- Michigan BLUE readers, It’s time to vote for your favorite waterfront home in our Michigan BLUE Design Awards Best Overall Home— READERS’ CHOICE category!
What’s your preference? Mid-century modern? Cape Cod? Cabin-cool? Transitional?
The inaugural Michigan BLUE Design Awards features dozens of homes from which to choose your dream design. Each was entered into the Overall Home category by Michigan design industry professionals, and each will be judged by an astute professional panel of designers from across the U.S.
But we also want to hear from YOU in our Readers’ Choice poll!
You’ll see everything from cool bars to poolside beauty to top kitchens. Share the link with your friends, too. Please remember to cast just ONE vote — your favorite pick. Only one of your votes qualifies. May your favorite home win!
The winner will be announced in the Michigan BLUE magazine winter issue. Challenges on this project included designing a footprint to accommodate the client's helicopter landing needs, necessitating four variances due to tight setbacks, and the requirement for a septic field. The exterior boasts stained wood siding with stone and glass accents, the entrance features a charming eyebrow roof, and a covered porch with retractable screens adorns the rear. Concrete terraces extend the outdoor living space, cleverly utilizing the area beneath the deck for additional party space that’s ideal for hosting large gatherings year-round. Inside, the master suite is on the main level, adjacent to the expansive open floor plan and separated by an elegant foyer. The home's thoughtful design elements blend seamlessly, creating a modern/traditional abode that harmonizes with its lakeside setting.
This bungalow features a large front patio running much of the length of the house, and large windows and bump-outs for extra views and daylight. The kitchen and dining areas are adjacent to the living space on one side, with the primary suite on the other. The end of the home is anchored by a turned garage and a detached fourth, providing plenty of vehicle and storage space. A courtyard and a large garden area are perfect for enjoying and growing herbs and flowers. The basement features another sizable living and entertaining space, while the upper level has three bedrooms organized around a common area. There’s also a second laundry room, saving trips up and down the staircase.
This architectural gem epitomizes the principles of functional design, sustainable living, and biophilic integration, setting a new standard for harmonious coexistence between human habitat and natural surroundings. A steep sand dune, rising more than 30 feet above the build site, acts as a natural buffer against prevailing winds, enhancing the home’s comfort and energy-efficiency. The surrounding decks offer residents immersive nature walks and panoramic views. A butterfly roof not only lends a distinctive aesthetic, but channels roof drainage into below-grade cisterns to minimize runoff and promote groundwater recharge, mitigating the home’s impact on the fragile dune ecosystem. The construction materials and techniques employed further underscore the commitment to sustainability. Structural insulated panels and reinforced perimeter walls ensure optimal thermal performance.
Perched atop a bluff with breathtaking views of a serene river, this modern estate is equipped with all the amenities you could desire. Its far-reaching views and exceptional indoor/outdoor living spaces are nearly unrivaled, and the wing-style architecture is perfectly suited to maximize the views from every angle. The rear of the home features a waterfall-edge pool, hot tub, and full kitchen. The main level includes a generous living space, a well-appointed kitchen, an office, essential entry spaces, and a screened porch. The upper level boasts a wing dedicated to the primary suite, while the opposite wing houses an office and a laundry room. The lower level contains the remaining bedrooms and serves as a prime entertaining space.
Designed to be nestled onto a peninsula, the area to build on was a spectacular site with views in all directions — but a drop-off of 25 feet. The front of the home is understated; simple limestone columns frame a soaring entry door that directs the visitor’s view directly down to the water. Large panels of glass clad the majority of the home’s lake side, and the upper floor was set into the established tree canopy. Barrel vaults in major rooms signal sightlines and direct views accordingly. By taking advantage of the slope in terrain, the home tucks itself quietly into the natural setting of the property. Soft gray colors dominate, so the lush surroundings are highlighted.
