After living on an island (year-round) for nearly twenty years, Jane and Nick Van Brunt are most commonly asked, "How do you get back and forth during that Minnesota slush time of year?" Jane didn't seem to mind being asked that very question yet again. Her ready reply?

"Most of the year we take a small boat, during January, February and March we are able to drive, when the ice is a little thinner we take a snowmobile, and we do indeed have a hovercraft for those few weeks when we can't make anything else work safely."

The Van Brunt's had been living on the lake for seven years and were looking for a suitable lot for building when the island came up for sale. The biggest problem they faced was coming up with an appropriate septic system. Getting approvals and building the system (which is double the system needed) took about two full years. Building this spectacular home took another year. The project was finished and ready for the family in 1986.

The home was designed by Bill Rust of Rust Architects. (If the name sounds familiar, it may be because he designed one of the Winter Carnival ice castles.) The Van Brunts chose a prairie style because they didn't want the home to stand out too much. They enjoy the beauty of nature and wanted to keep the island looking natural. In fact, part of the three story home is actually built into the hill. It is almost entirely built of masonry for fire protection. Though the large home is nearly 10,000 square feet, it is not ostentatious because of the way it is built.

Sitting atop four and a half acres, the home is not the only wonderful feature. The abundance of land allows for many recreational activities including croquet, gardening, and just enjoying the views. In fact, the many panoramic views are Jane Van Brunt's favorite part of the home. The Van Brunt's also enjoy the peace and quiet the island provides.

The logistics of island life are both challenging and rewarding. Little tasks like trash collection take on a whole new meaning. They have a place on shore where they take the trash to be collected, where the boys can catch their school bus, and where cars are kept during summer months. Groceries and other items make for a lot of hauling.

On the other hand, parties are uniquely festive. The daily quiet is unmatched. There is basically no trespassing. And the views are 360 degrees of seasonal, breathtaking, natural beauty.

There is much folklore that goes along with the island's history; from stories of Indian chief's council chambers being there, to summer cottages and a hotel being there, and even a camp for underprivileged boys. For the Van Brunt family, the history includes an idyllic setting in which to raise a family, in addition to swimming, boating, croquet, unique play dates, and a peaceful lifestyle.