Our active family really needed nothing more than two weeks at Willoughby Point for our summer getaway. There was so much to offer right off the deck, we didn’t miss our usual hikes or a visit to Enchanted Forest. WP worked easily, indoors and outside, for a multi-generational family that ranged from a 5 and 8 year old to the outdoorsy grandparents. The kitchen is spacious, with a large window overlooking an iconic view of First Lake. The adjacent great room/living room, with its cathedral ceiling and sliding glass doors on three sides, was perfect spot for kids to play with the excellent choice of board games, and for the grownups to relax and enjoy views of the lake. The second level master bedroom was so quiet that the grandparents who wanted to sleep in a bit longer than the little early risers, succeeded. We found that many similar sized homes on First Lake don’t offer 3 bathrooms—a practical and much appreciated feature. The deck was a popular hangout spot throughout the day, for lunches and evening drinks.
The property, located on a point of land, is large and feels very private from the houses on both sides. Lots of lawn, an outdoor fire pit, easy access to the dock with minimal walking up and down (not always the case with lake homes) gives these features a ten! We are a boating family and rented a sailboat and canoe, in addition to using the kayaks provided. The dock is well set up for mooring all these boats safely. Sailing is phenomenal on this lake and the 8 year old became quite proficient as crew and sometimes skipper on the Sunfish. His favorite memory was capsizing in heavy air while sailing back from Third Lake. The 5 year old discovered fishing on the dock and was quite successful. The floating dock was a big hit with the kids, who often had lunch there. Just like Pippi Longstocking, the kids loved the rope swings on the small island, straight across the lake from the house. Loon calls and activity day and night will never be forgotten by every one of us! Since they are territorial, we think we might have witnessed a few “loon wars.”
My only friendly suggestion would be that a dining room table in the great room would be much appreciated. Dining at the long kitchen counter, with its view of the lake and some interesting boats, while special, was not quite the same as looking at each other across the table, while telling stories about the day’s adventures on the water.