This dreamy lake house was designed by TMS Architects, nestled on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee in Meredith, New Hampshire. The new homeowners found their dream location after an extensive search throughout the New Hampshire lakes region. The original home on the property has been developed in the early 1900s, prior to water body protection being a critical issue. It was positioned extremely close to the water’s edge on a small peninsula with incredible 270-degree water views. Regardless of these positives, the existing home did not meet the new owner’s lifestyle needs.
It had an awkward interior layout that restricted natural light, while rooflines extended over decades of add-0n renovations. This created useable headroom for the upper levels, yet limited the homeowner’s ability to entertain family and friends on the main level. The architects solution to this problem was to rebuild a brand new home on top of the existing stone foundation. The new layout would limit disruption to the waterfront, while creating a unique space to meet and exceed the owner’s requests.
Exterior detailing was important in siting the house properly and defining the exterior space without overcrowding the shoreline. Steep roof pitches with shingle sweeps, intricately detailed bracket work and gable build-outs pay homage to the traditional turn of the century shingle style architecture found throughout the Lakes Region. Such detailing also provided a backdrop to the many exterior spaces for which one could relax and enjoy the day. A large fieldstone chimney matching the existing foundation balances the visual scale of the building from the front entry and grounds the building visually to the site through the use of materials found in the local architectural vernacular.
Project Highlights: Built on existing 150-year +/- stone foundation, Four season porch with fold up windows, Shingle style detailing and inlays, Open concept kitchen dining greenroom, Coffered beams, Beadboard Accents, Paladin windows, Gable brackets and sweeps, Exterior stone work, Hidden Doors, Retractable Pergola ceiling, Eyebrow window.
What We Love: This dreamy lake house offers a fabulous, light-filled interior layout and tranquil water views at every turn. Each individual space throughout this home offers its own unique character, yet complements the main living spaces they adjoin to create a cohesive and timeless design.
Readers, what do you think of the design details of this home, is there anything you would like to have seen done differently? Please share your thoughts in the Comments below!
At the front entry, guests are greeted into a small foyer that welcomes them and frames their views through the house into the larger spaces. One such space includes the Great Room, which is encompassed in glass with spectacular 270-degree views of Lake Winnipesaukee. Warm neutral tones, beadboard accent walls, and coffered ceilings help to create an atmosphere of relaxation and elegance while allowing the lake views to shine effortlessly.
The intricately detailed stairwell uses the warm tones of the wood floors and custom railing to carry the eye visually to the western facing Palladian window which helps scatter the golden afternoon sunlight throughout the house. The railing heights and landing widths were increased to create a sense of space on and around the stairs for reflection, viewing and pause when leaving a room.
Above: Vanity Paint: Cloud White OC-130 | Benjamin Moore; Wall Paint: Cromarty – Farrow & Ball; Wall Sconces: Bristol Single Wall Sconce by AERIN for Visual Comfort.
Photos: Rob Karosis Photography
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