Packed with cottage attributes, an open floor plan featuring intimate spaces lends warmth and discerning character in this multi-seasonal, updated shingle-style shoreline home.

Columns, beams, half-walls and built-ins are among design elements creating a sense of separation. “The home offers a feeling of security through these architectural cues,” noted Wayne Visbeen, AIA, IIDA of Visbeen Associates Inc. “Yet all of these spaces completely flow into one another.”

Opening to the kitchen and a double-sided fireplace, the dining room features a lounge area and curved booth that seats 6-8. When the space needs to accommodate a larger crowd, furniture in this sitting area can be traded for an expanded table and more chairs.

“On the other side of the fireplace, views of the lake expand because the hearth room drops down several steps, allowing for more glass,” Visbeen said. “Through the dining room you see the screened porch, which doesn ’t interrupt views off to the side.”

Designed for year-round residency, the home’s rear entrance opens to abundant closets, laundry room, home management center, lockers and full bath.

A unique stair tower connects the home’s five levels. From the ground up, various rooms with inviting “not-so-big” appeal unfold: A guest suite upgrades and adds function to the plan’s crawl space. Up five steps from the front door, a home office or study keeps family members close to main living areas, but allows for privacy.

On the second floor, rooms are designed to nurture quality time together. Beyond an ample master suite, a creative children’s suite with spacious playroom offers flexibility. Two bedrooms open to one another through a shared bathroom; vanities on either side of the tub can be closed off by pocket door, affording privacy as each child grows. A third bedroom boasts an inventive built-in bed and roomy walk-in closet.

While a den with fireplace can be included in the master suite, left open on the second floor’s landing it invites family togetherness: “The family can nestle in here at night to read by the fire before bed,” Visbeen said. “In the morning, a front window floods this space with light.”

Because this three-garage, lakefront home has no basement, a third floor attic level and bonus room over the garage offer additional flexibility.

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.