Even if a travel writer (hello!) and her editor have never heard of a resort just 60 miles from their own backyard, they can tell right away that it’s something special.
Bunker Hills Farms was an invitation-only vacation spot in Woodstock that attracted many celebrities, including musicians Steven Tyler and Darius Rucker.
But when the 450-acre farm decided to start accepting rentals from people willing to pay $1,150 a day plus a one-time fee of $500, it caught my attention — and that of others in the Chicago area who had no choice but to vacation in Wisconsin or southwest Michigan.
Now Chicago residents can book a vacation to Woodstock, the Illinois farming community made famous by its brief appearance in the film “Groundhog Day.”
Bunker Hill Farm was founded by Mike Domecq, who made his fortune when he founded ticketsnow.com and sold it to TicketMaster for $265 million in 2008. He and his wife, Amy, began building their dream vacation home in 2005 and have built all the vacation dreams big and small, including an 18-hole golf course, a 70-foot man-made lake, a 7,300-square-foot lodge with a 7,000-square-foot terrace, a sledding hill and nearly 15 miles of trails for four-wheel drive and biking.
What began as 150 acres grew to more than 450 acres, but it quickly became apparent that the villa, which could sleep 20 and included all the land surrounding the McHenry County farm, was an ideal place for entertaining and spacious enough to host notables.
Former Cubs player Anthony Rizzo once said the facility was “a great place to kick back and relax with some close friends.”
He wasn’t the only one.
Treetop Silo Spa has a botanical garden on the ground floor. (Bunker Hill Farm)
Domecq began inviting his celebrity friends to perform at his home for charity, and the idea evolved into what it is today: a vacation spot in the middle of deserted farmland that anyone can visit, with all money made going to the Bunker Hill Charitable Trust.
Over the past eight years, this nonprofit has raised more than $2.1 million for over 100 local charities, including the Red Cross, Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Rotary Foundation, meaning if you book a retreat or getaway here, you’re eligible for a tax deduction.
The Treetop Silo Spa has glass floor panels overlooking the botanical gardens below. (Bunker Hill Farm)
While the charitable aspect makes the high price tag more forgivable, it’s the amenities that elevate Bunker Hill Farms into the luxury vacation category: all-inclusive accommodations and private chefs, hot tubs, a chandelier-adorned shooting range, a spa housed in an old grain silo (with a glass-floored floor so you can get a massage while looking out at the botanical gardens below), an event venue that’s hosted musicians like Bret Michaels, Creed, and Cheap Trick, and skiing, snowshoeing, and exploring illuminated trails.
Oh, and there’s also a par-72 golf course, named “Most Exclusive Golf Course” by Chicago Golf Report. The course was designed by local landscape architect Harry Vignocchi, and when it opened in 2011, Michaels took a ceremonial swing on the first tee and held a concert on the grounds. Even the golf carts are plush, equipped with Bluetooth speakers and well-stocked coolers.
Bunker Hill Farms cottages offer outdoor spaces, including terraces with fireplaces. (Bunker Hill Farms)
The golf course took two years to build because it was necessary to dig a 70-foot lake to irrigate the course and provide habitat for turtles, yellow perch, walleye, largemouth bass and trout.
Bunker Hill Farm allows guests to customize their stay, with some even requesting hot air balloon and helicopter rides.
In 2013, a 30-obstacle mud race was created on the grounds and became an annual event called the Muddy Bunker, which has raised more than $500,000 for charities. Another benefit event featured a concert by Tyler Hubbard, formerly of the musical duo Florida Georgia Line.
Bunker Hill Farm has five skeet shooting ranges on its grounds. (Bunker Hill Farm)
Bunker Hill Farm only accepts reservations for one group at a time, making it attractive to businesses looking for a retreat or families looking for a special gathering. Visitors can book a cooking class with Executive Chef Mario Scordato, owner of Home School of Cooking, and learn to make dishes such as homemade pasta with grilled chicken, grilled zucchini and salads with homemade dressings purchased at the McHenry County Farmer’s Market.
“What makes Bunker Hill truly special is the experiences we offer,” Domecq says. “From the initial cold towel greeter and executive chef to ATV tours, shooting ranges and private golf courses, we create fun, unique and completely customized experiences for our guests throughout the day.”
Bunker Hill Farm has a par 72 golf course on its grounds. (Bunker Hill Farm)
Although the resort is a popular place to host vacations and corporate retreats, it’s still relatively unknown: Don’t look for Yelp reviews for this property — there aren’t any, so far.
About 70 percent of guests here are corporate, the rest are individuals, but most people have never heard of Bunker Hill Farms, even if they live within a few miles of the property.
The Lodge at Bunker Hill Farms features four suites, an entertainment lounge, and an outdoor hot tub. (Bunker Hill Farms)
Ed Ditusa of Wonder Lake has been to Bunker Hill Farms a few times, once when the facility was invitation-only and again recently in May to play golf and attend a concert. He lives just 20 minutes from the facility but had no idea it existed until a friend invited him to play golf.
“The unique thing about Bunker Hill Farms is that no one knows it exists,” DiTusa said, “It’s a hidden gem surrounded by farmland in McHenry County. And it’s a golf haven that can’t be matched anywhere else.”
Daniel Braff is a freelancer.
