the landscape.
An integrated jacuzzi overlooks the lake. It is easy to imagine long summer evenings there, or a soak under the stars on a crisp autumn night.
These outdoor spaces are where the lodge and the land come together. Morning coffee, sunset cocktails, and conversations with guests all find a natural home here.
The Finished Lower Level
The lodge includes a finished walkout lower level with ceilings of about 12 feet.
Walkout lower levels open directly to the outdoors, which means natural light and easy access to the grounds.
Radiant floor heating keeps this level comfortable throughout the year. It is an ideal space for recreation, relaxation, media, games, or additional guest accommodations.
Smart Home Technology
The lodge is fully integrated with smart home technology.
According to the listing, owners can control lighting, window shades, media, gates, security cameras, the jacuzzi, a waterfall feature, and multi-zone heating and cooling from a smartphone.
On a property of this size, that kind of control is more than a convenience. It allows the owner to manage comfort, security, and ambiance across the estate from anywhere.
The Heated Drive-Through Garage
The lodge is served by an Italian-inspired drive-through garage of about 2,800 square feet.
The garage has radiant heat, which makes a real difference during northern Illinois winters. Vehicles stay warm, snow melts off quickly, and working in the space stays comfortable.
A drive-through design means vehicles can enter from one side and exit from the other without backing up. For collectors, it offers generous and elegant space to store and display cars, trucks, and recreational vehicles.
The listing notes parking for around ten vehicles.
The Guest Cottage
Calling this a cottage almost undersells it.
The guest residence is a substantial home in its own right, with six bedroom suites, each featuring a private bathroom.
Ceilings range from about 10 to 12 feet. The open living and dining areas are designed for comfort, and the chef’s kitchen features Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances with quartzite counters.
The cottage also includes a dedicated fitness facility, a screened porch, and an outdoor fire pit terrace.
Like the lodge, it is fully equipped with smart home controls.
This second residence makes the estate ideal for hosting extended family, friends, business guests, or anyone who visits for more than a night.
Bedrooms Across the Estate
Between the lodge and the guest cottage, the estate offers 11 bedrooms.
That makes it possible to host large family reunions, holiday gatherings, corporate retreats, or groups of friends while still giving everyone privacy.
Suite-style bedrooms with their own bathrooms are especially valuable for guests. They create a hotel-like experience within a private home.
Bathrooms
The estate includes 15 bathrooms in total, 11 full and 4 half.
That number reflects how thoughtfully the property was designed for hosting. Guests never have to share, and every major gathering space is well served.
The Private Golf Course
For many buyers, the golf course alone will be the headline.
Bunker Hill Farms has its own private 18-hole course measuring 6,709 yards, with a par of 72 and a slope rating of 130.
The design is clever. The course uses 8 bentgrass greens and 15 tee boxes arranged so that golfers can play 18 unique holes with different distances and angles.
Fine fescue fairways, deep bunkers, water hazards, and sculpted mounds give it the character and challenge of a serious course.
The course is irrigated from the 5-acre main lake and, according to the listing, has been maintained to resort standards with daily staff care since 2010.
Because it is private, fewer than 500 rounds are played each year. That light use helps keep the turf in outstanding condition.
For a golfer, the idea of stepping out the door onto your own championship-length course, with no tee times and no crowds, is about as good as it gets.
The Trophy Lake and Additional Waters
Water is one of the defining features of this estate.
The main lake reaches a depth of about 60 feet. It is joined by additional lakes and ponds that are stocked and aerated.
The listing describes excellent fishing for bass, walleye, northern pike, perch, and panfish. Private docks and managed habitat support healthy fish populations.
Beyond fishing, the lakes offer kayaking and paddleboarding in the warmer months and ice activities in winter.
They also add scenic beauty to nearly every view on the property, from the lodge terrace to the golf course to the trails.
The Treetop Silo Spa
This is the feature people will talk about.
The Treetop Silo Spa is built inside a cantilevered silo structure. A glass elevator carries guests about 30 feet up to treetop level.
At the top is a private spa with a full bathroom and a wet bar. A wraparound deck offers panoramic views across the estate.
The signature detail is a glass floor that looks down onto a botanical garden below, complete with a water feature, a fire wall, and ambient music.
Smart controls manage the lighting, shades, media, and fire feature.
