Enjoy relaxation, nature and fun on quiet Wall Lake. The clean, clear water offers great fishing (ice fishing in the winter), swimming, kayacking (provided), etc. with no fast or loud watercraft due to the 10 mph speed limit. Bring your own boat and put it in at the free, public access and then tie up at our own personal dock mere steps away from the house. A quiet, neighborhood street circles the lake and is perfect for strolls, including to the public beach or yummy Wall Lake Tavern.
THE COTTAGE
Built in 1888 as a 1-room schoolhouse, the main building was pulled across the frozen lake to its current location one winter in the 1930s.
Extensively remodeled since then - including adding on a great room, deck and cozy gas fireplace with hearth - the cottage now offers a modern kitchen, 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, washer/dryer available to guests and a tankless water heater so that there is plenty of hot water for everyone.
There are three parking spots - 2 in back and 1 in front - with a free, Level 2 electric vehicle charger available in one of the spots in back.
Guests have full access to the property, including backyard and dock. The front door has a keyless, combination lock.
SMOKING AND PETS
Please, no smoking or vaping inside the house, but it's OK to do that on the property, as long as it's away from open windows and doors.
Sorry, no pets other than documented service animals are allowed.
SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS
Lofts with railings in two of the bedrooms provide additional sleeping space with comfy foam mattresses (2 in the en suite master and 1 in the other bedroom); both are great for kids able to climb a sturdy ladder, and even adults enjoy them!
The couch in the great room pulls out into a queen-sized bed and is much more comfortable than usual sleeper-sofas, due to its unique construction. Also provided for it are a foam topper and privacy screen.
Each room has its own AC & heat, so they can be set to accommodate the occupants' preferences. Blackout shades in the bedrooms enable sleeping in each morning or during afternoon naps.
AMENITIES
The cottage provides all the amenities of home with fast, fiber-optic internet, three Roku TVs with guest access, a well-stocked kitchen, and a sound system (with paid Spotify access or connect your own via bluetooth). The TV in the great room has surround sound and a subwoofer for movie nights.
OUTDOOR DELIGHTS
However, none of that compares to the lake view from the great room and spacious deck overlooking the lake. You can spend hours watching swans, herons, ducks, turtles, cranes, and even a nesting pair of bald eagles. Sunrises are spectacular every morning. A retractable awning on the deck keeps it cool during midday and a propane fire pit keeps it warm in the evenings. Grill out with the propane BBQ.
THE LAKE FRONT
The property provides a wide, grassy area along sixty feet of waterfront with a wood-burning firepit, lake chairs and dock to fish off of or tie your boat up to. Included with your stay are a two-person kayak and stand-up paddleboard (SUP) to use.
The sandy, marled lake bottom has a very gradual slope, so even young children can enjoy playing in the water near the shore, while taller folks can venture nearly 100 feet out before they are unable to stand up (diving off the dock is not advised).
Life jackets are provided to use with the kayak and stand-up paddleboard (SUP).
THE NEIGHBORHOOD
From the deck, you can see the public beach just down the road. Walk, swim or paddle there to enjoy the sandy beach. A ten-minute stroll will bring you to Wall Lake Tavern, which offers home-style cooking and desserts for the whole family. Dine in or take out.
THE TOWN
Quaint Orland, IN, is a one-intersection town only a 5-minute drive away that offers more than you would expect. It has a small grocery store, liquor store, and Dollar General where you can get most necessities. It's also the home of Mister Bratz, whose selection of flavored bratwursts and locally-raised meet has to be seen to believed.
There are also three good restaurants in town. Our favorite is Sweet Summers, which offers gourmet coffee, lunches and ice cream, although it's only open in the summer months. Chubby's is open all day, but is best for breakfast. Rolling Valley Grill offers excellent pizza and sandwiches.
THE AREA
Two ACRES Trust areas nearby offer fun hikes through the forest and along rivers and bogs. The Pigeon River Fish & Wildlife Reserve is great for birdwatching. If you have your own kayaks, you can put them in at several places along the Pigeon River, or 11 minutes away is Mongo River Run outfitters who will rent you kayaks and transport you to various dropoffs along the river.
Pokagon State Park is 20 minutes away and has hiking trails, a nature center, and - in the winter - a popular toboggan slide. Angola, Sturgis and LaGrange are small towns 20-25 minutes away with more restaurants, shopping, and visitor attractions. Shipshewana, in the heart of Amish country, is only 30 minutes away and has unique stores offering Amish crafts, food and furnishings.
