The decorative iron gate with leaves & acorns welcomed us with open arms as we drove to the Carpenter’s Cottage. As I opened the Cottage door the light was shining in with a carpet of leaves seen through all the windows to the great outdoors. Nature’s beauty surrounded me indoors too with the original pine floor in the living room & fir in the bedroom. Unique vases with cedar sprigs in the bedroom enhanced the atmosphere with a vintage trunk at the foot of the bed. Nooks & crannies had collections of books, games & cards with a chess set ready for play. Each item of decor was thoughtfully placed to enrich the Cottage. A “Winter in Wisconsin” painting captured my interest as the environment historically was a retreat for artists, writers & musicians at one time. Surrounded by creativity & reflection amongst the quiet beauty I felt inspired. The binoculars hanging on a hook were beckoning me to explore outdoors. I viewed the waxing crescent moon among the impressive shadows of the trees at night. I was awestruck in the great outdoors as I listened to the sounds of nature, hearing an owl & a unique viewing of a flying squirrel leap from a limb to another branch. A view of the spectacular sunrise early morning enhanced my day with prehistoric vocalizations by the Sandhill Cranes. There were over a hundred cranes in multiple flocks flying over the meadow & across Neenah Creek. I knew this is where I belonged to explore the vintage charm of the incredible restoration & preservation of the Carpenter’s Cottage & Bonnie Oaks Historic District.

—Bonnie Oaks Visitor