This rustic lakefront cabin was created by design-build firm Lands End Development, located along Leech Lake, a lake located in Northern Minnesota. This is the third largest lake in the state and although the name may not be appealing, it is a gorgeous location to have a home! This dream lake cabin was designed as a brand home that was made to look timeworn. To help create this aesthetic, the designers used reclaimed wood from an 1880s barn.
Each of the family members got to select one key element they wished to see in the design of their new home. The wife selected the reclaimed wood, the husband wanted a screened-in porch, while their daughter wished for a loft and their son requested a fire pole!
The wood was reclaimed from an old post-and-beam barn in Iowa—old-growth pine well-preserved by mounds of hay. The family hired someone to take down all of the planks, beams and artifacts. It was then sorted on their property, where every piece was integrated into the cabin. This included decorative corbels used in the kitchen and an ice hook that is hung from a peg on the fireplace mantel.
This cabin offers 1,800 square feet of living space: the main floor is 1,260 square feet and contains the dining, kitchen, laundry/mudroom, living room, Master Suite and Bathroom. The upstairs level offers 540 square feet and is lofted with a bedroom, built-in bunks, a bathroom and storage. The screened porch adds an additional 150 square feet onto the floor plan. There is also a mudroom with a sink, washer/dryer and plenty of storage space for outdoor necessities. Hooks were installed for hanging swimwear and jackets. Just outside of this space is an outdoor shower, to rinse off after swimming in the lake.
Above: To save space, a built-in bench seat was designed to run along the wall of the dining room, perfect for entertaining! Under the bench seat is storage for storing the homeowners sewing and crafting materials.
What We Love: This lakefront cabin is loaded with warmth and character thanks the the heavy use of reclaimed barn wood throughout the structure. The interior living spaces offer a fresh, new aesthetic with a timeworn quality. The materials used in this home are mixed with warm paint colors and accessories to help create an inviting continuity throughout. A layering of textiles—from area rugs to window treatments—helps to soften the heavy use of wood.
Above: The upstairs loft features a bunk room with two sets of bunk beds. A built-in double bed with a trundle bed underneath provides a cozy sleeping area.
Above: The built-in bunks beds were constructed out of pine, boasting overhead shelving at the head and foot of the bed. Built-in storage drawers underneath makes this small space highly functional. Each bunk also features a task light for curling up with a good book. Instead of closing this space off with a door, a curtain is used to keep these spaces open, yet offer privacy when sleeping.
Above: The exterior siding is 2×8 country hewn timber, while the roof material is corrugated metal.
Photos: Courtesy of Lands End Development
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