| Lake Living: Emerald Isle, A Perfect Fit(z) | | Print | |
| Written by Lori Price | |
| Thursday, 29 July 2010 | |
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Most people like cake. Some like the frosting, some like the filling, some like the cake. Living on the lake is similar. While some like the main lake, some prefer the coves, while others opt for the quiet serenity of the many secluded, tranquil areas Lake Hopatcong has to offer.
Norma and Bryan Fitzpatrick feel they have the best of both worlds; their own private piece of paradise where the natural and unspoiled scenery of the lake remains untouched, as well as easy access to the action and activities on the main lake.
The couple has owned the house since 1997 and has turned it into a great home for entertaining friends and family. Norma’s sister knew the Fitzpatricks were prepared to make the house “guest friendly” and as a joke had a professional-looking brochure printed, listing Norma and Bryan as the innkeepers and included a list of accommodations and amenities of what she nicknamed, “The Inn at Emerald Isle.”
With a spacious four-season conservatory, ample patio space, an in-ground pool, hot tub, and backyard, the Fitzpatricks can (and often do) accommodate a large group at a summer party. The speed boat, canoes, and kayaks take the family from relaxing or partying on the dock or patio to the privacy of their lake front or out to the main lake. However, the pièce de résistance for entertaining is the walk-out basement, which the couple has transformed into the ultimate party room. Complete with a bar and working arcade games, the walls of the large room are decorated with the family’s photos and collectables. One wall contains Bryan’s vast collection of beer-tap handles and beer steins while in another area, his New York Yankees and Minnesota Vikings treasures are displayed. Bryan, a Port Authority NY/NJ K-9 Police officer, lost 37 co-workers and friends to the September 11 terrorist attacks. Throughout the game room are a few photos displayed to honor and remember those officers who lost their lives.
Bryan is a fifth-generation law enforcer in his family, beginning with his great-great-grandfather—all were members of the NYPD. Norma, a Sales Marketing Consultant for a wine and liquor distributor, has her share of bar and entertaining accessories to impress and spark conversation among her quests. Photos of her striking a pose with Harrison Ford and Toby Keith, catch attention immediately. Bryan can be seen in another photo with Arnold Scharzenegger and and one with Jimmy Buffett. The basement has provided great memories for the family.The Fitzpatricks enjoy every season of lake living, but enjoy the summer and fall the most.
From their conservatory they can see the colors of the leaves change, hear the raindrops, and watch the snowfall. The entire house is used by the family, but Jack thinks his favorite part of his lake home is the pool—while his dad summed it up best by saying, “there are different times of the day when we like different rooms and areas of the house the best.”
The outside patio area beyond the lake is the perfect place for entertaining and taking a dip in the pool.
The property provides ample room for making guests feel at home.
A hot tub provides relief at the end of the work day.
This patio in the Fitzpatricks lake home was designed with entertaining in mind. The open door leads to a bar and game room.
With plenty of front and back yard Jack can run and play without ever leaving home.
The four season conservatory is one of the family's favorite rooms.
The sunny room is spacious and welcoming and leads outside to the pool and lake.
The dining room has striking views of the outdoors.
Dining in the dining room keeps the family and guests connected to the tranquility of lake living.
The view of the family room from the second floor landing. Harwood floors are throughout the house.
The kitchen is picture perfect and has all the amenities for entertaining.
One of Norma's favorite sayings adorns her kitchen wall.
A perfect breakfast area for the family of three.
A walk down to the basement...where the party begins.
A full bar and spacious room draws everyone to the ground floor room.
This room is another favorite place for the Fitzpatrick's and their guests. The game room style retreat is located directly off the pool/lake area patio.
Being a NY Yankees and Minnesota Vikings fan, Bryan displays treasures of both teams. Above are Bryan's beer stein collection.
Bryan, a Port Authority Police Officer has framed pictures and items in honor and memory of friends and co-workers who lost their lives in the 9/11 attacks in NYC.
The view from the doorway off the patio area. This home is the perfect place for a stay-cation and even better for entertaining.
The couple pose with a few celebs they've met over the years.
What basement on the lake is complete without a moose head to hold beads collected from Mardi Gras celebrations? |
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