This contemporary guest house was designed by Smith & Vansant Architects, located on the precipitous wooded banks of Lake Morey, a classic summer resort area nestled in eastern Vermont. Due to zoning restrictions, the footprint was limited to 24′ x 36′ and allowed only two bedrooms. The entry side of the house, located just a few feet from the Lake access road houses utilitarian components of the program, such as mudroom, storage and mechanical spaces.
Technically only one-and-a-half stories, the building literally steps down the site, keeping its low and more enclosed side to the road, and hiding the scale of the living spaces within. Ten and twelve-foot ceilings at the lake side open up dramatically to the trees and views of the water. The mono-pitch roof form lifts towards the lake, where the height of the building is screened by mature trees. A minimalist deck of Cor-Ten steel is cantilevered off the lake side of the house.
What We Love: This contemporary guest house features plenty of charming details throughout. From the inviting stone steps that leads from the guest house entryway to the main residence, to the expansive windows framing idyllic water views. Comfortable furnishings welcome guests to relax and stay awhile in this fantastic resort town getaway… Readers, what details in this home do you find appealing? Would this home be your idea of the perfect vacation stay? 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 portfolio of Smith & Vansant Architects: Modern retreat in Vermont inspired by a meadow landscape and Antique cape style house gets charming makeover in New England.
Above: Maple veneer plywood walls.
Above: A generous dining room takes advantage of ten-foot high windows onto the deck, while the living room is intended as a more enclosed evening space.
Above: A detail in the kitchen shows a Moroccan Red Ice Stone countertop. The windows are sourced from Marvin Windows.
Above: The kitchen and dining area features maple veneer plywood walls and cabinets. A built-in window seat provides a comfortable setting to enjoy the magnificent lake views. The light fixture over the table is the Nelson bubble lamp cigar pendants.
Above: The living room features a Paloma gas stove from Heat & Glo.
Above: Despite the two-bedroom limit, this guest house sleeps nine, utilizing loft alcoves, bunks and window-seats.
Above: How amazing would it be to spend a vacation luxuriating in this bedroom? Those lakefront views are heavenly!
Above: A Recreation Room on the lowest level, with associated laundry and bath, provides easy access to the outdoors for the younger generation.
Photos: Rob Karosis Photography
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