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Powerboat weekend Aug 9-10. Races, food, etc. Lodging will be tight. Book now!

Photo gallery for Powerboat weekend Aug 9-10. Races, food, etc. Lodging will be tight. Book now!

Classy?  Yes, but comfy, too! Enjoy yesteryear's elegance with modern perks.
The coach house is a great supplement for large groups or can be rented alone.
The view from the master bedroom balcony
This is the view the seagulls have from above the lake.
The fountain out front adds a touch of class in the warm months.
Reviews
10

Exceptional

10 bedrooms6+ bathroomsSleeps 24994 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Pool
    PoolPool
  • Beach view
    Beach viewBeach view
  • Gym
    GymGym
  • Hot tub
    Hot tubHot tub
  • Washer
    WasherWasher
  • Barbecue grill
    Barbecue grillBarbecue grill

Explore the area

Map
Sheboygan, WI
  • AirportSheboygan, WI (SBM-Sheboygan County Memorial)11 min drive

Most relevant reviews

Rooms & beds

10 bedrooms (sleeps 24)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 King Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 4

1 King Bed

Bedroom 5

1 King Bed

Bedroom 6

1 Double Futon, 1 King Bed, 1 Crib and 1 Child Bed

Bedroom 7

1 King Bed

Bedroom 8

2 Double Beds

Bedroom 9

3 Double Beds and 1 Single Bed

Bedroom 10

1 Queen Bed

6 bathrooms, 3 half bathrooms

Bathroom 7

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 8

Toilet

Coach House Bath 9

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Erie Room Bath 3

Toilet · Shower only · Jetted bathtub

Family Suite Bath 6

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Huron Room Bath 4

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Master Suite Bath 1

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Ontario Room Bath 5

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Superior Room Bath 2

Toilet · Shower only · Jetted bathtub

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Kitchenette
Office
Balcony
Separate dining area
Outdoor play area
Garden

About this property

Powerboat weekend Aug 9-10. Races, food, etc. Lodging will be tight. Book now!

The 10,000 square foot Castino Lakeview Mansion sits high atop a bluff with uninterrupted breathtaking views of Lake Michigan, complete with the lighthouse, hearty surfers, sailboats and sunrises. It's just steps down the hillside stairs to the expansive beach and marina, with sand volleyball nets and a playground, public restrooms in case you don't want to run back to the house, and tennis and pickleball courts on the next block. The area also hosts a variety of local festivals. Fireworks displays can be viewed from the veranda--best seat in town!

The house combines the feel of yesteryear's opulence with all the modern amenities. The home was built in 1912 by coal and shipping baron JP Reiss on the Great Lakes, who spared no expense. The features include mahogany trim, barreled dining room ceiling, and ornamental plasters, along with iron, stone and brickwork. It wouldn't be right to have such a classy home sit stark and devoid of hominess, so despite the risk of breakage (we tend to be flexible on returning damage deposits--things happen) the house is fully furnished according to the feel of its heyday, with ample decorations for your viewing and using pleasure. Want a classy formal dinner in the elegant dining room? Our wedding crystal and china are there to enhance the experience. We can even recommend a chef or two to prepare a meal(s) geared toward your budget.

There are 10 bedrooms in the main house, including a bunk room for the kiddos, plus sleeper sofas. The house can comfortably sleep a combination of children and adults up to a total of 24. If you're all all-adult group, the limit is 16 for optimal comfort. The coach house apartment, available for rent separately, can be booked in conjunction with the main house. (There are two additional bedrooms in the coach house, which also includes a full bath, kitchenette and family room.)

The main house has 9 bathrooms, 10 bedrooms, 11 fireplaces, 11 flat screen TV's (3 of them 50" screens), Wi-Fi and 2 outdoor patio fire tables. The veranda is our favorite “room” of the house, with seating for plenty and outdoor gas heaters that make it useable virtually year-round (blankies provided). There is a fully stocked kitchen plus utility pantry (double oven, micro, two full-sized fridge’s) (plus a kitchenette on the third floor and a mini fridge in the lower level tavern), along with a gas grill on the veranda which overlooks Lake Michigan, the beach and the lighthouse on the point.
Plenty of space for your food and libations. Opportunities for large parties and work retreats are available (contact owner for event parameters and pricing).

