Charming ‘‘Italian Villa’’

on Silver Lake

The exterior of the home exudes rustic charm, blending stucco 
with natural stone, topped with gabled roof lines and terra cotta 
colored tile. The picture is complete with a sizeable courtyard; an 
outdoor space typical of homes found in the  small villages of 
Tuscany, Umbria and Piedmont. 

This Lake Country residence is a condominium, offering a maintenance-free lifestyle, yet reads like a roomy home with outstanding amenities. 
There are plenty of memories to be made sunning, swimming, fishing or cruising on Silver Lake, one of only a few clear water lakes in Southeast Wisconsin. Steps from the front door enjoy a large, private, sandy beach nicknamed “the million-dollar beach”, along with a pier and reserved dock. Lake living is a contrast of the finest: fun-filled activities on the water and centered-energy captured in the stillness of a beautiful water view.

There is plenty of Zen to carry a relaxed mindset forward, once you return home. The entrance to the residence is a remarkable, enclosed courtyard. Imagine sitting by the gas fireplace with an apéritif or cool drink, surrounded by your favorite people and indulging in the fresh air. Thoughtfully procured perennial gardens burst in the bright colors of daisies, coneflowers, hydrangeas, lilies and more. Tall arborvitae evergreens border part of the courtyard, much like the landscape 
of a centuries old, Italian estate.  Once inside the home, rich woodwork and quaint details create a cozy ambiance. At the same time, there is a grandness to this residence. The great room lives up to its name, with a 14-foot-tall ceiling, and Italian marble fireplace surround. Arched windows with transoms drench the room in natural sunlight. A significant archway leads into the dining room that has extra space for casual seating. The stately room is perfect for family gatherings on holidays with all of grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins; a large table for 10 people still leaves room for mingling or more tables. A butler’s pantry, with warm cherry wood, a granite counter and storage galore, joins the dining room and kitchen.     

Let’s talk kitchens, because this is kitchen is one to write home about.  The space is punctuated with great attributes and outstanding appliances. The floor tile reminds you of a tumbled and sealed travertine typical of a rustic country villa. A substantial island provides a place to have a meal or hang out with friends. Details like a turned pillar on the end of the island add character. Appliances are high-end European brands: a Miele stovetop, double ovens, dishwasher, built-in expresso machine and a top-notch German Liebherr refrigerator and freezer. Have a casual meal in the dinette or go al fresco, as double doors lead to the courtyard. An office is adjacent to the kitchen and has a lovely courtyard view.

There are two master suites on the second floor, each with a bathroom, walk-in closet, and Juliet balcony. Open the balcony doors and welcome a summer breeze, just as one would do on vacation in Florence or Siena. The first master bedroom has a wood-paneled back wall adding a sense of refinement. The large bathroom was recently updated with extra storage to tuck away necessities. Couple that with white cabinets, light countertops and gray tile floors, for a clean, crisp and bright feel. The second master bedroom has a built-in desk with custom shelving. 

The lower level of the home is a great living space, unto itself. The family or media room is a focal point with a bar and two refrigerators. Children or guests will love the privacy of two additional bedrooms and a full bath.

Just a few miles from I-94, this special residence is a half-hour from downtown Milwaukee, and a few minutes from the heart of Oconomowoc. At the same time, it gives the homeowner a chance to feel a world away, wrapped in the timeless magic of Old-World Italy, on one of Southeast Wisconsin’s treasured lakes.