Situated along the shores of idyllic Lake Sunapee in New Hampshire, rests a recently constructed cottage-style house crafted by Bonin Architects. Offering breathtaking vistas that span across the glistening water to the majestic mountains beyond, this home is a testament to beauty and serenity.

With Home Glow Design as an integral part of the project from its architectural inception, the homeowners were guided through every step of the journey. From thoughtful floor planning and strategic placement of HVAC systems to the artful arrangement of feature lighting, millwork, and finishes, their comprehensive approach extended to even the smallest details such as window treatments, furniture installation, and carefully curated accent pieces.

DESIGN DETAILS: ARCHITECT Bonin Architects BUILDER McGray & Nichols INTERIOR DESIGNER Home Glow Design

Several decades ago, the wife’s grandfather acquired the land that holds a special place in her heart, where she spent countless summers. As time passed, the ownership of the land and its accompanying 1970s house was transferred to her. However, the original dwelling, devoid of historical or nostalgic significance, was characterized by a gloomy and constricted atmosphere.

Determined to create their ideal abode, the family embarked on a new journey, opting to construct a magnificent Forever Home from scratch.

The outcome is a stunning residence that harmoniously blends vintage elements with a transitional style foundation, complemented by delightful modern accents that add a touch of playfulness.

What We Love: The creation of this exquisite cottage-style lake house represents a family’s unwavering dedication to turning their cherished dreams into a tangible reality. With thoughtfully curated details and design selections, this forever home stands as a testament to the owner’s vision, offering a space that seamlessly combines elegance, nostalgia, and contemporary flair. It serves as a sanctuary where past memories intertwine with present aspirations, creating a haven that will be treasured for generations to come.

Tell Us: What elements in the design of this lakeside abode do you find most appealing? Let us know in the Comments below!

Note: Be sure to check out a couple of other fabulous home tours that we have highlighted here on One Kindesign in the state of New Hampshire: Tour this spectacular lakeside dream home in New Hampshire and Delightful barn style home in New Hampshire with a cottage-inspired feel.

Above: Stepping inside this cottage-style lake house, the entire home’s color palette was inspired by the wife’s heirloom rug, which features warm hues of green, marigold, blue, gray, and persimmon. On the walls, the tree-patterned wallpaper reflects the wife’s favorite color, green. On the floor, a slate-like porcelain tile provides a durable surface.

Above: In the entry, an exquisite antique campaign chest has brass pulls and intricate inlaid details. Complementing its charm, a ceramic lamp, selected from Hudson Valley Lighting, adds a touch of elegance.

Above: In the living room, a daybed upholstered in a Perennials fabric in front of the window has a low profile so as to not block views of the lake and the mountains in the distance. The moss-green velvet sectional is a bespoke creation by Charles Stewart Co., fabricated in North Carolina. It is stain and UV resistant, ensuring its longevity and ease of maintenance. The coffee table is a whitewashed, cerused oak. Next to the fireplace is a reclining chair and stool from Gabby Home, upholstered in a stain-resistant fabric. 

Above: The flooring boasts wide-planked, engineered white oak, featuring character knots that exude a sense of warmth. To add a touch of softness, a cut-pile carpet weave rug, custom-tailored to the space, graces the floor, offering both style and practicality. Notably, its construction makes it resilient against the playful antics of dogs, as their claws find it difficult to latch onto their surface.

Above: Adjacent to the dining area, French doors provide access to the wife’s office—a slender space featuring an oval window and a beautiful botanical mural wallpaper that transports you into a realm of enchanting woodlands. This space also includes a custom-fabricated ash desk with a file cabinet and pull-out printer.

Above: In the dining room, the wooden ceiling beams serve a dual purpose, delineating the space while harmoniously merging rustic, traditional, and modern elements. Introducing a vibrant touch, the host chairs by Charles Stewart accent the custom oak trestle dining table. To maintain a casual ambiance, rattan chairs with woven backs perfectly complement the overall atmosphere.

Above: A sliding glass door leads out to a reclaimed stone patio with a lounging and outdoor cooking area, along with breathtaking water views.

Above: In the kitchen, an expansive 12-foot island has a farmhouse sink and a durable Neolith porcelain countertop. The island is painted in Galapagos Green 475 by Benjamin Moore. Suspended over the island is a pair of clear glass and oil-rubbed bronze pendant lights from Visual Comfort. They help to illuminate the island while not visually blocking the view.

Above: To avoid an all-stainless kitchen appearance, the homeowners made a deliberate choice by selecting an ivory-colored range complemented by a v-grooved hood, which adds a textured element to the overall aesthetic.

Above: In the laundry room, you’ll find open shelving, custom cabinetry, and dedicated areas for air-drying clothes. Notably, a clever retractable rod is mounted on the ceiling, conveniently located near windows adorned with café curtains. These curtains not only filter the light but are also crafted from easy-to-clean, indoor-outdoor fabric that resists mildew. Below the windows, a dog wash is thoughtfully integrated, featuring blue-on-green penny tile.

Above: The main bedroom captures the essence of the surrounding water with its soothing color palette. A touch of history graces the space in the form of a sepia-toned horse painting adorning the wall above the bed. Completing the picture of refined elegance, a pair of green botanical stools from Bernhardt rest at the foot of the bed. Suspended from above, a light fixture by Crystorama emanates a radiant glow reminiscent of a blossoming golden flower.

Above: In the main bathroom, the shower tile is finished with zellige, a Moroccan handcrafted terra-cotta tile in variegated water hues. The shower seat and countertops feature the same material used in the kitchen, Neolith. V-groove shiplap planks grace the walls of this space, adding texture.