This striking wood-clad home was designed for a pair of empty nesters as a weekend retreat by Wheeler Kearns Architects, nestled on a wooded bluff with sweeping views over Lake Michigan. The owners desired “an escape from the city for family to gather. A place for sunlight. A place to breathe,” states the architects.

Situated on a two-acre property, the home is sited to not only take advantage of the lake views but also enjoy panoramic views of the neighboring parcel, a woodland preserve. This stunning property features three distinct structures: the main house, an entertainment/guest wing, and a detached garage, all thoughtfully arranged to maximize natural light, frame views, and create inviting outdoor spaces.

DESIGN DETAILS: ARCHITECT Wheeler Kearns Architects CONSTRUCTION MANAGER Bulley & Andrews STRUCTURAL ENGINEER Enspect Engineering MEP/FP ENGINEER Building Engineering Systems CIVIL ENGINEER Abonmarche LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT Hoerr Schaudt LIGHTING DESIGN Lux Populi SYSTEMS INTEGRATION Premiere Systems INTERIOR DESIGN Branca

The two living structures are staggered to enhance glass exposure and corner views, immersing residents in the surrounding landscape. The detached garage forms part of a serene garden courtyard at the entry, while a glass link between the two living spaces opens fully, blending the courtyard with the expansive vistas beyond.

Natural, native materials shape the architectural palette, seamlessly connecting indoors and outdoors. A limestone wall wraps the ground level of the main house, extending through the interior and out to the pool terrace.

Dark slatted wood siding clads the lower levels of the entertainment wing and garage, echoing the vertical woodland. Above, black locust-clad boxes hover over clerestory windows, designed to gray and weather over time. A slatted oak ceiling flows seamlessly from the entry’s overhang to the interior, enhancing the sense of continuity.

Inside, floor-to-ceiling glass and mitered glass corners bathe the spaces in natural light, immersing one in nature. Warmth and comfort are provided by contemporary furnishings, custom wood millwork, and the slatted oak ceiling, creating a peaceful retreat from urban life.

This is the owners’ sanctuary—a place to breathe, unwind, and be restored.

What We Love: This Lake Michigan home offers its inhabitants an idyllic escape from the city to spend quality time with loved ones. The copious amounts of glazing not only help to flood the interiors with natural light but also frame views of the natural environment. We love how this home has been separated into three distinct structures for living and entertaining. Overall, this home has exceptional detailing and execution.

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

Note: Be sure to check out a couple of other fantastic home tours that we have highlighted here on One Kindesign in the state of Michigan: This spectacular modern refuge celebrates stunning Lake Michigan views and Warm and inviting log cabin on a tranquil lake in Northern Michigan.

Above: The foyer features limestone flooring and white oak casework and ceilings.

Above: This intimate dining room is lined with nickel gap cedar.

Above: A wall of Croatian limestone spans from the foyer to the family room.

Above: White oak veneer panels line the walls of this foyer. The stairs lead to a second-story guest suite, which offers prime views.

Above: A rooftop meadow provides a lush, bee-friendly foreground to the lake.

Above: Polished marble slabs in the bathroom add a spa-like feel.

PHOTOGRAPHER Steve Hall, Hall+Merrick+McCaugherty Photographers