The listing suggests it is perfect for massages, relaxation, or small gatherings. It is the kind of space that turns an ordinary afternoon into a memory.
Silos are part of the agricultural heritage of the Midwest. Transforming one into a luxury spa is a creative way to honor the land’s farming past while giving it a completely new purpose.
The Shooting Pavilion
For sport shooting enthusiasts, the estate includes an elevated shooting pavilion built in 2018.
The pavilion is open-air but refined, with custom chandeliers, a built-in grill, a stone fireplace, and a climate-controlled lounge.
It overlooks an automated trap and skeet field, allowing guests to enjoy clay shooting in comfort.
Any owner using the range should follow all applicable safety practices and local regulations, and confirm what is permitted for private and event use.
The Agricultural Barn
The estate also includes a versatile agricultural barn with far more than hay storage.
It features a Thermador kitchen, flexible open space, an office, restrooms, radiant heat, and loft storage.
A space like this can serve as an event venue, a party barn, a workshop, a staging area for outdoor activities, or a comfortable base for staff.
The listing also mentions an estate-wide radio repeater, which helps with communication across such a large property.
Supporting Outbuildings
Running a 490-acre estate requires infrastructure, and the property has it.
Heated outbuildings on the southern grounds serve as an equipment headquarters, while additional storage buildings sit on the northern side.
These buildings keep maintenance equipment, vehicles, and supplies organized and out of sight, preserving the polished look of the main grounds.
Miles of Trails
The property includes around 15 miles of professionally groomed trails.
They wind through woods, meadows, and hills and can be used for ATVs and UTVs, hiking, biking, horseback riding, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing.
Having this many miles of private trails means owners and guests can explore the estate in every season without ever leaving the property.
The Sled Hill and Winter Fun
Winter at Bunker Hill Farms is not something to endure. It is something to enjoy.
The estate includes a sled hill described as one of the highest points in the county, with a terraced overlook and a fire pit at the top.
Add snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, ice activities on the lakes, and a portable hockey rink that is included with the sale, and the estate becomes a winter playground.
Even More Recreation
The list of activities goes on.
Archery, axe throwing, kayaking, paddleboarding, wildlife watching, and simply exploring the landscape are all part of life here.
There are very few private properties anywhere that offer this much to do in one place.
Turnkey and Fully Equipped
One of the most practical aspects of this listing is that it is offered as a turnkey estate.
According to the listing, furnishings, equipment, and operational assets are included in the sale.
That means a buyer does not need to assemble a fleet of mowers, maintenance vehicles, or furniture. The estate is ready to operate from day one.
Private Retreat or Limited Event Venue
The listing notes that the estate has historically hosted charity events and has more recently been open to bookings.
That gives a future owner options. The property could remain a completely private family retreat, or it could host select events, corporate retreats, or fundraisers.
Anyone considering commercial use should confirm zoning, permits, and any limitations with McHenry County before making plans.
Woodstock, Illinois
The estate sits just outside Woodstock, the seat of McHenry County.
Woodstock is known for its charming historic town square, lined with shops, restaurants, and landmark buildings including the Woodstock Opera House.
Movie fans may recognize the town as the filming location for the classic comedy Groundhog Day, and the community still celebrates that connection each year.
The listing notes that downtown Woodstock is roughly a 10 to 15 minute drive away, with Crystal Lake about 20 minutes and Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, about 30 minutes.
O’Hare International Airport is about 50 miles away, which puts Chicago within reach for business or travel while the estate itself remains deeply private.
Who This Estate Is For
A property like this appeals to a specific kind of buyer.
Families who want a multigenerational retreat will find space for everyone, with separate residences for privacy.
Avid golfers may see the private course as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Outdoor enthusiasts who love fishing, shooting, trail riding, and winter sports will find all of it in one place.
Business owners and executives may see value in a secluded setting for retreats, meetings, and entertaining clients.
Philanthropists could continue the estate’s history of hosting charity events.
Living Here Day to Day
Life on an estate of this scale is different from life in a typical home.
Maintaining a golf course, lakes, trails, and multiple buildings requires skilled staff and ongoing investment. The listing notes daily staff care for the golf course, which gives a sense of what ongoing operations involve.
