Today’s home tour takes you through a striking shingle-style retreat nestled along Lake Michigan, Minnesota. The property was designed by Benchmark Design Studio, along with custom building company Mike Schaap Builders. The owners of this home enjoy relaxed living that is an afforded luxury when you reside next to a lake. The exterior of the residence offers plenty of charm with nautical-inspired characteristics. This includes a shingle-style roof that can be viewed from the front of the property, while metal roof accents and striking stone columns compliments the lakeside views. A timeless quality can be witnessed both inside and out, a classic beauty to last generations. Through the front door, you will be immediately taken by the coziness and warmth of this cottage. Ten foot high ceilings provides an airiness to the spaces, while expansive windows maximizes captivating waterfront views.

The eye-catching color that you see on the exterior siding is from our favorite paint manufacturer, Benjamin Moore. The color is HC-154 Hale Navy. The home offers three living levels, which includes a finished basement level that extends out to a deck with an in-ground swimming pool.

Above: The interiors are characterized by a beach style aesthetic, which is complimented by subtle bursts of color and industrial light fixtures. You will find the decor to be quite playful against the more natural material elements and rustic finishes. This includes while oiled European oak flooring which can be seen throughout most of the main living spaces. The flooring was sourced from DuChateau. The custom built cabinet above was painted in Benjamin Moore – AF-565 Mysterious. The walls are also Benjamin Moore, HC-173 Edgecomb Gray.

Above: The built-in cabinet in the mudroom provides functional storage for shoes, jackets, etc. There is also a comfortable seat to sit down and take off your shoes. The cabinetry was painted in Benjamin Moore’s White Dove.

Above: The laundry room features plenty of functional storage space. Cabinets were painted in Benjamin Moore – AF-565 Mysterious.

Above: The powder bathroom has a nautical feel with the rope mirror and the navy wallcovering. The source of the grasscloth wallpaper is Thibaut Adriatic Colorway – Navy and Taupe T41137.

Above: This chic kitchen has plenty of stylish features to drool over! First, we begin with the wall paint color. It is Benjamin Moore-Edgecomb Gray. The custom fabricated cabinets features a custom finish, but the hue is similar to that of Benjamin Moore’s River Reflections. Notice a beverage chiller on the lower cabinetry? It is Sub Zero, with model number UC-24BG/O. The beautiful stone countertops are New Wuay Cambria Quartz. The dropped island table is composed of pine, which has been stained with a distressed finish. Illuminating the space are Zaio industrial pendant fixtures by Mercana.

Above: A close-up detail of the kitchen really showcases the beauty of the quartz countertops and the stunning pendant fixtures.

Above: Open plan living defines the main level of this lakeside home. The comfortable and cozy living room is chalk full of beach style fabrics, finishes and decor. The fireplace provides a warm ambiance, while large windows frames the views of the shimmering waters of Lake Michigan.

Above: The dining area offers french doors that leads out to a second story balcony, offering breathtaking vistas of the lake beyond. The Santa Cruz Chandelier above the dining table was sourced from Classic Home.

Above: A deck off the dining room also provides shelter from the lower level poolside deck. On this main level patio, homeowners and guests can enjoy lounging or dining al fresco on the outdoor dining table.

Above: Enjoy lakefront views on this expansive deck while dining from a stylish dining table and chairs.

Above: The staircase takes you to the lower level and the upper level, features eye-catching textured loop carpeting sourced from Robertex Associates Inc. The collection is called “Gotta Like It”, in the colorway of “Gotta Like Music”.

Above: The master bedroom is dressed in warm beachy shades that feels comfortable and inviting.

Above: The wall paint color in the serene master bathroom is Benjamin Moore’s Smoke. The 12″ x 24″ porcelain floor tiles adds to the beach style aesthetic, applied in a brick set layout. Source: Mediterranea Touch in Summer Breeze. The cabinetry was custom fabricated by Benchmark Design Studio. The maple wood was color matched to a piece of furniture in the home then given a glaze finish (just an FYI, the glaze adds a 10% extra cost to your cabinet package, but 80% of homeowners request this popular aesthetic).

Above: The master bathroom provides the homeowner’s with a spa-like oasis to relax and unwind. The door leads to a private balcony, offering heavenly lakeside views.

Above: The private balcony off the master bathroom features generous views of Lake Michigan.

Above: An upper level guest bedroom offers a picture window capturing views of the green manicured lawn on the side of the property.

Above: A guest bathroom features custom fabricated cabinets with a custom finish that is similar to Benjamin Moore’s Deep Royal. The antique nickel Congress three light wall sconce was sourced from Hinkley Lighting.

Above: Even though there was plenty of space to accommodate overnight guests on the upper level of the home, the homeowners requested overflow space. The second level of the garage provided this opportunity, converted into a bunk room. There is plenty space for four people to sleep, along with functional built-in storage.

Above: Another guest bedroom, dressed in a playful nautical theme, in harmony with the rest of the home.

Above: Bunk beds maximizes the use of a small space and offers children a fun spot for sleeping!

Above: Love the ropes used to create a bed frame, in keeping with the beach style theme.

Above: This guest bedroom is located on the lower level of the home. The area was designed as overflow guest quarters, complete with a kitchenette and bathroom. This lake level area was meticulously designed to seamlessly integrate indoor/outdoor living.

Above: This adorable bathroom (part of the lower level guest quarters) is painted in Benjamin Moore’s Sylvian Mist.

Above: This cozy designed living area is part of the lower level guest quarters.

Above: The fully equipped kitchenette is part of the lower level guest quarters, complete with a dining area.

Above: An expansive deck off the lower level guest quarters offers a cozy sitting area protected from the elements from the upper level patio. A staircase from the main level provides easy access to the lower beach level, where a swimming pool ends almost to the waters edge.

What We Love: This shingle-style retreat provides homeowners and guests with an exquisite lakeside getaway to enjoy the great outdoors during the warm summer months. We love the wonderful indoor-outdoor connection, beautifully appointed details and all of the guest space to entertain with ease…  readers, what do you think of this home? Would this be your ideal vacation retreat?

Above: A view of the three-story lakefront home.

Photos: Ashley Avila