Beautiful Cape Cod Lake House on Washington Island in Wisconsin

Our family is from Barrington, IL and we have been going up to Washington Island for over 50 years. Growing up, we spent the entire summer on the Island, played on the Little League baseball team, worked on the Ferry and the Shipyard Marina. We had no television or radio, much less internet. On rainy days, boredom could be a constant companion but was really a wonderful learning experience. It was our home away from home, and shaped who we became in our lives. Washington Island is one of the most special places you will find.

The Island is a true throw back in time...boasting no modern brands, franchises or reminders of the busy life you left behind. You will hear the term "Island Time" while you are here which means slow down and let things come. We never wore watches, left the keys in the car and hitch hiked if we didn't have a ride. It is a reminder of a different time, one we wish we could have back.

The house was originally built with no walls (with the exception of the bathroom). Simply a post and beam barn, where every noise was shared and choruses of "Good Night, John Boy" was a nightly experience (IFYKYK). The wide open space made it uniquely perfect for a movie night each year, where we showed "A Sound of Music" on a sheet from an original movie house reel projector. For a long time, the house had the "largest fireplace" on the Island, but has since lost the distinction. A black bear swam to the Island in the early 80's...something never seen before or since, and walked up on our porch, prompting our Mother to dial 911 which rang in every house on the all-volunteer fire department on the Island. She became fondly known as the "Bear Lady".