Set on 10 acres overlooking a beautiful lake, this 6,000-square-foot new build’s exterior showcases natural stone and solid limestone accents. The first-floor living areas feature a great room with a striking two-story curved window wall with panoramic lake views. The coastal-inspired kitchen, complete with a separate service kitchen and secret pantry, adjoins a turreted breakfast area and formal dining room. A laundry room, spectacular cherry library, and a master suite with a private deck complete the main level. The second floor hosts four guest suites, and the lower lake level is an entertainment haven. One of the most distinctive features is a secret circular stairway leading from the library to a lower-level hall with access to the wine cellar.
This custom residence, tucked between a lake and a serene inland pond, is a turn-key haven for privacy and hosting family. With its architecture defined by fresh white brick and blended gable roofs, and an interior cloaked in delicate sea-green hues, soft woods, and mixed metals, this home evokes a charming country retreat. Through an entry detailed in blue stone and stained wood, a seating area is furnished to host several, while remaining comfortable for two. To its left, the master wing boasts a generous closet room and bath suite laid with slate herringbone tile. Three bedroom suites and an activity area are on the lower level. Past the seating area upstairs, there’s a screened porch that opens to a lakeside patio.
Situated on a peninsula, this home is a charming vacation retreat for a large family. It was designed to embrace the natural beauty of its surroundings and sleep more than 22 people, so the family can summer here for generations to come. An open floor plan and low-maintenance materials allow for vacationing in a comfortable and relaxed environment. It was important to bring the colors of the exterior into the home, creating a seamless dialogue between the interior and exterior. Calming color combinations draw the eye to the view and focus on the serene and meditative setting. Fostering a sense of flow, the open floor plan and well-scaled furniture allow the family to maximize the entertaining potential of this home.
Within the heart of a wild and undisturbed 152-acre property, this new home was carefully placed alongside a river’s tributary pond, rolling meadows, and old-growth timbers. Wildlife habitats, sun angles, and the existing topography were all considered when the geometry of the house was determined. The materials include natural stone from Harbor Springs, vertical cedar wood siding milled locally, and recycled terne metal roofing. Adjacent to the foyer, a glass-and-steel staircase leads past the second floor up to the music room observatory tower. The first-floor master suite has its own wing. An equestrian-styled tack room serves as the mudroom, while a porte cochere connects the two garage structures — one housing the family’s vehicles, the other housing recreational sport vehicles.
This beautiful cottage is truly a dream. Thoughtful design and decision-making are evident in every aspect of this home, where a stunning view needed an even more attractive home. From custom coffered ceilings to cabinetry and a walk-in wine cellar, this cozy cottage offers everything you’d expect and more. Key aspects include outdoor living, luxury seclusion from busy streets and neighbors, and beautiful millwork and stonework.
The property is in a wooded clearing, and focuses on the client’s request for a residence that would resonate with the psychological calmness they experience upon arriving in this natural setting, away from the city. Clad in dark vertical siding with a metal roof, the structure recedes into the woods, a backdrop for outdoor spaces, while also revealing the stone and stained ash highlights. Order and repetition give the exterior a visual calmness; everything has a place and a purpose — there’s nothing extraneous. The interior spaces offer a visual openness that plays against the exterior sense of enclosure, which is enhanced by a minimal material palette. The use of a single material throughout creates a calming flow.
This unique traditional home represents a 20th century version of Cape Cod style, with its expansive eyebrow entrance canopy, shed dormers, cedar siding, and Connecticut fieldstone. All soffits and garage doors are natural Douglas fir, which results in a warm, inviting feeling. The rear and lake side of the home boast an entire wall of glass, with no divisions, for an expansive 180-degree view. There’s also a cozy, all-stone and wood grotto with a fireplace, BBQ grill, outdoor shower, heaters, and disappearing roll-down screens. This exciting home has everything you need to enjoy living with nature!
The client had owned this property for several years and was waiting for the right time to build their forever home. The owner’s vision was incorporated by centering the main area on the front entry and the loggia outside. A vaulted ceiling runs straight out from the main area to the loggia, with a 15-foot folding door between that opens to bring the outdoors in, while simultaneously pulling you out. Centered in the outdoor loggia is a beautiful dining table made from a large tree that was cut down on the lot during the build. Other areas of the home also feature repurposed trees from the lot, including the floating vanity in the bathroom and shelves placed throughout the home.
