It is very rare these days to come by an original house on a lake built in the 1960s. Fortunately, for our client, her family purchased a modest fishing cottage in the 70s and over time it has evolved into a beloved multi-generational getaway. With incredible lake views as the backdrop, our team was brought in for a full design-build renovation to modernize the home while honoring its history.
To open up the main living space, a structural bearing wall was removed between the living room and sunroom and replaced with a very heavy I-Beam to hold up the second floor and allow for uninterrupted water views. Then we streamlined the oversized fireplace, reducing its depth to sit flush with the wall—creating more usable living space.
In the kitchen, the whole space was reimagined. First, an old pantry (where the new stove is) was eliminated to enlarge the kitchen. Then the ceiling was raised to utilize architectural roof lines, a window removed, and a wall closed off, which made room for the new, larger pantry to accommodate the refrigerator and custom designed cabinetry. This new bright, functional layout provides the perfect backdrop for family meals and summer entertaining.
Heart of the Home
The step-down sunroom has become the centerpiece—perfect for sunsets, board games, and relaxed evenings. Custom furnishings and layered lighting make this all-season retreat inviting and comfortable. A step-down was created leading from the living room into the sunroom. Different flooring shows the demarcation. This solution was a great alternative to adjusting the height of all the sliding glass doors on the river side. And a special touch: under the stairs, we created a custom built-in for the homeowner’s private-label wine—ideal for storage, display, and tasting.
Lastly, a special detail that was kept is the tin ceiling in the eating area. We scraped, cleaned, and repainted it back to its original form.
Additional Enhancements
We also reduced the sleeping area in the primary bedroom (which has two beds) to enlarge the bathroom, which now includes a new shower and closet. Throughout the home many odd doors/columns, floor heights were eliminated to create a uniform solution.
Tranquil Views Take Center Stage
Finally, all of the house’s trim was painted white to better focus on the surrounding vista. This thoughtfully planned refresh ensures the home will be here for years to come, and the client is thrilled. Spending time with friends and family among the stunning river views is what it’s all about.
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