Notes from the host
The Gambrel Guesthouse On a lake
Upon approaching The Gambrel Guesthouse the excitement and anticipation grows as glimpses of what lie ahead are slowly revealed. The first being the primitive log fence backdrop to the riot of native wildflowers at the roadway entrance. Upon entering the property, the gravel drive meanders more than a tenth of a mile through woodland terrain with breaks revealing more wildflowers and native grasses. Around the last curve you’ll get your first peak at The Gambrel Guesthouse. The gorgeous barn inspired log structure sits in the picturesque setting amidst the prairie and woodland surroundings. Take it all in as you make your way to the front door although it may be difficult to make it past the FRONT PORCH. Appalachian style rockers, a sitting bench, and a porch swing invite you to sit a while and let the worries of life melt away in this nature wonderland. Being offered to the general public beginning in May of 2019, your first step in the door will confirm what you already knew, this is the place! Hosts John and Claudia have turned a place with “great bones” into a Wisconsin old world charmer. Upon entering the CATHEDRAL FOYER, primitive farm implements, exposed barn beams, with antique touches set the tone and give a hint of what’s to come. Let’s take a tour:
-The GREAT ROOM features a gas fireplace boasting floor to ceiling stonework, a wagon wheel chandelier, exposed barn beams, western inspired leather couch, loveseat, and recliner amidst primitive accents and decor. 5 picture windows and a glass door reveal spectacular views of the back half of the 7 ⅔ acre retreat.
-The open concept floor plan joins The GOURMET KITCHEN with the Great Room. The kitchen was designed and installed with the help of local artisan, Glenn Olson of Port Wood Works. It looks more like something from a bygone era with the exposed beams, barn lighting, and whimsical touches that compliment Glenn’s millwork. The plan came together flawlessly giving the feeling of yesteryear while incorporating the luxuries expected in modern day living. They include: gas range/oven, dishwasher, refrigerator/freezer, microwave oven, cookware, utensils, dishes, highchair and a coffee station complete with a variety of gourmet coffees and teas. For the real coffee buffs, we’ve recently added all the pour-over paraphernalia including: coffee grinder, coffee scale with timer, electric gooseneck kettle, bonded filters, and a pour-over carafe. This fully equipped kitchen has a side door to the deck and multiple windows including a large picture window overlooking the native prairie and woodlands. A breakfast bar and kitchen nook make this space ideal for entertaining larger gatherings.
-Just off the kitchen on the far end is the DINING ROOM. Like every other room in the lodge, the dining room has plenty of windows including a large bay window to take in the views. The large farm table, also crafted by Glenn, seats 8 comfortably.
-The PRAIRIE ROOM (Bedroom #1) is more than just a master bedroom. This sleeping quarters is dripping with romance and includes a sitting area, handcrafted barn board king size bed, a charming gas stove fireplace, and rustic pine flooring with large area rug. Windows on two sides flood the space with light and boasts gorgeous views including the “Fox Trail”.
-Connected to The Prairie Room is The MASTER BATH. On any other property this adjoining space would completely steal the show. Among the amenities are: an antique style clawfoot tub with weathered corrugated tin wainscoting, slate tiled shower with sleek glass enclosure, barn door walk-in closet, exposed barn beams, gooseneck barn lighting, rustic pine flooring and plush area rugs, elegantly finished with a rock edge leathered black granite counter.
-Located on the upper level is The ASPEN ROOM (Bedroom #2) where you will enjoy a handcrafted king size bed made of Aspen timbers, sitting area, a barn door walk-in closet, rustic pine flooring with large area rug, and infrared stove fireplace with windows on two sides.
-The BARN ROOM (Bedroom #3) also on the upper level, features a handcrafted reclaimed barn board queen size bed, sitting area, a barn door walk-in closet, rustic pine flooring with large area rug, and infrared stove fireplace with windows on two sides.
-The HICKORY ROOM (Bedroom #4) is the third of three bedrooms on the upper level and features a handcrafted queen size bed made of bark intact hickory branches, rustic pine flooring with large area rug, and an infrared stove fireplace again with windows on two sides bringing in the natural light and capturing the scenic landscape.
-The spacious GUEST BATH serves the upstairs bedrooms. It comes complete with an exposed barn beam, rustic barn board tiled walk-in shower with glass enclosure, two sinks set in a live edge pine slab counter, circle sawn pine flooring, gooseneck barn lighting, plush area rugs, all in keeping with home’s barn theme.