The lower level is a playground for young and old, including a full mahogany bar complete with karaoke, foosball, ping pong, billiards, piano, plus laundry facilities in the back area. There's no need to ever leave the house, the grounds nor the beach. All types of fun and relaxation can be had on-site year round.

But Sheboygan has plenty to offer if you want to venture out. Sheboygan has been selected as the Number One Place to Raise a Family in America by Bloomberg's Business Week and Reader's Digest. From 4 star restaurants and a live performing arts theater (Weill, if you want to google it) to Bookworm Gardens and an awesome children's museum, there's plenty for everyone. Dads can be on duty while moms stroll and shop the main street, or head over to the boutiques on the river walk while the kids play in the indoor water park. The adults on duty can sip on adult beverages while the kids play Marco Polo in the pool and video games in the game room. Nearby nature sanctuaries and trails are great for the whole family as well, including a quarry for swimming and paddle boating.
And don’t forget to visit the top-ranked
In fact, Sheboygan is also known as the 'Malibu of the Midwest,' and Surf Sheboygan is an appropriate motto! Wind surfing, yolo boarding, kite surfing, motor boating, sailing, charter fishing and good old fashioned swimming are great ways to take advantage of Mother Nature's gifts. Want to go exploring by water? We have 4 kayaks available for your use, along with lifejackets (you’re strongly encouraged to bring your own to guarantee perfect fit and ample inventory). Three blocks south on the lakefront is an exceptional YMCA, and a mile down on the lakefront is the aforementioned indoor water park with day passes available year round. Near the water park is a row of boutiques, and across the way is the river walk, with restaurants/bars, shops and fishermen (and their catches) galore.

Heading west from the mansion is the quaint yet full-service town of Sheboygan. The Weill Performing Arts Center, the Kohler Art Center and the fabulous Above and Beyond children's museum (including a new adjacent half a million dollar playground) are just a brisk walk away. Plenty of fine dining options as well as pub grub are also within walking distance and certainly within biking distance. We have 10 bikes on the premises for your use, with additional bikes available through local rental shops. (Again, although we have a smattering to choose from, we strongly suggest you bring your own helmets to guarantee quantity and size to make for safe outings). Hiking at the Kohler Andrae State Park is another active endeavor, along with cross country skiing on the trails in town or at the Kettle Moraine State Park Trails. Evergreen Park and the reservoir are also appealing outings. Biking and hiking trails weave throughout the area.

If GOLF is your thing, this is the place for you! Our location is extremely convenient for accessing world class golf, including The American Club at Kohler, The Bull and Whistling Straits. We can also arrange a tee time for you at a highly ranked private country club course on the edge of town.
Road America Racing in Elkhart Lake is nearby. Witness racetrack tailgating at its finest. And the list goes on!
The bottom line is that there is plenty to do, with a welcoming, charming and relaxing home to return to at night. You can throw burgers on the grill, order out for pizza, or hire that local chef we mentioned to cater your meals for the ultimate in relaxation.

There's something for everyone--from swimming to golf, from spas to sports! You'll feel like royalty as well as right at home at the mansion. Come enjoy this unique get-away with family, on a corporate retreat, a biking or charter fishing weekend, for a wedding to remember (max of 100 on site. Ask about wedding package details and special event fees for groups over 50) or to get in a few rounds with your golfing buddies--the possibilities are endless!

Peak season has a 4 night minimum. This encompasses the time span from Memorial Weekend through October. Week-long bookings are from Fri-Fri or Sun-Sun. If you are hoping for a shorter stay during the off-season, just ask and we can probably work something out.
Just know, though, that once you get there it’s hard to leave, and you might just wish you’d scheduled a longer visit!

