Great Lake Story 2016
Chapter One | Chapter Two | Chapter Three | Chapter Four | Chapter Five |
Chapter Six
On the shores of Spring Lake, the Great Lake Story custom home is the latest abode to occupy the storied site of St. Lazare, an area with a rich history of peace and tranquility.
David C. Bos Homes is building a custom getaway for the homeowners that includes amenities to last a lifetime and preserves the topography that is a luxury all its own.
Homeowners Alison and Steven Fox worked closely with the team at Bos Homes to conceive a plan for the house. “We go through a lifestyle interview with our clients, it’s a pretty informal process but we aim to get more than a shopping list of what they want,” said Bos Homes architect Paul Harloff. “We get familiar with them and determine the functions they want out of the house and create a plan based on those.”
For the Foxes, creating a “forever home” where the couple and their children could find rest and relaxation was a top priority. The landscape lends itself to the causes. The home boasts far-reaching views of the lake from atop a bluff and a nearby natural trail that winds itself through the nearby ravines.
The single-story contemporary home complements the surrounding woods while striking a delicate balance between manmade and natural beauty. “The site is the basis for everything,” said Harloff. “Instead of forcing our will on the topography, we want the placement of the house to work with it, which allows the home to connect to it on a daily basis.”
The West Coast color scheme was selected as a “break from West Michigan beige,” though its rich, natural shades create harmony amongst the trees and its textures – stone and wood – highlights the den’s exposure to the entry side of the house. A triple door escorts you in from the porch and the home opens up, making the vistas of the lake immediately visible.
On the main floor, the open floor plan makes the 2,373-square-feet of living space feel much larger. The level contains the master suite and master bath, complete with walk-in shower, as well as the kitchen, dining and living rooms, bathroom, and formal den. “We wanted them to be able to basically live on one level, so all the main amenities are on that floor,” Harloff explained.
The 1,870-square-foot lower level includes three additional bedrooms, two bathrooms, an exercise room, kitchenette, recreational room, and an area that Harloff said is reserved for a wine room.
To savor the joys of lakeside living, a 16×20 exterior space with deck was built off the main level, which also includes a separate informal entryway through a mudroom that allows easy access to the lake, a valued feature when it comes to entertaining guests.
An oversize, three-stall garage was built to accommodate vehicles and watercraft, following the same design as the rest of the exterior and creating a cohesive waterfront retreat.
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