-No barn inspired/themed home would be complete without a LOFT. Rounding out the upper level, this well appointed casual gathering space nestled in a canopy of barn posts, beams and planks overlooks the Great Room with windows on two sides. It has a sofa that pulls out for an additional bed.
-The LODGE ROOM is below level and takes on a completely different feel from the upper two levels. Finished with drawknifed logs harvested onsite, it boasts a true northwoods lodge feel. Included are: a bar, a premium pool table, wood burning stove fireplace, TV/family room (with large flat screen smart TV), and a dart board. This space has posts, beams, and pine ceiling and flooring to compliment the log walls. It’s furnished with log style white spruce pub tables and chairs for the cherry on top. There is a futon that provides an additional sleeping option.
-The BEAR’S DEN (Bedroom #5), is also located below level just off the Lodge Room and in the same spirit plays up the northwood’s theme in a big way. The kids don’t get stuck with what’s left here. Rest assured they’ll be fighting over this room as bear, deer, pine trees, fish, cabins and the like are all worked into the decor. It features two handcrafted aspen bunkbeds. One with a full size bottom and twin top and the second bunk is twin over twin. It also has a sitting area, infrared stove fireplace, and rustic pine flooring with a large Northwoods area rug.
-The Northwoods theme continues in The LODGE ROOM BATH and includes two more works from Glenn, the vanity and mirror to go along with a shower and sauna!
-The LAUNDRY ROOM, also below level, is equipped with washer, dryer, and laundry detergent for your convenience.
The large DECK is a griller’s dream. It’s equipped with a large premium gas grill and A Ceramic Kamado Grill with hardwood lump charcoal provided. Whether hanging out with loved ones or friends or just tending the grill this space oozes relaxation. Enjoy your favorite beverage in a comfy Adirondack chair amidst annuals planted in weathered tin tubs and an old whiskey barrel with views all around!
-What better way to enjoy the beautiful natural setting and extend the day than making smores over an open campfire. You can do just that at the FIRE PIT located just off the back Deck. It’s lined with large stones and surrounded with Adirondack chairs and plenty of backup camp chairs available to accommodate larger gatherings.
-There’s over a half mile of NATURE TRAILS onsite weaving between the Woodlands and Prairie. You don’t have to be a birder or prairie enthusiast to enjoy the native prairie. The striking contrast between the woodlands and prairie is quite beautiful for all to enjoy. For the enthusiast or those interested in the native prairie this is a must see. The prairie contains over 40 native species and begins to pop with color around the first of June with Lupine and Prairie Smoke and continues up until the first frost with Asters and Goldenrods providing the grand finale. The native grasses take center stage in the fall turning brilliant shades of red and orange. We have four sets of snow shoes to enjoy the property even in winter. Installing and nurturing the prairie has been a labor of love for John over the past 15 years. It becomes more dramatic every year as it continues to mature and new species are introduced. The prairie is a magnet for butterflies and colorful birds, to go along with a host of Wildlife that the property supports such as: Deer, Wild Turkey, Fox, Hawks, Owls, Sandhill Cranes, and Eagles to name a few.
-Once onsite it’s understandable that you may very well not want to leave. However, the area boasts many LOCAL ATTRACTIONS, not the least of which is the world renowned SAND VALLEY Golf Resort just minutes away. Other championship golf venues include Lake Arrowhead, Northern Bay, Sentry World, Stevens Point Country Club, and Bulls Eye Country Club all within 40 minutes of The Gambrel Guesthouse. If you’re into fishing, hunting, biking, boating, snow shoeing, skiing, ATVing, snowmobiling, hiking, or just hanging out at the beach, the opportunities are plentiful in the area.
-Although the accommodations are large and suited for families or groups, there couldn’t be a more ROMANTIC GETAWAY destination than The Gambrel Guesthouse. If you want to wow the love of your life for that special occasion, The Gambrel Guesthouse is way over the top.
-ADDITIONAL AMENITIES include: high speed internet (400 MBPS download
20 MBPS upload), cable TV, Amazon Alexa, iron and ironing board, hair dryers, high chair, pack-n-play, desk/workstation, flat screen smart TV, and usable 3 car garage.
Perhaps the most prominent feature of the homes exterior is the Gambrel (barn-style) roof. We decided to run with the barn theme throughout the home thus the inspiration for our name “The Gambrel Guesthouse”.