No matter what the occasion or the length of your stay, we hope you’ll grace us with your presence. You won’t regret choosing this unique venue for whatever type of get-away you have up your sleeve.

Property manager

Chris Castino

Languages

English

Amenities

Pool
Hot tub
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 28
Check out before 11:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Crib and Pack and Plays available

Events

Events allowed
Parties of 40+ subject to Special Events fees

Pets

No pets allowed
Local kennels available for boarding

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Outdoor smoking space is convenient.
Covid cancellations/credits to be handled on a case by case basis depending on circumstances.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events are allowed on site
Note from host: Parties of 40+ subject to Special Events fees
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

North America

Map
Sheboygan, WI

Restaurants

  • ‪4th Street Tap - ‬14 min walk
  • ‪8th Street Ale Haus - ‬13 min walk
  • ‪Parker John's BBQ & Pizza - ‬20 min walk
  • ‪Johnston's Bakery - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Umi Sushi and Steak House - ‬19 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Does Powerboat weekend Aug 9-10. Races, food, etc. Lodging will be tight. Book now! have a pool?

Yes, this property has a pool.

Is Powerboat weekend Aug 9-10. Races, food, etc. Lodging will be tight. Book now! pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Powerboat weekend Aug 9-10. Races, food, etc. Lodging will be tight. Book now!?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Powerboat weekend Aug 9-10. Races, food, etc. Lodging will be tight. Book now!?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Powerboat weekend Aug 9-10. Races, food, etc. Lodging will be tight. Book now! located?

This family-friendly holiday home is located in the city centre, within 1 mi (2 km) of North Side Municipal Beach and Lake Michigan. Above & Beyond Children's Museum and John Michael Kohler Arts Center are also within 1 mile (2 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 74 out of 78 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 78 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 78 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 78 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 78 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Lisa M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great property with everything you need
The back yard is absolutely amazing, games and activities galore. The beach was clean and amazing. Easily accessed by kids ranging from 3-12.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Theresa B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Family Vacation
We took our children and grandchildren and had a wonderful time. This house was PERFECT for a big family! Huge house but a quiet house.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Trenton G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Awesome
Awesome
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kay G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great stay for group of eight couples
Couldn’t have asked for a better reunion site. Plenty of space for gathering as a group both inside and out. Walking distance to restaurants. Beautiful beach view. Close to winery and breweries. Would definitely come back.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Malcolm R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great house for a guys golf vacation!
Fabulous location for all the surrounding courses and towns and restaurants. Awesome host who was very collaborative and responsive and just an amazing property for a large group with good outdoor and communal spaces and plenty of beds! A great time and would highly recommend it.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Merideth R., Helena, MT

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Remarkable Mansion on the Shore of Lake Michigan
This beautifully preserved historic mansion on the shore of Lake Michigan was the perfect setting for hosting my family reunion and a small wedding. The rooms are comfortable and there are several common rooms to enjoy. I'd highly recommend for a group of friends or family wanting to share time together.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

shelly s.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful house and amenities!
The house is very large and a great fit for our big family of all ages. We had plenty of space and nice large dining room to have meals together!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Julie E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
40th anniversary trip
The size and interest in this authentic mansion made for great lodging for our family. The backyard and patio space is amazing as are the views. We had small grandchildren with us and they were very comfortable in the home and felt welcomed especially with the games and play room downstairs. The beach was convenient and it was a great beach! The Castino’s had every amenity you would need and were generous in sharing it all with us such as a beach toys, beach chairs, towels and a wagon. TVs throughout the house and good climate control were appreciated. We had a great time!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

John K., Elmhurst

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Magical Mansion
This is an amazing house! Every room has its own unique character. We felt like we were living the life of Downton Abbey (without the servants). The yard, patio, and outside views are just as amazing. A great place for a family reunion!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

