While a 16 x 18 square foot conservancy is the crown jewel of this waterfront home, its entire floor plan functions smartly, particularly for year-round shoreline residency.

“Wonderful lakefront views extend the length of this home,” noted Wayne Visbeen, AIA, IIDA of Visbeen Associates, Inc.

“The conservancy offers three sides of open viewing, as well as a glazed ceiling, allowing homeowners to enjoy outdoor beauty throughout all four seasons. On either side of a two-sided fireplace, this space opens through double pocket doors to the living room.”

Designed to accommodate frequent entertaining, the living room also opens to an expansive outdoor deck, which adjoins to a large screened room equipped with fireplace and interior window.

“The kitchen is packed with function,” Visbeen said. “Drinks or trays of food can be passed through a window over the sink to a serving counter in the screened room. Beyond a generous pantry, a full range with hood stands exactly opposite the fireplace in the living room, providing a perfect sense of balance. Between them, the dining room is open and can accommodate a large table: This home incorporates elements of the Not-So-Big-House, making the most of every square foot.”

More outdoor living space off the kitchen makes outdoor grilling convenient; a breezeway connects a three-stall garage to a spacious mudroom with boot bench, half bath, window seat, built-ins and lockers.

“The amount of detail in this plan lends it more sophistication,” Visbeen said. “The library, for example, is an incredibly beautiful room, as well as a very functional home office: Pocket doors close off work space at a moment’s notice. It’s a ‘hidden room’ concept people really appreciate.”

Upstairs, two bedrooms and a laundry room complement a well-appointed master suite with fireplace, garden tub and other amenities; an open stairwell overlooks the foyer. Outside, cedar shakes and stone — along with design elements including an eyebrow dormer, mahogany shutters, corbels, metal porch roof, cupola and columns — lend classic allure.

To view plans or purchase this floor plan, visit www.visbeen.biz or call (616) 285-9901 and ask for Michigan BLUE cottages.

MICHIGAN BLUE LAKESTYLE COTTAGE FLOOR PLAN IS A COPYRIGHT OF VISBEEN ASSOCIATES INC. AND IS MADE AVAILABLE THROUGH MICHIGAN BLUE, MICHIGAN’S LAKESTYLE MAGAZINE.