For Realtors & Prospective Homeowners

Welcome to Countryside Lake

Countryside Lake is a private, lake-centered residential community located in unincorporated Fremont Township, Lake County, Illinois. Established in 1926, the community is built around a 141-acre lake and includes approximately 360 homes on one-acre or larger wooded lots. Homes are considered to be in unincorporated Mundelein or Hawthorn Woods.

The community offers a unique combination of natural beauty, recreational access, and a structured homeowners association environment.

Community Overview

  • Private 141-acre lake

  • Approximately 360 homes

  • .9 acre+ wooded lots

  • Recreational boating and fishing

  • Community beach with lifeguards on weekends and open spaces

  • Tennis court and playground

  • Abundant wildlife and natural landscape

How the Community is Structured

Properties in Countryside Lake is governed by two layers: the Countryside Lake Association (CLA) and potentially a sub-community association.

1. Countryside Lake Association (CLA)

All homes are members of CLA, which manages:

  • The lake

  • Common areas

  • Community-wide standards

2. Sub-Community (Varies by Property)

Every owner is part of Countryside Lake Association. In addition, each home MAY also be part of ONE of the following:

  • Countryside Homeowners Association (CHA)

  • Countryside Oaks

  • Camden Trace

  • Steeple Chase

Please note that some members in the Countryside Lake Association are not part of any of those four communities.

πŸ‘‰ Buyers and agents should verify the applicable sub-community before closing.

Association Dues & Fees

Countryside Lake Association (CLA)

  • Annual Dues: $1,500 per year

These dues support:

  • Lake maintenance and water quality management

  • Common areas and amenities

  • Private security patrol/service

  • Lifeguards

  • Administrative and operational activities

Additional Optional Fees

Additional fees may apply for:

  • Dock rental (for non-lakefront properties)

  • Kayak or canoe storage

Countryside Homeowners Association (CHA) (if applicable)

  • Additional Dues: $140 per year

  • Applies only to properties within the CHA sub-community only

Other sub-communities

For properties located in:

  • Countryside Oaks

  • Camden Trace

  • Steeple Chase

Additional requirements and/or dues may apply. Please contact the appropriate association directly to coordinate details related to a specific property transaction.

Governing Documents

The following documents govern properties within Countryside Lake:

  • CLA Covenants and By-Laws

  • CLA Rules and Regulations

Additionally, members of Countryside Lake Association may be governed by one of the following:

  • CHA Covenants (applicable only to CHA properties)

  • Countryside Oaks Covenants (applicable only to Countryside Oaks properties)

  • Camden Trace Covenants (applicable only to Camden Trace properties)

  • SteepleChase Covenants (applicable only to properties in SteepleChase)

πŸ‘‰ These documents are available below for review. Note: some properties are not subject to CHA, Countryside Oaks, Camden Trace, or SteepleChase covenants.

Selling or Buying a Countryside Lake Association Property

Selling or Buying a Countryside Lake Association Property

Countryside Lake Association (CLA) is a private lake community in unincorporated Fremont Township, Lake County, Illinois and is considered part of unincorporated Mundelein or Hawthorn Woods, depending on the home. All properties within the Association are subject to the CLA Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, Restrictions and Easements, the CLA By-Laws, and the CLA Rules and Regulations. This page provides the information real estate professionals need to ensure a smooth transaction.

The Parcel Transfer Fee (PTF)

What it is: A Parcel Transfer Fee (PTF) is due to the Association whenever a CLA lot is conveyed by transfer of any full or partial share of legal or beneficial interest. This includes standard sales, transfers to trusts, and any other conveyance of ownership interest.

Who pays it: The PTF is payable by the purchaser or the entity acquiring title.

When it is due: The PTF is immediately payable upon conveyance. It must be current before the new owner can exercise full membership rights and privileges, including use of the lake, beach, boat docks, tennis court, and all other common areas.

Current amount: The PTF is set by the Board of Directors at $2,500 and is subject to change. Contact the Association for the current PTF amount before closing.

Annual Assessments

What they are: Annual assessments fund the Association's operations and maintenance of common areas, the lake, and shared facilities.

Due date: Annual assessments are due on or before April 30 of each year. Annual assessment notices are delivered to members on or before February 1.

Proration at closing: New owners pay assessments for the first year in proportion to the number of days remaining in the assessment year from the purchase date. The Association does not pro-rate or refund amounts to sellers β€” pro-ration between buyer and seller is a matter to be handled at closing.