David L., Georgetown, TX

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fun for a big group
Location is very nice with great views. House is beautiful but horribly cluttered with knickknacks everywhere. Three full floors plus a basement. Lots of games for inside and out. Easy access to a great public beach. Owners and staff communicate well and are very helpful.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Parthiv M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Guys Golf Trip
Perfect location (near Kohler) for our annual golf trip. Huge place with lots of rooms. The best part is the backyard with ample room for meals and great views of the lake! Chris and Annette were very easy to work with too:)
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Dan J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect Getaway
First, the communication with the owner and manager were great. They gave plenty of information and ideas as well as making sure the process went smoothly. Huge house which was perfect for 3 families and kids. Plenty of room for all. Really cool old mansion provided some history lessons to the kids! The location is beautiful right across from the lake. The views were awesome! Overall we'd recommend this house to anyone who needs space and beds for a large group.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Mike B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Milwaukee Mansion on the Lake
Fantastic house. We are 12 golfers that have stayed here twice. Great fire pit where you can solve all the world’s problems each night. We cooked in each night and ate on the back patio overlooking the lake.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Marjorie E. K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Family Time
We enjoyed our stay at the mansion. Everything we needed was there. It was so great that there were enough bedrooms and baths for our whole family. The outside area was fabulous. The weather was beautiful, but Lake Michigan’s water temperature was too cold to swim in. Fun was had by all.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Jayne C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Highly recommended
This is certainly a one of a kind house. Very comfortable with lots of entertainment options. Worked well for all ages in our group. (Toddlers to grandparents). Loved the location and the town of SHEBOYGAN
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2019

8/10 Good

Thomas J., Austin

Large and interesting house
This is a huge house with many rooms. It looks as if it was decorated by an antiques collector with literally hundreds of interesting artifacts. If you are interested in antiques, you will love this house.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2018

10/10 Excellent

Lundy N., Fort Worth/Dayton

Our week at Castino Mansion
I normally do not write reviews, but our family enjoyed our stay at the Castino Manson so much I decided to make an exception. We have a large family of 7 children and for the past 20+ years we have been going on a yearly vacation. We have gone to the Outerbanks a few times, to New York, Tennessee Mountains, Hawaii, Fort Worth, to name a few. As you can imagine we normally rent a large house, and we know what are good and bad accommodations. This was our first visit to Wisconsin. On our way back from our trip our children said that if we don't find a good place next year, we should go back to the Castino Mansion. Our stay was the end of July. The entire house was very clean; the bedrooms were large; the common areas we're spacious; and the outside sitting areas were outstanding. The first 2 days you could hear the lake waves from the back porch. I got a few pages read in my book before I fell asleep on one of the chairs. The basement is large with numerous games for adults and children including a pool table, foosball, poker table, and tons of table games. There's a large TV area also in the basement where the younger children watched movies. The beach is a short walk away, and if you sit on the porch, you can hear people on the beach. The beach was not crowded. The back yard is big enough to have a family baseball game. We had never been to Sheboygan. It is a neat clean little city. One night they had a food truck party at the park. Another day they had a farmers market in the town square. It has a neat little downtown that you can walk along and visit shops. There are lots of good restaurants in the town. There is also a Starbucks. The Castinos provide a number of bicycles for peoples use. The parents of the older children were not afraid to allow their children to ride around the neighborhood. I am the grandfather of the family, and unfortunately the one that pays the vacation bills. In the 20+ years of our vacations, I would have to say this was one of the more relaxing vacations we have had. It is a large old mansion, and if you don't mind that kind of setting you will not be disappointed. Chris Castino is also great to work with, and Lisa the manager is only a couple blocks away. Like I said, I normally do not write reviews, and I have not been paid to write this one.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2018

10/10 Excellent

Christopher E.

Fantastic Mansion!
Unbelievable mansion with all the amenities you could possibly want. Perfect for a wedding, family reunion, golf trip or group vacation. Would not hesitate to go back and relive the magical time at the Mansion. A must stay!!!!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2018
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

robert a.

unbelievable magnificent home
We had a family reunion here and it was special for many reasons. First of all our german family roots are in Sheboygan and brought back many memories of events here in our childhood.Secondly our great grandfather was the leading contractor in Sheboygan in the late 1800's and early 1900's and built the Reiss mansion, now known as the Castino home.We really appreciated the expertice and care that went into this construction , Staying there and knowing that your great grandfather built this work of wonder 105 years earlier made it extra special. Our thanks and appreciation to the Castinos on their restoration also.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Linda O.

