Move to LODA... & LOVE where you LIVE!  This updated, sprawling ranch on the Beautiful Bayles Lake is an incredible 1/2 acre, waterfront property that offers a huge, gorgeous yard & close to 75 ft of shoreline! Loda IL is probably one of the best kept secrets in the Mid-West...a quiet, scenic, lakeside community in a rural area with a population of ~450 & a total area of 1.48 sq.miles. Bayles Lake is a 237-acre spring-fed lake where residents enjoy lake activities, walking trails & picturesque parks. This is a ~2700sqft 4-bedroom, 2-bath, 1-level traditional home w/a fin.bsmt & great curb appeal. Situated under a canopy of magnificent, mature trees on a lg scenic, lot makes for a spectacular setting! This is one of the very few lakefront homes that has a big, beautiful backyard...but this one also has a big, beautiful park right across the street!  Making it the perfect place for entertaining & family gatherings!  This gorgeous lot offers lovely lake views, while garnering the privacy & protection of the cove. Recently rebuilt (20x16) dock w/an attractive stone staircase access. The Craftsman style front door leads to a spacious foyer that has bench seating, crownmolding & wainscoting.  There is an enormous (26x15) living/dining space w/a triple ~12ft long picture window for endless front yard & park views. 2-sided fireplace opens brick fireplaces in the living & family rooms. Popular open floor plan w/a big, bright kitchen (20 x11) open to the lg (25x16) family rm (used as a formal dining rm) A sliding glass door opens from the family rm to the fabulous screened-in summer porch (34x16) that has high, cedar-planked ceilings & steps down to a (16x14) concrete patio...providing a peaceful & perfect place to start the day or relax & unwind after work. More views of the lake/backyard from the kitchen sink & breakfast nook windows. There are loads of quality, solid maple "shaker-style" cabinets (incl.a tall pull-out pantry), tons of counter space & newer upscale stainless appliances. Conveniently located right off the kitchen is the (13x6) laundry rm that has direct access to the backyard & bsmt, a newer front load washer/dryer & a massive modern, built-in "shaker style" counter/cabinet. Ceramic tile flooring in all the wet rooms & acres of 3/4" hardwood flooring. (the only carpet is in the fin.bsmt) Fantastic, flowing floor plan continues with 4 good-sized bedrooms just down the hallway from the front foyer, away from the kitchen & main living spaces. The primary bedroom (18x12) offers 2 lg windows, long closet & updated bath. The rec-room (24x20) in the fin.bsmt is a great space for a theater rm & the unfin. side (20x17) provides a lg area for storage  & utilities. The interior was professionally painted & many updated electric & plumbing fixtures. (2025) The  high-efficient Trane furnace (2017) is annually serviced. Washer/dryer (2025) refrigerator (2026) dishwasher (2026) The South side of Bayles Lake is home to the well-known, lovely Lake View 18-hole Golf Course. Other area activities include fishing, boating, swimming, kayaking, canoeing, ice skating, hiking, bocca & pickleball courts, parks & playgrounds. An outdoor pavilion used for community events can also be reserved by residents for private parties. The Community hosts an awesome annual 4th of July fireworks display & many other fun, family events throughout the year. An architectural gem in Loda is the quaint public library, built in 1896 & still open. The Loda Post Office has been operating since 1880. Pride of ownership shines w/cared for neighboring homes & beautiful yards. Living at 496 Rulison allows you to enjoy "vacation-living" every day of the year, & Life is always better on the lake. This property is extremely well built, meticulously maintained & thoughtfully updated. Terrific Home. Tremendous Value. Trainquil Location. You will not be disappointed with this one! Small-town living at its best, so don't delay... Call to schedule your private showing today!