This is a spacious lakefront property with a double lot on the largest in-land lake in Wisconsin. It's in a quaint setting on a private road that is popular for joggers, walkers, and bikers. There is year-round recreation potential with this one of a kind property, and nearly every room in the house has panoramic views of 137,700 acre Lake Winnebago (great sunrises for the early-birds). The location is also a perfect hideout if you are coming to enjoy one of the great annual events like EAA's Air Venture, Life Fest, or Mile of Music. All are just a short 15 to 20 minute drive.
In the summer months you have all the benefits of lake living. The property features 3 kayaks, a canoe, a large lily-pad, and expansive deck with seating area that are available for guests to use. The shallow, sand-bottom frontage is perfect for families with young kids to play and swim in waist-deep water. Its popularity with ducks, geese, swans, pelicans, and eagles make it great for nature lovers. There are several reefs in the bay that are popular fishing spots as well.
In the winter months, and subject to ice conditions, snowmobiling, ice skating, cross-country skiing, and ice fishing are some of the activities you can enjoy. There are also several fun events on the lake including the "Walk/Bike Across Bago" and Sturgeon Spearing that can be found nearby. The ice shoves are a fascinating natural phenomena if you are lucky enough to see them.
The bedrooms and layout are perfect for large groups or multiple families vacationing together. There are 6 bedrooms on the second floor of the main house, and a 'mother-in-law' suite on the first floor of the 'north wing' (as we call it) to accommodate your group. Note that one of the of the bedrooms is a nursery off the master suite on the second floor. It does have a separate entrance and can be closed off to the master suite with a sliding door. Two of the bedrooms have trundle beds, two have queen beds, one has a full-size bed, and the remaining two have twin beds. This adds up to beds for 12, but more could be accommodated with an air mattress or two. There is also a large laundry room on the second floor.
The home has a fascinating and unique architecture that features what is called a 'mansard' roof. This style was made popular in the French Baroque period and experienced a revival in the 1960s and 70s. The home was built in two phases in the 1940s and 70s, and the two floor plans come together an interesting, but quite pleasant way. Design features inside and out combine the use of exposed beams, tongue and groove, and brick for a very comfortable and warm feel. The main kitchen features an island and a breakfast bar for extra seating. 3 Ovens and two refrigerators make it ideal for feeding your large group, and the open concept means you can cook and entertain with great views of the lake. The kitchen opens up to a formal living room featuring a gas fireplace and grand piano. There is also a sunken formal dining room that ensures the views of the lake are uninterrupted. Off the dining room is a small enclosed patio with a vintage juke box containing some great 45s. From the dining room you continue into the North Wing (or the original 1940s cottage home) featuring a family room and a second fireplace. From there you can access the 'mother-in-law' suite and a den/office. There is also an original galley kitchen area in this part of the home that features an antique candy machine. Help yourself to any treats you find in the candy machine as our guests.
This is a family home that we live in with our 5 children year-round. However, we love this property so much we wanted to share it with others when the opportunity presents. We hope you enjoy your stay, and we welcome your feedback as we continue to invest in and improve this home.