Owner Communication & Feedback
I wanted to take a moment to review my experience with this owner during our planning and booking of this beautiful vacation rental. We spotted this property when searching the internet for a nice home that could accommodate a large group for a family reunion. Everyone instantly said this home was it and we contacted the owner to make arrangements for booking. We are a large family spread all across the country so picking dates and making travel plans for so many families became our biggest challenge. I sent multitudes of emails to the owner checking on dates and keeping them informed of how our planning was going. The owner was quick to respond and completely understood how difficult it was to plan a large gathering when some family members were unsure of which dates would work best for their schedules. I just really wish to thank the owners for working with us on dates and on the number of people who would attend as both our dates and our number seem to change frequently. If I shot out and email to the owner requesting any type of information this owner responded almost immediately. I truly appreciated the fact that all communication came directly from the owner. The owner also provides contact numbers for staff and property managers prior to arrival. This will be our first choice for future family gatherings.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Linda O.

Owner Communication & Feedback
I wanted to take a moment to review my experience with this owner during our planning and booking of this beautiful vacation rental. We spotted this property when searching the internet for a nice home that could accommodate a large group for a family reunion. Everyone instantly said this home was it and we contacted the owner to make arrangements for booking. We are a large family spread all across the country so picking dates and making travel plans for so many families became our biggest challenge. I sent multitudes of emails to the owner checking on dates and keeping them informed of how our planning was going. The owner was quick to respond and completely understood how difficult it was to plan a large gathering when some family members were unsure of which dates would work best for their schedules. I just really wish to thank the owners for working with us on dates and on the number of people who would attend as both our dates and our number seem to change frequently. If I shot out and email to the owner requesting any type of information this owner responded almost immediately. I truly appreciated the fact that all communication came directly from the owner. The owner also provides contact numbers for staff and property managers prior to arrival. This will be our first choice for future family gatherings.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Amy H.

"Can we come back next year?" asked the kids . . .
We (a group of 24 -- 12 adults and 12 children ranging in age from 15 years old to 6-month-old twins) had an amazing time at the Castino Mansion this past summer. Believe it or not, the mansion is more beautiful than it is on the website. And it is absolutely, spotlessly clean -- no small feat given its size and Victorian-style decor. We all felt like we stepped onto a movie set -- or a life-sized replica of the mansion in the game of Clue! It is located just across the street from a lovely, uncrowded public beach where we all enjoyed swimming and strolling. The patio (with a grill) was perfect for our nightly outdoor dinners. Even with everyone in the house -- and most of the kids in the supremely well-appointed game room in the basement -- you could find a quiet place to read, rest, or just take in the wonderful Lake Michigan view. Needless to say, I recommend this home wholeheartedly.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Lynette S.

Fabulous Place to Celebrate our Mom's Life
The Lakeview Mansion was the perfect place for our large 35 member family to join together to celebrate our Mom's life. Chris the owner was a pleasure to work with giving us plenty of information and suggestions for caterers. We chose Rob from The Black Pig to cater the reception after the Memorial service as well as a sit down dinner for the families the next night. The food and service were exceptional and we would highly recommend them. Annette the Property Manager was so kind and an enormous help, getting us settled in and helping us with room descriptions beforehand. She was available throughout our stay for any questions. The house and carriage house were huge but felt cozy with plenty of private rooms to sleep and gather. It was decorated elaborately, like an estate from the past with a beautiful well appointed kitchen and butler's pantry. The basement with game room, ping pong, pool table, foosball, game table, TV room and bar was an ideal place for all to enjoy conversations and friendly family competitions. Watching the Packers win was a highlight as well! The outside patio area with fire pit and heaters was great and probably would have been used more had it not been 4 degrees that weekend! We would love to come back in the summer. The setting of the Mansion right off Lake Michigan was gorgeous. There was a great running path along the lake for those willing to brave the cold for their morning exercise. Several of the couples stayed within walking distance and the house is close to town and great little places to explore. We highly recommend Lakeview Mansion to others and plan to return. Thank you Chris and Annette for facilitating a fabulous reunion weekend for our families to celebrate our Mom and Grandmas life.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer S.