This serene cottage is on the shores of a northern Michigan lake. It blends contemporary design with natural elements, for a welcoming space. Expansive windows invite ample natural light in, while offering breathtaking views of the water. Inside there are custom details throughout, from hand-crafted cabinetry and built-ins to geometric accents that provide dynamic visual interests. Upon entering the front door, the eye travels along the hickory flooring, up the large two-story window wall, to a one-of-a-kind, irregular yet deliberate, ceiling component. In the lower level, which is made for entertainment, eccentric elements are balanced with a methodical and linear presentation. Two outdoor living spaces are accessible through large sets of double patio doors, bringing the natural air from the outdoors inside.
A series of elevated terraces and patios across all levels of the home connect indoor and outdoor living spaces. The home incorporates historic artifacts including original artwork, window assemblies from a Detroit factory designed by Albert Kahn, and antique boat motors. The couple are also avid car enthusiasts, so the home has two three-car garages positioned as outer wings that cradle an expansive motor court. The lower level serves as a collector’s display garage for three additional cars and is complemented by the owners’ nautical collections. Standing-seam steel roofing complements the façade, which features architectural panels of zinc and simulated mahogany aluminum vertical siding, accented by Italian Travertine flooring. The structure is visually grounded by Fond du Lac limestone belt lines and feature walls.
From the street, the design has a strong presence, layering shingled gable forms around the front entry porch with a copper-clad eyebrow roof. Welcoming yet reserved, it contains five bedroom suites, a bunk room, playroom, a great room/kitchen, and ample back of house support. Upon stepping through the front door and a wood-paneled foyer into the great room, the lake is revealed, viewed through French doors. Punctuated with gable dormers and an eyebrow window that recalls the entry porch, the roof caps the primary bedroom suite, the great room with its cathedral ceiling, the kitchen with a bay window, and a dining porch with a fireplace. All are set behind a double-columned veranda. The lakeside front porch extends from the house and spills onto the lawn.
Perched on a bluff above a lake, this Contemporary residence makes a bold yet elegant architectural statement. Dramatic roof lines and gravity-defying cantilevers capture the eye and imagination, with long spans of glass that appear to float. Upon entering the large courtyard, guests are greeted by wide, tiered tiled roofs and endless horizontals of Indiana limestone that flow into the bronze-tinted glass — all setting the stage for the details that follow. The open layout allows each area to share the expansive lake views, and one space easily flows to the next. Furnishings blend seamlessly between the rooms, while fabrics and finishes maintain visual interest. At every turn, this timeless home offers resort-rivaling amenities and awe-inspiring details.
Upon entering, one can’t help but be impressed by the vastness of this home's space, while simultaneously feeling embraced by its warmth. This balance was achieved by including designated spaces for daily activities while retaining an open concept. Nearly every surface of the interior is made of wood, chosen to provide a sense of quality. Shiplap, beadboard, and hand-hewn beams offer a variety of textures, and a dramatic three-story stair tower provides an abundance of natural light. The heart of this home is the kitchen, where a large quartz island stands front and center, and is flanked by quiet nooks designed for reading, relaxing, and enjoying lake views. Brass lighting fixtures contrast nicely against a double-sided stone fireplace between the great room and library.
This graceful abode whispers tales of coastal heritage. Its façade, a calming blue reminiscent of Great Lakes waves, harmonizes beautifully with the natural surroundings. The owner’s dream was to instill a sense of history and continuity in this home; it’s a testament to the belief that true elegance is timeless. The exterior boasts a charming combination of shingle siding and stone accents, enhanced by a spacious covered porch. Lush landscaping, showcasing vibrant flowers and manicured lawns, creates a picturesque setting that complements the overall aesthetic. The interior caters to relaxation and entertaining, with expansive living spaces, a state-of-the-art kitchen, and luxurious finishes. This is more than a residence; it’s a retreat.
