Architectural studio Woodhull was commissioned to breathe new life into this beloved family camp that is nestled along Pequawket Lake in Limington, Maine. The task at hand was to strike a delicate balance between modern upgrades and preserving the cherished memories of the past, ensuring the next generation would have a lasting place to create their own treasured moments.

To maintain a harmonious presence amidst neighboring camps and keep a small ecological footprint, the decision was made to replace the existing cottages with a thoughtful approach. The vision was clear – to create a family camp that focused on togetherness and the essentials of a comfortable retreat rather than an extravagant luxury. Nature, closeness, and embracing the present would be the guiding principles.

A gabled story and a half design were selected for both structures to keep a humble and unpretentious scale. The two buildings, together encompassing roughly 2,700 square feet, would provide ample sleeping space to accommodate over 20 guests, featuring seven bedrooms, lofts, and screened-in sleeping porches — a beloved family tradition. The interior layout encouraged communal living, with cozy bedrooms encouraging everyone to gather in the central living areas: the kitchen, living room, and outdoors.

Inside the cabins, the ambiance exudes brightness and warmth, with lightly pickled pine floors and walls. Nods to the original 1950s buildings are found in the subtle accents of orange, paying homage to the past. The kitchen, adorned with green cabinetry, beautifully harmonizes with the natural surroundings, complemented by slate flooring.

With regards to amenities, when faced with the option of a laundry set or a dishwasher, the adult children opted for a dishwasher. When the camp is at full capacity, witnessing laundry hanging and towels drying will come as no surprise, as it contributes to the relaxed, lived-in feel that is characteristic of a Maine lakeside camp.

The exterior of the structures is comprised of brown-stained cedar and hemlock, allowing the home to blend seamlessly into its environment. Delicate orange trims around the windows echo the spirit of the original camp, and discreetly integrated details requested by the family, such as Morse code carvings on porch posts, commemorate the birthdates of the owner’s parents and himself, adding intricate and meaningful touches to the design.

At its core, this revitalization project cherishes the values of tradition, family, and togetherness, allowing the rest of the design to effortlessly unfold, weaving the past and the present into a harmonious and enduring lakeside haven.

What We Love: This camp-like cabin provides a family with a wonderful getaway to escape to nature and spend quality time together. We are loving the overall concept of this property, there are so many fabulous details throughout. From the charming sleeping porch to the comfortable living spaces… and the breathtaking forested setting!

Tell Us: Would this be your idea of the ultimate multi-generational family retreat? Let us know why or why not in the Comments below!

Note: Check out a couple of other amazing home tours that we have highlighted here on One Kindesign in the state of Maine: A 570 square foot steel cabin immersed in a beautiful Maine forest and Beautiful coastal Maine home envisioned for idyllic summer getaways.

Above: The bed was sourced from Pottery Barn and has storage drawers on the sides and the front. You can also get this bed with an upholstered headboard, perfect for smaller spaces!

PHOTOGRAPHER Trent Bell Photography