Welcome to Hilltop Haven on Sylvan Lake—a spacious, upscale lake home with its own private island connected by a footbridge. Inside, a wall of windows frames the water; outside, a wraparound deck leads down to an 84’ L-pier, shallow swim area, and island fire pit under the trees. Fresh 2024 renovation. Room to gather, room to spread out, and easy lake access for kayaks, SUPs, and the optional onsite pontoon.
The Space
Bright and airy with ~4,000 ft² across 5 bedrooms / 4 baths. Open kitchen flows to dining and a vaulted great room. Separate game room with pool table and kitchenette. Custom indoor cedar hot tub for year-round soaking. Designed for multi-generational families, reunions, and milestone celebrations.
☆☆ Indoor Highlights ☆☆
• 2024 renovation • ~4,000 ft² • 5BR/4BA • 11 beds
• Vaulted great room + 65” HDTV (HDMI/AirPlay)
• Chef’s kitchen: new appliances, double oven, large island (seats 6)
• Live-edge dining table (seats 8–9)
• Game room with pool table, HDTV & kitchenette
• Custom indoor cedar hot tub (year-round)
• BR5 office with door + external monitor (HDMI/USB-C)
• 6 HDTVs w/ Roku • Fiber Wi-Fi throughout
• Central A/C (2 zones), on-demand water heater, whole-house softener
• 1 garage bay for parking/gear
☆☆ Outdoor Highlights ☆☆
• Wraparound deck with Weber grill, picnic table, loungers
• Private island via 72’ bridge; shaded rock fire pit (Adirondack chairs)
• 84’ L-pier with benches; docking for 2–3 boats; easy-entry, gravel-bottom swim area
• Included: Pedal boat; 1 SUP + 1 single kayak (vests)
• Available: Extra SUP/kayak bundle; onsite pontoon rental (seasonal, by request)
• Yard games (cornhole, bocce, lawn darts) • 2 adult bikes (more to rent)
• Parking for 6–8 vehicles • Basketball hoop
Sleeping Arrangements
• BR1 (primary, ensuite): King (sleeps 2)
• BR2 (ensuite): Queen (sleeps 2)
• BR3: Queen + Daybed (sleeps 3)
• BR4 (bunk room): Full/Twin bunk (x3) + extra Twin (sleeps 4)
• BR5/Office: Loveseat pull-out twin (sleeps 1)
• Great Room: Queen sofa bed (sleeps 2)
• Loft: Two chair pull-outs (sleeps 2)
Total beds/sofabeds shown: 16 → Max occupancy: 18 (1 pack-and-play available).
TV room is not a legal bedroom (single egress); no sleeping here.
Location
• Sylvan Lake: 5 basins, 16 miles of shoreline, many islands—great for skiing, tubing, paddling, exploring. Public boat ramp nearby; our pier welcomes your rental or your own boat (with approval).
• Boy Scout (Big) Island: Short paddle; 100+ acres, outdoor chapel, 1-mile loop, public dock & pavilion.
• Gene Stratton-Porter Historic Site: Lakeside cabin, museum, gardens; reachable via Fishing Line Trail near our road.
• Fishing Line Trail: Smooth, paved 12+ miles (Kendallville ↔ Rome City)—walk/run/bike with coffee & ice-cream stops.
• Sylvan Cellars: Minutes away—premier venue + tasting room (craft cocktails, wine/whiskey, live music).
Business Retreats & Micro-Weddings (by approval)
Multiple breakout areas, fiber Wi-Fi, 65” HDMI/AirPlay display, office monitor (HDMI/USB-C). Gear by request (whiteboard, flip chart, HDMI, power strip). Popular sunset pontoon cruises for team time (seasonal, by prior approval). Micro-weddings and small daytime gatherings considered with written permission and COI/vendor approval.
Optional Add-Ons
• Watercraft Bundle: add 1 SUP, 1 single kayak, 1 double kayak (seasonal).
• Pontoon Rental (onsite): seasonal, by request; signed waiver; experienced operator 25+; follow lake rules/quiet hours.
• Bike Bundle: up to 8 total (adult/teen/kids) available to rent.
Access
Guests access the entire property except: two utility rooms, two closets, the house & garage attics, the 2-car garage bay (big door), and the area behind the basketball goal. Smart-lock entry. Parking for 6–8 vehicles plus a 1-car garage bay for parking/gear. Digital guidebook provided after booking; arrival details sent ~24 hours before check-in.
House Rules (summary)
• Lead guest 25+, staying the entire trip; no third-party bookings.
• ID/third-party screening; sign rental agreement & waivers; refundable deposit or non-refundable damage waiver required.
• Provide first names for all guests and ages of minors (<18) at least 48 hours pre-arrival (updates welcome).
• Check-in 4pm / Check-out 10am.
• Quiet hours: Outdoors (deck, island, pier, yard) 10pm–8am. Indoors (Hot Tub Room & Game Room) 12am–8am—keep doors/windows closed, voices low; no speakers/amplified sound after midnight.
• No smoking/vaping. No pets. No parties/unauthorized events. Day visitors by prior written approval.
• Photographers & vendors: written permission + COI required.
• Fire safety: No fireworks. No open flames within 50 ft of the house (gas grill OK while attended). Fireplaces are decorative only—do not use.
• Water safety: Life vests required on any watercraft; no watercraft after dusk; swim at your own risk; no diving/jumping from bridge, pier, or hot tub.
• Docking your own boat requires written approval; guest assumes dock/shoreline liability.
• Exterior cameras monitor driveway/entries/pier/bridge/island. Interior noise/smoking sensors only (no audio).
• Outdoor amenities (pier, watercraft, bikes, fire pit) may be seasonal/weather-dependent.
By booking, you agree to follow the rental agreement, waivers, and guidebook, which supersede this summary.