When I saw the photos of the interiors at Lake Lucerne’s, Kingfisher cabin, I was wowed by the superb blend of country cabin comfort with clean lines that taste of modern design. This isn’t something you find often in Eureka Springs – where the norm seems to be overblown, fussy, Faux Victorian.
I immediately could see this being a special surprise for a romantic getaway I wanted to plan for hubby. I found the innkeeper (who also owns and manages The Peabody House, among her Lake Lucerne properties) to be helpful and accomodating, especially when unexpected bad weather forced a change in our plans.
Kingfisher is a one level cabin with an expansive deck which overlooks the private complex of Lake Lucerne. Lake Lucerne had been a small resort that had its heyday back midcentury and which you can enjoy through the historical black and white photos adorning the walls. During those years, the property boasted a pool hall, stable and the lake had a waterwheel and slide. Nowadays, things are a bit quieter, yet still delightful.
The 3 bedroom Kingfisher has two bathrooms and from this sitting room (below) you share a fireplace with the two person jacuzzi area. This fireplace is gas, and the fireplace in the living room is woodburning. Both areas open to a large porch with patio seating and a gas grill for outdoor cooking. Although this cabin is not lakefront, Lake Lucerne can easily be seen and accessed from the cabin.
If you want a nostalgic camp feel that is for grownups, Lake Lucerne cottages really deliver. The stone fireplace in the living room has inspired hubby to replicate it with our own fireplace which we had been talking about re-doing into stone. We both loved the woodflooring that is throughout the main living areas and which plays so nicely with the various pieces of furniture, whether they be stained or painted, wood, wicker or leather.
As you look around you’ll note some very clever pieces that all invoke this masculine, lodge feel minus the dusty, stuffed deer heads and jackalopes you see at most “cabin” establishments. The furniture is masculine colors of leather, black, brown and tan with a check chair for that touch of grandma’s home.
Further details are found in the metal laboratory stools that are at the breakfast bar, the leather chair with brass nailheads, and the Queen Anne style dining table with all mismatched, yet still Queen Anne, styled chairs.
This makes the Kingfisher a great spot for women not into flowers, or the males in the party who want something more traditional in design then pink and rose. For those bringing children, the floor plan is open with little that kids can bang into (another common problem with overdecorated “Victorian-fuss” rooms).
As many already noted in the guest book, this King sized bed at Kingfisher is the best experience of Heaven on Earth. The bed linens are of the highest quality and downfilled. Finding a King sized bed isn’t always easy in Eureka where rooms can be small.
We enjoyed our winter stay very much – some things to keep in mind is that Lake Lucerne, though private, is very close to Eureka and only takes less then 5 minutes driving to be downtown; the heater worked well for it being cold (which can be a problem with some Eureka properties); the large deck would be awesome for entertaining a family party; and the lake does have catch-and-release fishing and a wonderful floating gazebo.
The facility actually has a nice sized kitchen so if you were staying longer and wanted to cook at home, or had a family party, it would suit very well.
Our only concern would be staying during the height of Eureka’s busy season. The property does have several cabins and you might want more privacy (this is a personal choice though).
We definitely have put it down as out top choice though when we want to bring the kids (ages 15 and 11) as the country setting, lake, private country feeling, with close access to town as well as the fishing and deck for cookouts would be fantastic!
First Visit: 12-08