Chris and Roger have restored this amazing estate
Chris and Roger have restored this amazing estate to create this most inviting gathering place. We drove up from Chicago for the most perfect retreat weekend whcih included group work meetings, long walks on the lakefront and celebrations in the evenings. This is the perfect spot for work retreats or family festivities!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Michael C.

Great Place for Good Friends
Lakeview Mansion was the scene of a wonderful celebration of friendship as nineteen of us gathered to mark a special birthday. We dined together in the dining room, had morning coffee on the heated terrace, sipped cocktails in the living room and had our traditional competitions in the game room. It was a memorable weekend in a memorable place. Lisa, the house manager, was wonderful and took care of all our needs. I highly recommend this place for a family or group get together.

About the host

Hosted by Chris Castino

Host profile image
Hailing from the Chicago suburbs but getting closer and closer to that empty nest time in our lives, my husband and I had started thinking about what and where our next chapter might be. We have run a home services business on Chicago's North Shore for over 30 years, everything from painting to carpentry to carpet cleaning. But as our youngest approaches the end of her high school years, we've been talking about semi-retiring while still keeping busy enough to keep ourselves out of trouble and being able to put the third daughter through college. One wedding down with two to go means that we aren't quite ready to sit back and knit baby booties yet.

Why they chose this property

So one fateful weekend last summer, after seeing one daughter off on a mission service trip and another off to a quarter of studying abroad (a flurried week of preparation!) we thought we'd treat ourselves to a quick get-away. My husband dug out an old flyer on a Bed and Breakfast from his files, and off we headed to Sheboygan. Not only did we enjoy our stay immensely, we noticed the For Sale sign. After several cocktails, we were convinced that buying this was the right thing to do! Of course, we had to discuss it again the next morning. Hmmm. We still liked the idea. Our second night out to dinner reignited the burning desire to pursue it. Yes, we were still interested the next morning. We hurried home to crunch some numbers. Our friends and family (and banker) all thought we were nuts--, but the next thing we knew we were making an offer on the mansion. Not only did the house call to us, but the area evokes such a peaceful and less harried lifestyle. We've made several trips there in the meantime, and continue to fall more and more in love with the area. My husband, an avid golfer, is just drooling to get out on The Bull, Blackwolf Run and Whistling Straits. I might have to take up golf if I ever hope to see him again. In the meantime, I'm going to have a blast putzing around this amazing home and making it our own. The previous owners took a masterpiece that had gotten rundown and transformed it into a showcase some years ago. It's stunning! We have plans to finish the basement, turning it into a full tavern/rec-room/playroom. We can't wait for groups to enjoy it together. We look forward to moving up here full-time when our gal flies the coop but until then we will be enjoying the view, the town and the many fun things the area has to offer. I still can't believe that a spur of the moment trip to a place that happened to have availability has sent us this direction. I toyed with naming the place SERENDIPITY, but Lakeview Mansion says it all!

What makes this property unique

The views can't be duplicated, the proximity to everything you could want to do makes getting around so easy, and the house itself is beyond description. I feel like I jumped in a time machine and ended up as royalty. Even the carriage house apartment above the garage (formerly the servants' quarters) is oozing with charm. There are so many areas to curl up with a good book, enjoy a cup of coffee, hang out with friends and family, or play games. You can stay together but keep your own schedules, given the privacy and the layout of the home. If you want to sleep in--go for it. Grandma might be in the kitchen whipping up pancakes for the gang as the partiers stagger up from the bar. Into research? What a great excuse to eat and drink your way through Sheboygan and the surrounding area!

Languages:

English
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