This rural retreat along a river embraces the many voices of a close-knit extended family. The design aimed for serene simplicity — no larger or grander than necessary and complementing rather than contrasting with its context. Although relatively compact, the house can accommodate up to 14 people comfortably. Three bedrooms were kept on the smaller side, to encourage gatherings in the common spaces. A bunkroom with site-built beds has the capacity for eight. Three bedrooms rely on a shared bathroom where the shower, sinks, and water closet were compartmentalized to make sharing more convenient. The importance of group dinners is reflected in the bridge-like form of the dining room, which links the two wings of the house.
The clients call this home "Timbers" because it was created to be a Michigan timber-frame, lodge-style home that takes advantage of the lake and forest views. The simple, one-level cottage features a full-length central great room whose four corners are occupied by three generous bedrooms and a screened porch. The porch has hidden automated roll screens and large sliding glass doors, allowing the porch to become part of the great room and kitchen. The lake side of the great room is entirely floor-to-ceiling butt glass — framing an expansive view of the beach and lake beyond. The "Timbers" has lived up to its goal, offering elegant vacation living in a home that’s as spectacular as its surroundings.
Nestled along the shoreline of a Great Lake, this is an ultra-modern and sleek outdoor living-centered home. Clean lines, combined with a simplistic style, dominate. The intentional design allows for views of the lake from all levels; the rear of the structure overlooks the lake. Multiple decks with gatherings areas, heated beams, and a private hot tub are perfect for entertaining. The main level is open, making it an easy gathering space; it’s warmed by a stunning Napoleon fireplace. The main-level master suite includes lake views and is a quiet retreat inside of the home. The upper level’s exercise and sitting rooms have access to a deck overlooking the lake. The lower level includes additional bedrooms and more space to relax.
This home shares its lake vibes through plenty of chic accessories. The light-toned wood flooring brings in a clean, natural feel, while the white kitchen is bright and accented with brass on the pendent lighting, island, and cabinetry. Large floor-to-ceiling windows invite the sunshine in and encourage the chandelier to sparkle at night. A bright blue vanity in the powder room is reminiscent of the lake’s cool and soothing tones.
This unique Mid-century lakefront home started out as a small cottage and progressed through a series of renovations, culminating in a 21st-century, state-of-the-art residence. The combination of hip and beamed gable roofs gives the home a very attractive profile from the lakeside view. The exterior materials — Fon-du-Lac stone and horizontal cedar siding — add to the warm and inviting feel. The lake can be viewed through expansive windows set into the walnut-paneled wall and serve to connect the interior with the great outdoors.
This cozy three-story Victorian Shingle-style vacation cottage is set into the base of a steep bluff on the edge of a lake. The pleasant and relaxing main level interior offers a grand view over the extensive deck and lake beyond. The second level’s spacious master suite has a cozy cantilever turret sitting area that’s a special retreat when the homeowners want to read a favorite novel while listening to the waves lapping against the shore. The third level’s guest suite offers views of the entire lake through an expansive arched dormer window.
This Great Lakes dream home exemplifies the pinnacle of modern residential design, seamlessly integrating luxury and nature. It’s a masterful blend of natural materials, and the exterior stone and wood accents have created a warm and inviting retreat. The home’s highlight is its floor-to-ceiling windows, which offer breathtaking views of the serene lake and lush forest. The great room, with its tiered ceiling and cozy stone fireplace, provides a perfect setting for relaxation and entertainment, showcasing stunning sunset views. The primary suite is a sanctuary of tranquility, with a coffered ceiling and large windows that bring the beauty of the outdoors inside. Each room is meticulously crafted to ensure comfort, elegance, and functionality, making this residence a true standout design.
This exceptional home seamlessly blends with its natural setting, offering an unparalleled living experience that harmonizes with the surrounding landscape. Embracing stunning lake views, the residence features expansive windows that invite the outdoors in, flood the interior with natural light, and provide breathtaking panoramas from every room. Large sliding doors open to expansive patios and decks, providing perfect areas for relaxation and entertaining. Every element of the home is thoughtfully crafted to enhance the connection with nature, from the use of organic materials to the strategic placement of outdoor living areas. This home is a testament to the beauty of integrating architecture with the natural world and demonstrates the value of a serene and luxurious retreat.
