This modern lake house family retreat was recently given a complete overhaul by architectural studio Workshop/apd, located in Westchester, New York. The home had been a vacation getaway for the family for years but was very dated, so the family pretty much lived outside, enjoying all that the area had to offer.

The original home was cramped and uninviting, so the family hired the architects to tear down the home and replace it with this magnificent 6,500 square foot lakeside property. Their one wish for the design of the home was for it to feel like they were living in a tree house. The entryway was designed to give the homeowners views straight through to the lake upon entrance.

It separates the home into two entities, one side for the adults, the other side for the kids. They took on a “less is more” approach to the design, they wanted a lived-in feel that was not overly cluttered with stuff, giving a more retreat aesthetic to the home. The three-story residence was connected to nature by creating various indoor and outdoor levels, such as lounging spaces, sleeping lofts, decks, exercise and media areas as well as a floating glass bridge that connects the family room with a deck.

During the excavation process, the architects had the construction crew chip away by hand at the granite that was on the property where the foundation was to be set. They re-purposed this material throughout the home, creating a beautiful, natural aesthetic. 

Inspired by the surrounding woods, nature was brought into the design scheme through the use of weathered wooden beams, white oak floorboards, and shingles that are crafted from hand-split, rough-hewn oak. The finished result is an incredible dwelling that is successfully integrated with the surrounding forested canopy that makes its inhabitants feel like they are living amongst the trees.

What We Love: All of the natural light flooding through the interiors, natural materials utilized in the design process, the stunning wood and steel staircase, gorgeous furnishings… and the outdoor setting is heavenly! What a sensational spot to have a vacation retreat… what do you think?

Note: Have a look at another fabulous design by the architects of Workshop/apd here: Remarkable modern pad with sweeping Hudson River views.

A dramatic focal point to the home is this floating interior staircase with floor-to-ceiling glass walls that showcases mesmerizing water views.

Photos: Courtesy of Workshop/apd