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.
π 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)
π 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 communityβCLA and the applicable sub-communityβis 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.