Nestled into dunes overlooking a Great Lake, this home appears to emerge from the landscape. The project called for an artful house that respects the land and promotes wellness and outdoor living. Rugged beauty and opportunities for adventure drew the owners to the property but presented challenges, including rising lake levels and wildfire risk. Clad in sand-colored stucco, the house will intentionally be obscured by beach grass and junipers over time. A steel superstructure enables an ultra-thin roof with overhangs for passive solar design to withstand gale-force winds and heavy snow loads. A courtyard offers refuge on windy days. Layers of light and an edited palette of materials and textures unify the interior, and the screened porch is a contemporary interpretation of a time-honored lake house component.
Designed as a series of interconnected pods linked by flat-roof glass enclosures, this house maximizes its panoramic views and riverside settings from every room. The glass foyer offers unobstructed views for miles. Another highlight is the covered porch, complete with retractable screens, a retractable door, outdoor heaters, and a four-season lounge and dining area. The main pod houses the kitchen, family room, eating area, and utility room. A master suite and a den/office occupy the end pod. The walkout level features expansive recreational areas, a bar, a walk-in wine room, two bedrooms, and a guest suite. Outside, the exterior showcases a harmonious blend of materials, accented by unique details such as linear glass accents, floating wood walls, and flush lights embedded in stone columns.
Upon entering this home, attention is drawn to a striking three-story floating steel and wood stairwell, connected by a glass bridge, which sets a tone of modern elegance. The interior exudes an airy, modern-industrial aesthetic, featuring exposed structural steel and concrete elements. The rear-facing rooms, focused on the pool and lake, boast floor-to-ceiling and corner glass windows, emphasizing connectivity with the natural surroundings. A standout feature off the kitchen and dining area is the expansive three-season covered porch. The kitchen showcases innovative design with its range burners and controls mounted directly onto a quartz countertop. In the walkout level rivals any vacation resort, with a gym, an inviting pool, and a state-of-the-art theater. The recreation area offers diverse entertainment options.
Spanning three levels, this home’s floor plan gently curves like a boomerang, wrapping around the peninsula’s tip to afford sweeping, panoramic views of the lake through expansive glass windows. The heart of the main level is a gathering area combining the kitchen, dining space, and family room, all centered around a bar. Just beyond the kitchen, a sprawling covered porch beckons with retractable doors, screens, ceiling heaters, a TV, and a fireplace — perfect for seamless indoor-outdoor entertaining. Upstairs, four guest suites and a bunk room for eight await, while the walkout level is an entertainment haven with a bar, gym, theater, spa, and additional guest suite. This retreat is designed for memorable summers, private gatherings, and family celebrations, embodying the essence of lakeside luxury.
Perched majestically above a Great Lake, this marvel commands attention with its innovative design. Divided into three hipped-roof pods connected by sleek metal roofs and glass, it boasts a floating bridge that links the garage to the main house. Outside, stone, wood, glass, and metal forms the exterior façade, setting a harmonious tone against the natural backdrop. Inside, walls of floor-to-ceiling glass flood the interior with natural light, merging the living spaces with the scenic outdoors. The three pods cater to distinct functions: the main public space with its lofty ceilings encompasses the kitchen, dining area, and great room; the master suite is in the second pod; and the two-level garage connected by the glass bridge completes the ensemble. This is a testament to modern architectural ingenuity.
The clients, a retired couple, wanted to ensure their new-construction home was entirely customized to their tastes and needs. The goal was to co-create a space that perfectly suited their lifestyle, hobbies, tastes, and paths of travel, all while embracing their passion for interior design. As avid nature and animal lovers, their serene property along a natural stream inspired the team to integrate the outdoors into the home. In the initial planning, a palette that felt like home to the couple was quickly identified. The scheme incorporates a range of neutrals, from black marble to walnut accents and warm whites. The combination resulted in both individual delight and overall unity within the home.
