Winkelman Architecture together with Symonds Builders have designed this spectacular family summer camp surrounded by oak trees in Bridgton, Maine. True to its name, Long Lake stretches 11 miles through the woods of western Maine. This 9-acre site along the west shore of the lake includes a long stretch of waterfront along a gently sloping wooded lot.

An older camp and garage were replaced by the main house and master bedroom suite, while an existing boathouse was updated to accommodate the needs of the family and guests. The siting of the house respects an old oak grove and an established flow of water crossing the site.

DESIGN DETAILS: ARCHITECT Winkelman Architecture INTERIOR DESIGN Winkelman Architecture BUILDER Symonds Builders KITCHEN MILLWORK Warren Construction Group STRUCTURAL ENGINEER Albert Putnam Associates LANDSCAPE DESIGN Richardson and Associates

The owner was seeking to create a traditional “Maine camp” feeling with a modern touch and amenities. Key elements included an open plan kitchen, a multi-purpose gathering area with a screened porch, an abundance of windows for light and views, a private master suite, and space to accommodate overnight guests.

The house’s footprint shifts and dances between the oaks. Soft angles in the floor plan carve out cozy places to sit, read, listen to waves against the shoreline, and gather together as a family.

The early stages of the design process began with a large centralized plan to include living and sleeping spaces. However, as discussions progressed, the architects slid the master bedroom out to become its own retreat near the soft sounds of a nearby stream.

A walkway with wood decking flows between the trees and tethers the kitchen, living room, and dining room to the master bedroom. The walkway is covered to protect it from rain and the posts provide lovely framed views of the lake.

Each space is a true reflection of this family. A love to cook and entertain inspired the engaging relationship between the kitchen and the screen porch. Over-sized double hung windows (Marvin Windows & Doors) open to the kitchen counter to serve a meal and for the cook and kids to spend time together.

Above: The kitchen features a triple layer of black stain on the cabinets and open shelving. The countertops are gray-honed Pietra del Cardosa stone coated to darken it to compliment the hue of the cabinets. This color was selected to focus attention on the surrounding terrain. All plumbing fixtures and pulls have a living brass finish, providing the house with warmth.

What We Love: This wonderful retreat provides a peaceful atmosphere surrounded by woods and nestled next to a lake. With an open and airy interior in the main house, the focus is the views while bringing in an abundance of natural light. We are loving the screened porch and how its faces the lake, the perfect spot for lounging. Overall, this warm and inviting cabin is an idyllic haven for family gathering, whether it be for just two people or entertaining up to 24 guests.

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

Note: Be sure to check out a couple of other fabulous home tours that we have showcased here on One Kindesign in the state of Maine: Step into this coastal Maine house with beautifully inviting living spaces and Get inspired by this inviting Maine beach cottage with an industrial vibe.

Above: Screen porch bathed in shingles and sunlight with eastern white cedar, cypress, and pine.

Above: In the living room, the furnishings are custom upholstered in Sunbrella fabric, lending an elevated yet durable aesthetic. This is so the owners won’t get upset if children come in with wet bathing suits. A vaulted ceiling and large windows flood this space with natural light. G.M. Libby and Sons designed a fieldstone fireplace that has a channel chiseled out of the stone to fit the triangular gable window.

Above: The dwelling was designed to be rustic yet with modern amenities. In response, the architect devised a ramble of clean-lined structures with an exterior that alternates cedar shingles with plank siding. Each structure has a roof of standing-seam metal.

PHOTOGRAPHER Jeff Roberts, Joanna Shaw