Client Testimonials

The below testimonials have been submitted by actual Lake Petenwell property owners.  Thank you for sharing your stories, adventures, and experiences on Lake Petenwell and the surrounding area.

Have you ever dreamed of a relaxing get-away of all your own? Well, we found it! We needed just the right feel for our secluded place in the woods to build our log home. Living in Canada had set the stage for just the right location, a place where it would feel like a retreat and yet far enough away from the hustle and bustle of the big city.

One weekend 10 years ago, we met Mike Coke from Terra Firma. Now, who works on Father’s Day? Well, this dedicated agent was so friendly that we couldn’t say no. This meeting was one of the best decisions of our life. Arrangements were set and while driving into the property, both of us looked at each other and said, “This is it!” without even getting out of the car.

With the bounding huge oak and pine trees and the beautiful large expanse waters of Lake Petenwell, it only took us less than an hour to walk the property and sign a contract to purchase one of the most beautiful pieces of land we could have ever imagined. And to this day, we cherish each weekend and vacation time at our retreat.

Overlooking Lake Petenwell at sunset is paradise found. This piece of land not only provides tranquility, but the door back to nature. There is so much to experience around our lake house whether boating, fishing, socializing on the lake or access to miles of ATV and snowmobile trails, hunting, restaurants and evening bonfires, it confirms this was one of the best decisions we ever made.

So, if you want a piece of nature, trust me, call Terra Firma. They will make it happen for you. Your life will change forever. Ours did.

Chris and Jan
Aurora, IL.


My personal thoughts about finding our dream cabin is that we love the fact a lot of people don’t know about the 2nd largest lake in WI!  It’s like our little secret.  The lake isn’t crowded and it’s big enough to enjoy a whole day of boating!  We were lucky to have such a trusted friend and realtor introduce us to a new life and dream home.  It’s like we are living two lives, the vacation life every weekend and the working one during the week.  Being there on the weekends makes us feel like we are part of a new family or community.  The local restaurants and bars are fun and friendly.  The trails are everything you picture about Northern Wisconsin. You come across deer, eagles soaring overhead, owls, fox and nature in its glory.  Finding our vacation home on Petenwell is like enjoying life to the fullest.  Winter is spending time by the fireplace reading a book and being cozy.  It is very peaceful and serene during this time.  In the summer, friends love to visit and we have fun memories of sitting around the campfire sharing stories and bringing loved ones together.  Summer comes alive with all the activities of ATV trails, boating and outside patios at the local restaurants.  The location is ideal since you aren’t spending your time driving way up north.  Finding our dream cabin is the epitome of “enjoying the journey” instead of the destination.  We are glad to be part of this new community.  As far as working with Terra Firma, you can’t find a better, more decent, honest company than Terra Firma.  They’re the ones to have on your side with recommendations from house buying to settling in.  They are always there for you, never steered us wrong, offered many suggestions, always in our favor, and saved us both time and money in all our transactions.  They always “got” us and we were always “on the same page.”  When the time comes to sell our primary home, Terra Firma is the only company I would trust to handle it.

Jeff & Tracy
Waunakee, WI.


Just wanted to drop you a line on what a great weekend the family and I had for our first official memorial day weekend. It was jammed packed full of riding ATV’s and boating. Could not thank you enough again for your help with finding the house. I got out on the Lake Saturday and just opened up the throttle for the first time this year and nothing could be better! I could not be more in love with Lake Petenwell, than I am after a great weekend like this past one. Looking forward to a great summer, hope to see you around. Thanks again for all your help.

Erik & Kerri
Gilberts, IL.


We searched properties in a few states before we purchased our majestic 2 acres on Lake Petenwell with 135 ft of lake frontage.

We were very choosey when we made our purchase and that is why we chose Lake Petenwell. The lake is serene and expansive, with the right amount of fishing, swimming, and boating activity. The lake is ever changing with the seasons and we have a front row seat to nature so there’s always something to be in awe over.

Our views in Clear View Estates sold us immediately. We have enjoyed our time spent on the lake with something to do for everyone, even if that means doing absolutely nothing (maybe our most favorite thing to do).

Steven & Brigitte
Oak Park, IL.


We fell in-love with the beautiful new log home and also loved surrounding area. We also enjoy picnic’s on the lake and sunset appetizer/dinner cruise’s. The fact that the lake is not too busy makes the lake safer. We love all of the recreational activities. I feel the Lake has more recreatioal than other area lake’s because of all the trails/hiking and ATVing.

Rob & Terri
South Barrington, IL.