Oh, where to begin. We have been to the Arbor Vitae/Boulder Junction/Minocqua area over 40 times in the past 20 years. We stayed at Jim's Hideaway one time several years ago in fall, and loved it. This was our first time in summer at this locale, and first time with a WHOLE extended family. 2 senior citizens, 4 middle aged folks, three teens and a dog.
PROS:
Where to begin?
-Five LARGE bedrooms on three levels led to more than adequate privacy.
-The house is not a "cottage". It is a HOUSE. An executive, well built, well maintained, well stacked house. This is unusual for rentals in the northwoods.
-The amenities are FANTASTIC. Washer/dryer is always welcome with sand and swim. The included firewood (all split nicely) saved us a small fortune. The beds are COMFY and sheets/towels/comforters are more hotel quality than "cabin-esque".
-The "toys" that are included (rowboats, paddle boats, canoe, life preservers) saved us on boat rentals. If we wanted a pontoon, the owners had an inexpensive option for renting.
-The beach is GREAT for kids and adults alike.
-The fire pit area is private and large.
-The place is dog friendly, but does not smell "doggy" like most rentals. Additionally, it is not furnished like most places that allow dogs either. NICE!
-The PRIVACY of this place is unparalleled. Most large rentals are stuffed on smaller lots that used to house small cottages. Not this place. The land that Lake Rest Cabins has is amazing. Never once did we hear the neighbors, and I doubt they heard us. At night all we hears was loons and owls.
-Finally, the location. Oh, the location! So close to Minocqua that you can run to the grocery store daily, get a MKE Journal right down the road, bike paths, other lakes and golf is close, shopping is close. A great supper club is down the road.
CONS:
I truly cannot think of one. The weather was iffy, but it is Wisconsin. That happens. Literally not one thing I would change.
For the money, this place is MAGIC for families, couples or simply friends that want privacy, north woods and do not want to feel like they stayed in a "cottage". This beautiful home is perfect. Would stay again if we needed a larger place in a minute.
The owners do a GREAT job in maintaining and scheduling the property. Check in/out works like clockwork. We were advised of total bill the minute we booked, and had ample time to pay.
P.S. We have also stayed in their other 2 cabins - ALL VERY NICE!!!