Built as a winter or summer escape for a couple or small group, this lakefront four-season cabin is a great way to experience the Northwoods of Wisconsin in a modern, well-appointed, aesthetically rich space designed with relaxation in mind.
A heavy emphasis has been placed on style, comfort, usability of space, and privacy.
The Sylvan Chalet is brand new as of January 2024. Host has 14 years of vacation rental experience.
This is a default "no pets" cabin, however certain sizes and breeds are allowed by permission only.
The Space:
The chalet is a Scandinavian twist on classic American mid-century modern design. There is a heavy emphasis on bringing the feel of the outdoors inside.
Large, expansive windows highlight the views of Upper Twin Lake and surrounding wetlands. An open floor plan creates an expansive, yet cozy feel. The interior is adorned with custom local wood work that is rustic, yet refined. The furnishings (mostly Room & Board) have a modern, yet timeless look. A high-efficiency Danish wood stove keeps the cabin cozy in the colder months. Firewood is provided. The kitchen was designed and appointed for serious cooking with a high output gas range, quality cookware/glassware, and knives that are sharpened quarterly.
Special emphasis has been given to outdoor spaces. Of special note is the "infinity edge" firepit with exceptional views of the lake. A 150 square foot covered deck wraps around the front of the chalet and has a gas grill and bistro set. Landscaped steps lead to a dock on the lake where a canoe and paddleboards are provided.
This is a very private and natural space. The lot has 250 feet of lake frontage. Neighboring cabins are about 80 yards away, with woods in between. The cabin is located in a back bay, thus providing a large buffer from main lake boat traffic. Bird watching is exceptional here. Expect to see geese, swans, sandhill cranes, eagles, loons, and a variety of ducks early spring through late fall. Deer routinely travel through the front yard, and if you're lucky, you'll see the otter family swim by.
The cabin comes with an Old Towne Canoe, two Paddle North paddleboards and maps of where to go on the lake for swimming, fishing, and bird-watching. The cabin also comes with snowshoes for hiking on the frozen lake or area trails. The book shelf is loaded up with books and games.
The town of Hayward is known as a world class silent sports destination. The American Birkebiener "OO" trailhead is only a 5 minute drive away. It has groomed ski, snowshoeing, and fat-biking trails in the winter, and mountain biking, trail-running and single track trails in the summer. "OO" has an EV level 2 charger too! A variety of maps and details are provided for guests to go on their own outdoor hiking, fishing, biking, and skiing adventures. Snowmobile and ATV trails are very close if that's your jam.
The chalet is an ideal place to work from home with fast Starlink internet. There are several suitable spaces to crack open your laptop...and then slam it shut once done and get back to what you really came here for ;)
Guest access:
There is parking for multiple vehicles. You will need a car to get around. There is a normal outlet near the parking area. There is a proper level 2 EV charger at the "OO" trailhead 5 minutes away. Charge while you bike, hike, or ski.
Other things to note:
The sleeping loft with two twin beds has a low ceiling and limited space. Spatial awareness, caution, and agility are required to use safely. It is NOT a good fit for young children, the elderly, or those with limited mobility. It is potentially not a good fit for large, tall adults. Please be self selective about who will sleep in the loft!
While this house has lake access, it is not deep enough for propped boats to get from dock to main lake. Only canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards can navigate from the dock through the bay to the main lake. Also, the immediate shoreline is not swimmable, however the canoe and paddleboards can access a nice swimming area and beach on an island nearby
The driveway has some steepness to it in parts. In winter it is highly recommended that you have AWD or 4WD.
The windows in the main room do not have blinds. It is prohibitive due to the amount of glass, and the house is very private. Neighbors are 80 yards away with a strong vegetative barriers and boat traffic on the lake is too far away to peak into the house. There are blinds in the bedroom and bathroom.
The walk from the chalet down to the lake can be steep in some parts. It could prove challenging for people with limited mobility.
The Starlink internet is very fast, but does have brief outages that typically last 10 seconds or less.
The default is no pets or emotional support animals...however I will allow certain sizes and breeds of dogs or cats under certain circumstances if owner agrees to specific pet rules, and pays a pre-arranged fee. Inquire if you want to bring a pet. Do not bring pets unless you have express permission from owner
