It may be hard to imagine during this nippy time of year, but summer really will be here before we know it. And, happily, so will the Lantern House, the summer-fun headquarters for Stepping Stone residents.

Ground has been broken on the Lantern House, which is scheduled to this summer. Just in time for summer barbeques. Swim lessons. Pool parties. And special functions, such as weddings, banquets, club meetings and classes that can actually take place indoors any time of year.

The centerpiece of the Lantern House is, of course, the Olympic-sized pool (6 lanes, 25 yards long) perfect for swim meets and exercise classes, as well as your everyday lap swimming, underwater handstands, rounds of Marco Polo, and dozing alongside in the comfort of a cozy chaise lounge.

Outdoor parties are a natural, with ample deck space, picnic shelters and cabanas, a fire pit, and an expansive lawn area.

The clubhouse itself will offer an outdoor patio and overlook, a casual lounge, rooms for meetings and classes, pre-function entry space, a kitchen with bartop seating, and a dining area that seats 75.

Yes, summer may feel a long way off. But…daydreaming about the pool parties you’ll throw in your new Stepping Stone home? There’s no better way to spend a wintry afternoon.