When Carolyn Hewitt relocated from sunny Southern California to the middle-of-nowhere Wisconsin, after a stranger knocked on her door and made an offer she couldn’t refuse on her home, she experienced quite the culture shock. She hadn’t really intended to move as far away as the Midwest. She planned on buying an oceanside home not too far from the previous one, but kept getting outbid. It was then that she stumbled upon an amazing house in Wisconsin and thought, “why not?”
Her surfer kids were forced to bundle up to endure the “Polar Vortex” that permeated the country during their first Wisconsin winter, and the “horrible amount of snow” we experienced made us all “just miserable.” Needless to say, Carolyn had her doubts about the move, which put her family closer to her mother and to her hometown, where she hadn’t lived since she was a child. But the new house in Wisconsin proved itself more charming than the winters were dreadful, and it came with an amazing historic barn on the property.
The Barn at Trinity Peak
People kept showing up and asking if they could get married in the barn. So she thought, if she built this venue, maybe she could sell and get back to California. But then the kids warmed up to their new place, started liking school, and making friends. It turned out that Wisconsin was actually a great place to raise her family. And so Wisconsin began to grow on her, too—“not the winters though!”
She totally renovated the 1800s dairy barn and landscaped the five acres surrounding it, transforming the space into what is now known as Barn at Trinity Peak. From its southern yellow pine plank floors and stunning vaulted ceilings, to its prized stucco silo (the oldest in the state!), Barn at Trinity Peak oozes nostalgia—plus, it’s incredibly Instagrammable. The surrounding fields, wildflowers, and oak tree canopies provide a romantic backdrop, and the sprawling grounds offer ample opportunities for one-of-a-kind photos. She constantly makes improvements, outfitting the barn and surrounding trees with custom-colored lights and adding unique features like cool bathrooms in the silo. The venue retains its historic charm while offering modern conveniences, making every wedding picture-perfect. Carolyn couldn’t be happier in her new life, dedicated to ensuring couples have the most amazing day of their lives!
About Carolyn Hewitt
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I have a son, John, who graduated from the Business School at UW Madison in 2022. He worked in the corporate world for a year and now has changed his career to become a firefighter. My daughter, Maya, is an EMT at Western Lakes. She will graduate this May, from UW Madison. She was recently accepted to graduate school at The Karoliska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden to study medicine.
Q: Please tell us about your life and what you do (whether working in our community, a business owner, volunteer, etc.). How did you choose that path?
I enjoy being a business owner and working with so many couples. Many of them visit from outside the area and, after experiencing Lake Country, want to move here.
Q: What do you love most about what you do?
Creating an amazing and unforgettable day for couples.
Q: What was the most difficult challenge in getting to where you are now or in your life?
I was the first to open a barn as a wedding venue in the area. I had to work with Waukesha County for permits since the Town of Oconomowoc doesn’t have a zoning department. Meeting all their requirements was a long and expensive process. It wasn’t until the state got involved that I finally received my permit to operate. I felt a bit like Erin Brockovich, never giving up on starting my wedding business despite many hurdles. Now, others who want to open a venue call me for advice, and I am glad to help them!!
Q: What is the most rewarding part?
Sharing in the love and joy of a newly married couple and celebrating with their families.
Q: What are some of your future goals? Do you have anything exciting coming up that you would like to share?
I have been hosting weddings for 10 years and continually make personal and venue improvements to exceed my couples’ expectations!
Q: What advice would you give to someone interested in doing something similar to what you have done/are doing?
Don’t give up. It can be challenging to work with local municipalities to obtain permits, but keep persevering, and you will succeed.
Carolyn Hewitt & Our Community
Q: What is your favorite thing about our community, favorite thing to do, or something unique about our community that you love? (Feel free to share as much as you’d like!)
The spirit of community runs deep here—there’s always someone ready to lend a hand. I cherish the beauty of Lake Country and the joy of introducing it to countless couples and their families/guests, often experiencing its wonders for the first time.
Q: Do you have a favorite coffee shop, cocktail shop, or restaurant?
I have a deep affection for Roots and many other fantastic restaurants in Lake County.
Q: What 3 words would you use to describe our community?
Friendly, helpful, community-oriented.
For Fun
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My relationship with Jesus and service to others.
Q: If you were a drink (can be a coffee drink, alcoholic, non-alcoholic, etc.), what would you be?
A rich, bold glass of red wine to unwind, and a comforting cup of coffee to start the morning.
Q: If you could have lunch with anyone, who would it be with? Why?
The presence of my five siblings, along with their families, and my own children… Family holds a special place in my heart, and I cherish every moment spent with them.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Engage in volunteer work in a third world country.
Q: What makes you the happiest?
Assisting others in achieving their dreams.
Q: Any general life advice you would like to share?
Persevere through obstacles, rise above challenges, and pursue your dreams relentlessly.
Where to Find Carolyn Hewitt
Email: barnattrinitypeak@gmail.com
Phone: (262) 955-8080
Nice To Meet You:
I believe in positively impacting my clients and the community I live in, which is why I jumped at the chance to be an ambassador with “The Faces of Lake Country”. It’s a perfect blend of why I enjoy being a Realtor with Shorewest, Realtors, and everything I love about living in Lake Country.
I truly enjoy being a part of this community and helping others along the way. Prior to real estate, I was an Office Supervisor for the City of Waukesha Park & Recreation Department. During this time, I had the opportunity to work with many business owners and serve the general public. It was there that I realized that it really does take a village to make a community great and each and every one of us plays an important role.
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