For the right owner, that is part of the experience. The reward is a private retreat that feels like a resort, available whenever you want it.
Operating Costs to Consider
The purchase price is only one part of the picture. Buyers should carefully review ongoing costs, including:
- Property taxes across the full acreage and improvements
- Golf course maintenance, irrigation, and turf care
- Lake management, aeration, and fish stocking
- Staff wages for grounds, maintenance, and housekeeping
- Utilities for multiple heated buildings
- Equipment maintenance and replacement
- Insurance for residences, recreation features, and liability
- Snow removal on roads and entries
- Smart home and security system service
Requesting a detailed operating budget from the seller can help a buyer understand what it truly costs to run the estate each year.
Financing a Property of This Scale
Financing a $27 million estate works very differently from financing a typical home.
Cash is common at this level. Many buyers of large estates purchase outright or use a mix of cash and private financing.
Jumbo and portfolio loans from private banks may be available to qualified buyers. These loans are often tailored to the buyer’s overall financial picture.
Private banking relationships can provide flexible structures, including loans secured by investment portfolios.
Agricultural or commercial lenders may play a role if part of the property is used for farming or events.
Government-backed programs such as FHA, VA, and USDA loans are designed for more typical homes and have loan limits far below this price, so they generally would not apply here.
Anyone considering this purchase should work with experienced financial and legal advisors.
Insurance Considerations
Insuring an estate like this requires a specialized approach.
High-value home insurers typically work with properties of this size and complexity. Coverage would need to include multiple residences, outbuildings, equipment, and furnishings.
Liability coverage is especially important given the lakes, golf course, shooting pavilion, trails, and the possibility of hosting guests or events.
If the property is used for paid bookings or charity events, commercial coverage may also be needed.
Questions to Ask Before Making an Offer
- What are the annual property taxes for the full estate?
- What is the typical yearly operating budget?
- How many staff members currently maintain the property?
- Can existing staff be retained by a new owner?
- What exactly is included in the equipment and furnishings list?
- What permits exist for event use or paid bookings?
- How is the property zoned?
- Are there any conservation easements or land use restrictions?
- What are the water sources for the residences and irrigation?
- What is the condition of the lake structures and any dams or spillways?
- Are there service records for the silo spa elevator?
- What are the current rules governing use of the shooting pavilion?
- How are the roads and gates maintained in winter?
- Are there any leases or agricultural agreements in place?
Inspection Is Essential
Even a meticulously kept estate deserves a full inspection.
On a property of this size, inspections may include each residence, the barn, outbuildings, the silo spa and its elevator, mechanical systems, radiant heating, well and septic systems, and smart home infrastructure.
Specialists may be needed to review the golf course, lakes, and irrigation systems.
A thorough inspection helps confirm that the estate is in the condition expected and provides a clear picture of future maintenance needs.
The Price in Context
At $27,000,000, this is one of the most significant private properties on the market in Illinois.
Looked at another way, the price works out to roughly $55,000 per acre, and that figure includes two luxury residences, a private golf course, stocked lakes, extensive recreation facilities, and all equipment and furnishings.
Recreating an estate like this from scratch would require not only buying hundreds of acres, but also years of earthwork, construction, planting, and course development.
For a buyer who values privacy, recreation, and a turnkey experience, that time and effort may be one of the most compelling parts of the value.
What Makes This Estate Special
There are large homes. There are private golf courses. There are lakes, trails, and hunting lodges.
What makes Bunker Hill Farms special is that it brings all of them together in one gated property, within reach of a major city.
Add the imagination behind features like the Treetop Silo Spa, and you have something that feels truly one of a kind.
Final Thoughts
Bunker Hill Farms near Woodstock, Illinois, offers approximately 490 acres, 11 bedrooms, 15 bathrooms, and about 12,000 square feet of luxury living space across a timber-and-stone lodge and a six-suite guest cottage.
It includes a private 18-hole golf course, a 60-foot-deep trophy lake, a shooting pavilion, around 15 miles of trails, a sled hill, a party barn, and one of the most unusual spa spaces anywhere, all offered turnkey for $27,000,000.
For the right buyer, it is not just a place to live. It is a private resort, a family legacy, and a retreat that can be enjoyed in every season.
Watch Zillow
You can view the full listing on Zillow here: Zillow
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