Nestled in the heart of beautiful downtown Oconomowoc is the Inn at Pine Terrace. The Schuttler brothers, Peter and Henry, wagon manufacturers from Chicago, built it in 1879 as a summer residence for their families. Modeled on a French nobleman’s castle near Vienna, the estate was known as “Mon Bijou” (My Jewel). The impressive 19 room Victorian mansion hosted several American presidents, brewery “barons” who frequented “The Newport of the West”, as Oconomowoc was called in the late 1800’s, and notables such as as Mark Twain. The Schuttler family owned the property until 1922, after which the property was converted into an Inn. The glamorous Inn sat on 150+ acres and once boasted formal gardens that stretched to the shores of Fowler Lake. Thousands of peonies blossomed each spring and enveloped the hillside. It was stunning!
In later years, some of the original property was sold and developed, but the original structure still remains. Ownership changed over the years, and in 2021, the property was sold again. The current owners have restored what was suitable for restoration, and have renovated much of the building to bring back an updated version of glamour, while still giving a nod to the building’s historical and impressive past. One of the key players in this project is Sydney Werner, the designer behind the current transformation and manager of the project. It’s my pleasure to introduce you to this creative and talented woman who brought her love of design and infused it into this special building. Presenting, Sydney Werner and the Inn at Pine Terrace!
About Sydney Werner
Sydney was born and raised in Lake Country. She got her start as a fashion designer at the age of 10 inspired by her grandma, Suzy. She attended Mount Mary University and majored in fashion design. Her love for design is not only in clothes but also real estate.
When she’s not working on her latest design or project, she might be traveling, skiing, hanging out on the lake with family & friends & cuddling with her cat “Key Lime Pie”. She is fully invested in this community and can’t wait to see you at The Inn at Pine Terrace.
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?
With my background of fashion design – it falls into most categories of design. In 2018 I renovated my first house so when the opportunity came to renovate The Inn at Pine Terrace it was an easy YES!
Q: What do you love most about what you do?
I love meeting new guests each and every day and learning where they traveled from.
Q: What was the most difficult challenge in getting to where you are now or in your life?
The most difficult challenge was renovating The Inn during a pandemic & mastering my mindset to get it done.
Q: What is the most rewarding part?
The most rewarding thing about The Inn at Pine Terrace is all the positive feedback and reviews guests, family and friends have all shared.
Q: What are some of your future goals? Do you have anything exciting coming up that you would like to share?
The Inn would love to have a small quaint restaurant opened for dinners on the weekends & music on the patio served with wine & charcuterie boxes – It is definitely something we are working on!
Q: What advice would you give to someone interested in doing something similar to what you have done/are doing?
Time & communication is everything! Work with the ones around you, ask for advice & stay healthy!
Sydney Werner & 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!)
My favorite thing about Oconomowoc is that there is always something to do. From the walks around the lake, to all the parks, shops, restaurants and Dockhounds games – You will never be bored!
Q: Who is an interesting person you’ve met here in our community, and how have they inspired you?
Perry Halquist – The owner of Halquist Stone. Perry and his wife spent two weeks at the Inn. Mr. Halquist and I had endless conversations about life & stone. He taught me all about the brick at Pine Terrace. Fun Fact: Our 2,200 sq. ft patio and 10′ fireplace materials is all from Halquist Stone.
Q: Do you have a favorite coffee shop, cocktail shop, or restaurant?
Bella Gusto – Excellent Food & Atmosphere.
Q: What 3 words would you use to describe our community?
Welcoming, Festive & Safe.
For Fun
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I love to sew!
Q: What is your favorite book, TV show, movie, poem, or song? Why?
My favorite book is “Who Moved My Cheese”.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
The people around me.
Q: If you were a drink (can be a coffee drink, alcoholic, non-alcoholic, etc.), what would you be?
Pina Colada – TAKE ME TO THE BEACH!
Q: If you could have lunch with anyone, who would it be with? Why?
If I could have lunch with anyone it would be, Ulla Johnson. Ulla & her designs have always been inspiring.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I’d love to rent an RV and travel through Europe.
Q: What makes you the happiest?
Being creative & spending time with my son, Brecken.
Q: Any general life advice you would like to share?
Don’t sweat the small stuff.
Where to Find Sydney Werner
Email: Concierge@pineterracewi.com
Phone: (262) 490-6387
Website: https://www.pineterracewi.com
