Ideally suited for property across the street from a lake, this distinctive, shingle-style home is designed for primary viewing from its expansive wrap-around porch and myriad front-facing vantage points.

“The house is not incredibly deep, so there are views from all rooms to the water,” noted architect Wayne Visbeen, AIA, IIDA, of Visbeen Associates, Inc. “While its classic character draws from Victorian inspirations, this floor plan is friendly, not so big it feels out of control. It’s more inviting for the contemporary user — and very functional.”

While architectural elements including a stone base, turret, corbels and columns lend historical flair, such components serve more than an aesthetic purpose.

“Columns lend a sense of intimacy and warmth, security and privacy on the porch, create almost an outdoor room, yet allow an incredible open view,” Visbeen said. “The front porch includes a built-in grill with hood so it can be used year-round under cover; it backs up to the interior stove and range, so it shares the same chimney. Double doors near the grill and round porch allow for easy dining, indoors or out.”

Raised several steps up from the second floor — which also allows for a raised ceiling above the round porch below, defining that space’s “outdoor room” ambience — the circular room within the turret allows ample views of blue.

Off of this turret retreat, two bedrooms each equipped with a full bath are well-suited for kids or guests; meanwhile, a gracious master suite with spacious bath and bountiful walk-in closet are made more private thanks to a loft off the U-shaped staircase. Mornings and evenings can be better enjoyed by everyone on this floor’s wide lake-facing balcony.

“This central stair tower is the core of the home,” Visbeen said. “Everything radiates around it: While the home looks historic from the curb, upon entering, there’s a versatile dining area up front that extends back into an open, updated kitchen, designed for contemporary living.”

Behind the staircase, the kitchen connects through a butler’s pantry to the home management/laundry center, an elevator, lockers and bathroom; up front, a living room lends a view to the lake, enhanced by a fireplace.

“A fun thing about ‘old’ homes like this is the attic,” Visbeen said. “For extra fun, in the stairway going up to the attic level — where flex space can be almost anything: a bunk room, game area, bar, guest suite — there’s a ship’s ladder that leads up to its own hideaway space, a perfect spot for a telescope, sleeping quarters or playroom. ”

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.