Wade Weissmann Architecture has transformed an old summer cottage into a nautical retreat for family getaways for weekend and holiday fun on Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. The scope of this project entailed using the residence’s existing foundation, adding a second floor, and infusing historically inspired details to give a fresh new aesthetic. Peabody’s Interiors teamed up with the architects to convert the original residence into a two-story home that would maintain the feel of a weekend retreat.

Expanding this new home would allow the accommodation of an expanding family as well as groups of friends for entertainment and weekend retreats. The well-renowned lake provides a beautiful backdrop to this home, whose views are maximized everywhere possible. With the additions to this home, the new layout offers 10,000 square feet, with five bedrooms, six full bathrooms two half baths… and five fireplaces!

Although this home would serve as the owner’s main residence, they requested that the architects design a home whose composition would be inspired by the other local seasonal homes. It needed to appear as though it had been constructed at least a century prior. “As such, we selected a mix of traditional architectural elements, incorporating them in a somewhat utilitarian composition, all of which would then be accented by a clean and crisp nautical decor,” explains the architects.

Above: Helping to set a subtle nautical tone in the foyer is the E. F. Chapman Alderly 3 Light 16 inch Antique Burnished Brass Pendant Ceiling Light, available at Visual Comfort & Co.

Above: The Miramar large hanging shades in the second-floor family room were sourced from Ralph Lauren’s lighting collection. The opening between the family room and game / bunk area is separated by a sliding barn door.

What We Love: This waterfront property has so much to appreciate, from the curved archways to the open truss ceiling in the family room. The overall feeling is a classic lake house brimming with personality and warmth. There is a brilliant mix of traditional styling with modern elements and maritime sophistication.

Tell Us: What do you think of this nautical family retreat? Do you think it exhibits an overall inviting feel? Tell us in the Comments!

Note: Have a look at a couple of other amazing home tours that we have featured here on One Kindesign from the state of Wisconsin: Amazing camp-like family retreat in Wisconsin with idyllic lakeside setting and Enchanting rustic cabin provides cozy getaway in Northern Wisconsin.

Above: The kitchen mixes traditional with modern. Illuminating the island are the Compass Ceiling Mounted Large Pendants with Glass Shade, sourced from Waterworks. At one end of the island is a Heritage Beam and Board butcher block with a dropped-down extension. An artisan-crafted copper hood creates a statement in this mainly white palette.

Above: The main bedroom features a cozy seating area around a fireplace.

PHOTOGRAPHER Werner Straube & David Bader Photography