Although contemporary in design to suit a modern day family’s waterfront lifestyle, Cambria’s classic Cape Cod character emits evolutionary allure: A side-bearing, three-stall garage on one end and spacious master suite extending beyond the front porch on the other — both finished in vertical board and batten — lend a sense of history.

“It almost feels like an old Martha’s Vineyard cottage that’s been added on to,” noted architect Wayne Visbeen, AIA, IIDA, of Grand Rapids-based Visbeen Associates Inc. “Using a mix of exterior materials helps create that quaint, eclectic nature, the impression this could be a cottage that’s evolved over decades.”

Smartly placed public and private spaces are key to this plan’s functionality.

“This is a very efficient house that lives bigger than its square footage portrays, featuring a variety of indoor and outdoor experiences,” said architect Wayne Visbeen, AIA, IIDA, of Grand Rapids-based Visbeen Associates Inc.

“At its core is a lake-facing screened porch, nestled between the foyer, great room and master suite. While offering protection from the wind — and being easily accessed from the great room for dining or as an extended gathering space — its placement allows homeowners to enjoy a great breeze and visitors, a great view, from the moment they step into the home.”

Sharing a two-sided fireplace with the screened room, the great room opens to a spacious kitchen. While an eight-foot island, built-in buffet and ample pantry space cater to a crowd, an inviting bumped-out, lake-facing nook with three-sided window allows design flexibility.

“The bump-out can be used for dining or sitting,” Visbeen noted of the space, which can easily be expanded and opens up to a rear deck. “It’s a great spot for a built-in booth, two chairs for conversing near the island, or even a hearth area.”

A flex room off the foyer also offers homeowners options: It works as a home office, extra bedroom or den, with direct access to a half bath. To the right of the foyer, the master suite and a secondary bedroom opening to a full bath affords homeowners and their guests plenty of privacy. If finished off, the lower level is suited to accommodate a spacious recreation room with kitchenette, family room, one or two bedrooms and full bath.

“A third stall on the garage is optional,” added the architect. “If it’s removed, the home’s depth becomes 50 feet, ideal for a shorter lot.”

To learn more, 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.