This Prairie-style house is split into two sectors, private and public, which are connect by a glass foyer. Stepping into the foyer, a breathtaking unobstructed panoramic view of the lake unfolds. To the right, the master suite offers a serene retreat, while on the left, the great room, den, dining area, and kitchen boast sweeping views of the lake. What sets this ranch apart is its economical use of space; all recreation and children’s bedrooms are on the lower level. On the main level, the open floor plan extends onto a screened-in, covered porch that merges indoor and outdoor living. The exterior blends limestone slabs, metal panels, glass, and wood, accentuated by large overhangs that provide shelter and enhance its architectural allure.
This Prairie-style residence graces the banks of a meandering river. It integrates modern design elements — flat roofs and interconnected glass pods — to create an airy, open ambience. The foyer is a sanctuary of light and space, with a captivating glass atrium that frames uninterrupted views of the river. A luxurious master suite offers retreat, while the great room, dining area, and a chef's kitchen command panoramic vistas of the river. Outside, a screened-in porch extends the gathering areas, blending indoor comfort with the natural surroundings. Externally, the residence dazzles with its architectural finesse: expansive overhangs, a sharp knife-edge fascia, and a juxtaposition of limestone slabs, metal panels, glass, and metal siding. The clean, minimalist design features floor-to-ceiling windows and corner glass, maximizing the breathtaking lake panoramas.
This exceptional island retreat is a unique gem, surrounded by water. The house boasts three bedrooms upstairs, including a cozy bunk room, complemented by two baths. On the main level, an open floor plan unfolds into a spacious gathering area, kitchen, and dining space, designed for entertainment and relaxation. The biggest challenge involved the logistics of getting materials to the property; a lot was done in the winter, when the ice was solid. The house and property are meticulously crafted for versatility, catering both to moments of "peace and tranquility" and grand gatherings of up to 50 guests. Floor-to-ceiling glass, corner windows, and retractable glass walls adorn most rooms, ensuring breathtaking 360-degree views of the lake from most parts of the property.
This exquisite, Victorian-style, beachfront home features a circular drive leading to a romantic front porch, setting the tone for the elegance and warmth that await within. It offers conveniences such as a well-appointed mudroom, home office space, ample closets and storage, and numerous bathrooms. At the heart of the home, the expansive kitchen is a chef's dream. Adjacent to the kitchen, a traditional butler's pantry ensures seamless entertaining. The main floor also includes a formal dining room and vaulted seating area, creating a cozy and eye-catching space for relaxation. A moody music room invites moments of creative inspiration, while the beautifully appointed bar adjacent to the lounge is ideal for hosting gatherings.
This architectural marvel exemplifies modern luxury, seamlessly integrating with the timeless beauty of lakeside surroundings. The Michigan Department of Environmental Great Lakes and Energy approval process ensured minimal disruption to the ecosystem, underscoring the commitment to environmental stewardship. Upon a steep lakeside slope with curvilinear facades mirroring the undulating earth and framing the endless expanse of a Great Lake, this home offers breathtaking panoramic views. Walls fortified with 2x6 construction and hard foam insulation ensure optimal thermal performance, while a geothermal heat pump radiant system delivers efficient heating. For the exterior, heavy Douglas fir glulam beams, spaced at 12-foot intervals, provide a robust framework for the roof. The curvilinear metal roof, adorned with a large skylight over the central stair, invites natural light within.
This home evokes architectural elements of Prairie-style vernacular through its use of horizontal lines, hipped rooflines, windows, and deep overhangs as it nestles into its sloping landscape. A combination of natural stone wrapping the base and white façade accented by contrasting charcoal trim and roof silhouettes is carried throughout the interior of the home, strengthening the transition from indoor to outdoor spaces. Designed for entertaining and retreat, the open concept extends the living, kitchen, bar, and dining room out onto a fully screened porch and a landscaped outdoor patio. The home features amenities to support the clients’ lifestyle, such as a modern take on the traditional Murphy bed, exercise room, sauna, wine cellar, golf simulator, master suite, and guest suite.
