One of the key features that makes a Creator product unique (in the LEGO universe, at least) is that you can build three different models in the same set. Of course, this doesn't always mean that two alternate builds are as impressive as the showcase variant, but combine this playability with the fact that Creator sets are generally constructed almost entirely from legacy LEGO components, and you have products that encourage more traditional values from this company.

The 5770 Lighthouse Island demonstrates why, besides the introduction of new themes of specialised components, the simplicity of the Creator products is only countered by their amazingly clever designs. The solutions are dealt with in creative ways, and not simply moulded into a single element.

This particular offering stands out because all three of the models (the Lighthouse, the Lifeboat Station and Seaside Cafe/Restaurant) are equally brilliant in their own way, and as with other Creator sets, are designed to appeal to different difficulty levels. For the younger audience, this means that they may build the Lifeboat Station one day, and then feel confident enough to move up to the Lighthouse in the next.

I have to focus on the Lighthouse first as it really is a thing of beauty. It took a good couple of hours (taking my time) to work through, but the end result typifies why LEGO is the ultimate construction toy. Simple things such as the ladder inside a constructed from plates and single-stud elements. The seagulls, which you would expect to arrive in a single mould, are brilliantly made again from little more than a handful of bricks and clever ideas. At the top of the Lighthouse, the railings are even held in place by skeleton legs, and yet blend in brilliantly with the rest of the design.

Some nice features extend the playability and cosiness of this product, such as the obvious Light Brick at the peak of the building. I have to confess that this won't blaze your room in a sheen of dazzling light, but the important thing is that it 'works', and can be functioned further with the rotating mirror section (worked through a crank on the size). Arguably the best concealed feature is that the side of the Lighthouse actually opens up to reveal what's inside. The man has a nice little stove (with chimney), a mug, the staircase and a beautiful window lattice. Even the front door is very unusual and fits perfectly into this set.

Although the Lighthouse would make a perfect addition to any child's harbour/city, it also makes for a perfect display piece. I'm not one to normally do this with LEGO because (A) it gets dusty, and (B) you run out of space. I made an exception with this product though as it reminds me of the many holidays and trips I've had to Devon, which itself is a lovely place.

The other builds in this set are simply nice additions, but I can't imagine that anyone would actually want to keep those designs built rather than the Lighthouse. The Lifeboat station makes a good functional toy for younger builders, and the cafe/restaurant adds a bit more challenge.

5770 really is the perfect Creator product at the moment, and importantly for most LEGO fans, is minifigure scale. Although I'm still unconvinced at how effective these 'Light Bricks' really are, they can add a touch of humour to sets such as the Lighthouse Island. All-in-all, this is LEGO at its best.

Overall 5 bricks : since I bought small Creator sets for my son this theme got my attention and this is another example of a great set. The subject is entirely different from earlier sets but a great main design with excellent parts. The 2 other buildings look great too, but the Lighthouse only deserves 5 bricks already.

Building 5 bricks : I will edit the review later when I have built the other books.

• 1. The Light House : First the speedboat, a great little boat with a good looking outboard engine in nice colors. After that starting with the blue baseplates en the grey slopes and green plates as base for the Lighthouse with the small lodge. Nice looking small house with a lovely black roof. The tower is characterized by and built with macaroni bricks, on top a great fence built with white tabs, skeleton legs and sticks. Inside you find a small stairs and a mechanism to turn the 2 stickered slopes used as mirror. The lightower is a great design and works marvelous, when you push the roof and turns it gives real lightbeams !! A great detail is the fact you can open the rear side, thanks to the use of hinges. Finishing touch are of course the minifigure, the fishes and the cute seagulls. Overall a beautifull building and a great first result.

Parts 5 bricks : really to much to mention but I will name a few. Number one of course the lightbrick, the glass bricks, the macaroni parts, the blue and green plates, the big circle roofplate and of course the minifigure and fishes.

Playability 5 bricks : of course the posibility of the different sets to built and the fun you can have with this Creatorset with the light. The presence of the minifigure (rare in Creator sets) increases the playability of course.

Value 5 bricks : Great set with 3 designs, great parts usefull for all kinds of MOC's, great playability for an advise retailprice of €40,00 is already good and I paid even less. So worth every cent you pay for it, 5 bricks !!

This is one of my favorite Creator sets, to me the best ones are the Houses but this set really impressed me, i got a offert of 30% discount on this set and i didnt lost the chance to buy it, and i did not regret a bit.
The fact it have a light brick that really works and lights the thing up is great but the most clever thing is the Mirror-Stick that you put a rotational piece to make the lighthouse really works like a real one! the light circles and even reflect on the walls of your room if you turn the lights down or weak them. it have a orange glow (i duuno if was suposed to be yellow, if its the case my batteries came a little weak lol, but i think its really dark yellow to orange color.
in the end is a must-have set! specially if you are planning to do or making a cost part on your city.

I typically build the City sets with my daughters and save Creator sets for my wife. She loves the houses. This was no exception - she wanted the lighthouse. The difference is that my 6yo daughter built it while my wife was cooking dinner.

I watched her and saw the creativity that was infused by TLG throughout the set. The lightbrick idea was a bit corny to me until I saw how it worked. Ingenious. Very similar to working lights on emergency vehicles.

Unlike most other creator houses (except the log cabin), the building opens up and allows for play inside. This is now important because TLG thought to include a minifig! Thank you!

Other nice touches are the small boat necessary to reach the island and the gulls with fish. Nicely done! We won't be disassembling this one, but we need to get another couple for the B and C models - they both look great, too!

This one's a must-have for folks with any type of ocean scene or coast line in their City collection. It blends in naturally.

This is just what defines a great Lego set.

A very nice, detailed Lighthouse with two other very good alternative builds, although you will want to build the Lighthouse last because you will want to keep it built.

The Lighthouse could easily integrate with Town/City sets of ports and boats/ships.

It is an enormous plus for Creator sets to start including minifigs. I think that it adds a lot of value and it helps them integrate with the rest of sets better.

The light brick is a nice touch, and avoids gimmick-status by being central to the concept of a lighthouse, and the rotating mirror just completes this.

Watch out though because if you store your sets for prolonged periods, the battery in the light brick could corrode and ruin it. Removing it is not fast and easy, although simple enough if you unscrew and open the brick.

This set would benefit from buying multiples by stacking them together and having a twice-taller lighthouse, and maybe a bigger island.

I love the inclusion of a little boat too, completing a superbly rounded-off set.

Oh and those sea gulls with fish too!