In 1982 my dad asked our family to help make a big decision: Should he buy a motorcycle or a timeshare? I was 11 at the time and the idea of having a motorcycle was beyond cool, so when he ultimately chose the timeshare I thought he made a terrible mistake. What in the world was a “timeshare” anyhow? That all changed a few months later when I began creating a lifetime of amazing memories at Lake Carlos Villas.
As a child, I easily made new friends and spent time playing putt-putt, fishing, taking photographs, and of course, swimming. During winter visits I loved simply sitting in front of the fireplace with hot cocoa, playing board games with my family, watching movies, or painting my fingernails.
After I married, my husband and I started visiting mostly in wintertime, which is now my favorite time to visit. If I visit on my own, I cover all the clocks, turn off my phone, and tuck away the TV controls. I’ll spend a week reading, admiring the serene lake view from the library window, chatting with locals up at the Interlachen Inn, and hiking at the state park if weather allows.
There’s always (always) a minor disaster that strikes when I visit, be it a dead car battery, forgotten medication, or restaurants shutting down due to cold temperatures – but it all works out and I enjoy every minute of my time at Lake Carlos Villas.
Photo 1: Roger and Mary Berry in June 2012, owners since 1982. Their favorite memories at LCV were socializing with other owners at the wine & cheese party or around the hot tub.
Photo 2: Tim Tourtillotte clearing off the car before departing LCV. (1997)
Photo 3: Fond memories of the year my grandparents visited. Siblings Tara and Adam Berry. (1983)
Photo 4: I’ll spend hours on the lake if I’m lucky enough to visit before the kayaks are put in storage. (2021)
~Tara Berry