Flavored with traditional shingle-style flair, this updated waterfront residence expresses welcome with a friendly front porch and dramatic, gable-inspired roofline. Oval-shaped windows lending nautical character, a weathervane-topped cupola, corbels and stained carriage-style garage doors win points for curb appeal — but the home’s best features face the water.

“Life is breathed into the simple form of this home by unique overhangs and porches,” said Wayne Visbeen, AIA, IIDA of Visbeen Associates Inc. “The main rear porch is covered on the left and right, but in-between, a pergola allows dappled sunlight through but still provides shading.”

Round tapered columns on stone piers anchor this and a secondary porch space off the lower walk-out level.

Inside, an expansive great room open to the kitchen overlooks the pergola-covered porch, which is accessed on either side from the dining room and master bedroom. The main level also includes a home management center, rear locker area and den.

“Upstairs, a very large swing room can serve a number of purposes — be it a bunk room, a game room, a second family room, a work-out space,” Visbeen noted. This large room is flanked by four bedrooms, ideal for weekend guests, and two full baths.

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.