This project involved renovating a home built in the early 2000s to better reflect the lifestyle of its owners. Situated on an island, the property boasts a canal and a boat house. The design challenge was to transform the dark, ornate interior into a coastal haven. The main floor underwent a comprehensive makeover that included new flooring, light fixtures, and a fresh coat of paint. Cosmetic updates were applied to the kitchen, wet bar, and fireplace. Delighted with the transformation, the homeowners extended the project to include other rooms. This encompassed furnishing the dining room, incorporating built-ins into the loft, remodeling and furnishing the bonus room, and renovating the guest bath. The theme remained consistent: encapsulating the essence of modern coastal living.
From sunrise to breathtaking sunsets, every aspect of this location celebrates nature's beauty. The exterior showcases a blend of materials — limestone block, sleek metal, glass, and wood-emulating metal siding — that complement the landscape. Thin cantilevered overhangs extend horizontally, enhancing the home’s linear profile, while floor-to-ceiling corner glass windows frame panoramic views in nearly every room. The interior exudes a soft industrial ambience, with exposed steel, walls of glass, warm wood floors, and meticulously designed lighting. The lower level is dedicated to entertainment, with a bar, gaming areas, and lakefront amenities. A highlight is the covered screened porch, perfect for enjoying lakeside breezes and summer gatherings. The primary suite is a spa-like retreat embodying luxury and relaxation. This lakefront oasis is designed for family fun.
This contemporary Prairie-style lake house is beautifully sited on a peninsula, enabling all the primary spaces to enjoy magnificent views of the lake. The beautifully articulated horizontal and vertical lines of the architecture, delineated in natural materials of stone, brick, wood, metal, and glass, are repeated throughout the interior. A lake-inspired palette of gray, white, and sand, with a whisper of blue, results in a feeling of serenity, while the warm wood elements that flow throughout the home are welcoming and the open stairway is a sculptural piece of modern art. An exquisite collection of one-of-a-kind wool-and-silk rugs, curated chandeliers, and furniture upholstered in velvets, leathers, and linens speak of luxury. The infinity-edge pool connects the interior and exterior spaces with the surrounding landscape.
Surrounded almost entirely by water, this property is a haven designed for dynamic activities and grand entertaining. Carefully planned for maximum enjoyment, the house is segmented into several activity pods that fan around the perimeter, ensuring every room commands breathtaking unobstructed views of the lake. One pod encompasses the main living areas — living room, kitchen, dining, and hangout spaces — while another holds the bedrooms and guest suite wing. The master suite stands apart, accessible only via a glass-enclosed bridge that provides a private retreat as well as easy access to the water. The walkout level includes a bar/kitchen, theater, guest suite, and lounge area. A detached recreation facility houses another bar, bath, and a state-of-the-art golf simulator, reflecting the owners’ passion for golf.
This lakefront home project involved a complete teardown and rebuild, transforming a small, rundown cottage and detached garage into a stunning custom home. The design faced numerous challenges, including a narrow lot, poor soil conditions, steep grades, and strict zoning restrictions. The unsuitable soil was removed and replaced with clean sand, raising the elevation by over 10 feet. This new elevation allowed for a new-build with an attached garage at street level, 12-foot basement ceilings, and unobstructed lake views from nearly every room. Panoramic windows were strategically placed to enhance the lake view, creating a sense of a larger, more expansive space. Landscaped stairs provide seamless access from the front yard to the waterfront, integrating the outdoor and indoor spaces harmoniously.
This sophisticated yet casual traditional Shingle-style home inspires romance. Meticulous trim embodies the home’s elegance through painted shiplap, two-story wainscoting, and detailed fireplaces. Hand-applied finishes, beautiful textures, and an eclectic mix of antique and custom lighting bring intimacy to every room. Custom-designed-and-scaled furniture balances the home’s proportions, while velvet textures soften the space without compromising the drama. A walnut-stained coffered library with full paneling and built-ins is the perfect spot for enjoying a book or tackling paperwork. An arched floor-to-ceiling fireplace warms the dreamy master suite with its 15-foot vaulted ceilings. The hearth room’s hand-applied plaster wall finish, two-story bay windows, and 12-foot tumbled sandstone fireplace inspire cozy conversations. Upstairs, in kid haven, laughter turns to sleepy yawns in built-in bunk beds.
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