Since its launch, the LEGO Friends setting of Heartlake City has included a lighthouse -- and now we get one to build! Even though this is a medium size set, there is a lot of building for this now "iconic" symbol of the theme.

Upon first glance at the box art, a fan could think the lighthouse section is chunky "wall" elements, yet it is not and involves more than 12 "layers" and ~100 bricks. It is very sturdy. Although other LEGO lighthouses are enclosed 360-degrees (which is nice for event displays) this version is open in the back to provide play access.

Although there is no direct hole/opening under the light section, the balcony provides a place to put mini-dolls all around it. The very top room in the lighthouse is meant to be a "secret" room and contains a map tile, also a window to view out with binoculars.

The Ice Cream shop section is also very brick-heavy (compared to other sets in this price range) and is certainly a fun way to learn building techniques for future creations. The roofing slopes and dormer are classic designs. All the extra details of awnings, shutters, window boxes, light sconces, arches, interior display case, and bathroom add not only aesthetic appeal -- yet tons of play and modifying to a builder's own taste.

Box/Instructions

Traditional Friends box, 2 instruction booklets, 4 bags of bricks & parts, on 8x16 baseplate (medium Azure) and a sticker sheet.

Parts

473 (additional 45 spare parts)

New for this set in 2015:

• "pink macaroni" bricks (2x2 with inside and outside bow - light purple)
• Flower petals (upper bracelet part) in Lavender [lighter than Medium Lavender]
• Disc (4248833) in Magenta [bright red violet] as cap of lighthouse
• 2x2 Final brick (dome) in Brown [used in 3D ice cream sign]
• Flower hairpiece in pink [light purple]
• Trans-purple Sunglasses in new color and mold

Minifigures

Kate in top from Heartlake City Pool (41008), Stephanie in top from Summer Caravan (41034)

The build

As I wrote about in my introduction, this model takes a bit longer than anticipated -- to my delight! Had I not been building it for a review, I would have taken a long lazy day building, playing, building, and re-arranging, and enjoying. The 4 bags are quite large and even the base (water, beach, pier, grass) uses bricks from 2 bags.

The completed model

This is a solid build that can be easily played with (of course!) and set on a shelf for later and/or admired. It's hard to not smile when looking at it. It certainly brings out memories of trips to coastal areas and lighthouses for me. The moveable ladder adds to notion it's interactive. The sign on pier swivels, and the huge Ice Cream cone sign out front is super fun to build (and just hold for a minute). Getting an animal like a Seal (which is only in foil pack 41047 and possibly not available everywhere) is a bonus to me -- and it's very cute in person. As with all LEGO Friends sets, it will complement any Heartlake City layout -- especially with the Dolphin Cruiser nearby. The row boat and Seal on rock formation are not attached; otherwise, again I am impressed at how *solid* of a model it is -- it can be picked up and moved without fear of falling apart.

Overall opinion

This is exactly the type of LEGO set I would have loved as a kid! I think for being an iconic fixture of the Friends lexicon, this model is perfectly the right combination of bricks to build, playability, and inspiration for loads of imagination.

If you think my set ratings for this are biased, know that this is the first time I have ever given "5" in all categories and it's also a set I'm not so tempted to "alternate" build anytime soon. (For those who know me, that says a lot ;-)