A 'private island' near Antioch went up for sale — but it's sinking

A property listing for the island on Grass Lake has been the subject of interest and some ridicule online, with locals expressing concern over its dilapidated state.

Abandoned and dilapidated structures sit on a “private island” that’s for sale sits near the western shore of Grass Lake near Antioch, Ill.

A “private island” on Grass Lake near far north suburban Antioch may have stoked fantasies of a summer getaway this month — but there’s always a catch.

The $200,000 listing, described as a “rare gem on the legendary Chain O’ Lakes” became a curiosity on Facebook, and earned more than 59,000 views on the online real estate marketplace Zillow.

The problem? It’s run-down and sinking.

“It is a hype job of a dilapidated property that has been unused for decades,” Rob Hardman, owner of neighboring Blarney Island on Grass Lake, told the Sun-Times.

The listing was posted in early June across real estate websites for $250,000 before it later dropped in price. At 1.22 acres, it’s being marketed as a “secluded retreat, and a one-of-a-kind vacation rental.”

But Joe Keller, the executive director of Fox Waterway Agency, said the rectangular strip of land was bigger and hasn’t been maintained, leaving behind a submerged seawall.

“The biggest danger now is that the seawall has really depleted and failed, putting the land at risk,” he said.

Any buyer would have to invest in protecting the shoreline, and then get the appropriate permits from the Army Corps of Engineers, Keller added.

A “private island” that’s for sale sits near the western shore of Grass Lake near Antioch, Ill.

The rectangular strip of land consists of six lots, all of which are for sale, Brett Larson, the property’s listing agent, confirmed.

The lots are registered to Kim Renner, who purchased the property in 2020 for $50,000.

Renner could not be reached for a comment. Larson added that Renner is moving out of state and hasn’t had time to build on the property and take on the project.

“It’s an investment that will continue to appreciate as the Chain O’Lakes area rapidly gains value,” he told the Sun-Times.

But the property would certainly need work. Hardman said the island does not have power, water or a septic system — and has even survived two recent fires. The original listing states there is electricity, but its current status isn’t clear.

Tracing its history, Dan Shaughnessy, a local boat captain, said the island used to be geographically part of a larger peninsular area that was transformed by the Fox River over time.

He noted that three Polish iron workers from Chicago once owned the place and used it as a private recreational spot for their families.

But observers on social media may not be charmed by its history or the investment opportunity. One Facebook user commented, “Pull the cork and let it sink.”