Delinquency: Failure to pay the PTF, annual assessments, or special assessments will result in a lien being placed on the property. A delinquent member will be denied membership rights and privileges, including use of all lake and common area amenities, until all amounts are paid in full. Delinquent amounts bear interest under Illinois law from the due date.

Resale Disclosure Package

Under the CLA Declaration (Article VII, Section 4) and the Illinois Common Interest Community Association Act, the Association provides a disclosure package to prospective purchasers upon written request. The package includes:

  • A copy of the Declaration, By-Laws, Rules and Regulations, and other governing instruments

  • A statement of any liens against the property, including unpaid assessments and charges

  • A statement of any capital expenditures anticipated within the current or next two fiscal years

  • The status and amount of any reserve or replacement fund

  • The Association's most recent financial statement

  • A statement of any pending suits or judgments in which the Association is a party

  • A statement of insurance coverage maintained by the Association

How to request: Submit a written request to the Association. Requests must be fulfilled within 30 days. A reasonable fee covering the direct cost of copying and providing the information may be charged to the seller.

***Recommendation: Request the disclosure package early in the transaction. Do not wait until the week of closing.

Key Facts for Listings

  • CLA is a private lake community β€” lake access and amenities are restricted to members in good standing and their guests

  • All use of the lake, beach, boat docks, tennis court, and common areas requires current payment of assessments and the PTF

  • The community includes approximately 141 acres of lake

  • CLA is located in unincorporated Fremont Township β€” Except for homes in Camden Trace, which are part of Hawthorn Woods, homes are not part of any municipality

  • No subdivision of any CLA lot is permitted

Contact the Association

For current PTF amounts, assessment balances, lien status, or to request a resale disclosure package, contact the Association directly.

Countryside Lake Association

27045 N. Maple Rd.
Mundelein, Illinois 60060
info@countrysidelake.org

All fees and assessments are set by the Board of Directors and are subject to change. The information on this page is provided for general guidance only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult the governing documents for complete terms.

Sub-Community Contacts

For properties located within the following communities, please contact them directly to coordinate transaction-related requirements:

  • Countryside Homeowners Association - info@countrysidelake.org

  • Countryside Oaks: [email address]

  • Steeple Chase: [email address]

Important Note for Buyers & Agents

Understanding both layers of the communityβ€”CLA and the applicable sub-communityβ€”is critical to ensuring a smooth transaction.

Buyers and agents should confirm early:

  • Applicable associations

  • Governing documents

  • Dues and assessments

  • Any additional restrictions

Contact

For general inquiries related to the Countryside Lake Association, please use the contact form on this website or the email referenced above.

Homeowners can access detailed documents, rules, and updates through the Member Portal.

Important Association Documents

Countryside Lake Association is responsible only for maintaining documents for the Countryside Lake Association and the Countryside Homeowners Association. The following governing documents are provided for convenience only. Contact the appropriate homeowners association for additional governing documents.

🏑
CLA Realtors Quick Reference Guide A concise overview of CLA membership, amenities, rules, and key information for realtors and prospective buyers.
↓ PDF
πŸ“„
CLA HOA Covenants (CC&Rs) The Amended and Restated Agreement Creating the Countryside Lake Association β€” the foundational governing document for all CLA properties.
↓ PDF
πŸ“‹
CLA Rules and Regulations The current Rules and Regulations governing use of the lake, beach, boats, common areas, and all CLA property. Adopted March 2025.
↓ PDF
🎣
CLA Rules and Regulations β€” Catch and Keep Amendment Effective March 11 – December 31, 2026. Amends the standard catch-and-release fishing rule to allow households and their guests to keep up to 12 panfish per day combined.
↓ PDF
πŸ“„
CHA Covenants, Easements and Restrictions Applies only to homes in the Countryside Homeowners Association. If you are unsure whether this document applies to your property, check your deed or contact the Association at info@countrysidelake.org.
↓ PDF
πŸ“„
Countryside Oaks Covenants Applies only to homes in Countryside Oaks. If you are unsure whether this document applies to your property, check your deed or contact the Association at info@countrysidelake.org.
↓ PDF
πŸ“„
SteepleChase Covenants Applies only to homes in SteepleChase. If you are unsure whether this document applies to your property, check your deed or contact the Association at info@countrysidelake.org.
↓ PDF
πŸ“„
Camden Trace Covenants Applies only to homes in Camden Trace. If you are unsure whether this document applies to your property, check your deed or contact the Association at info@countrysidelake.org.
↓ PDF