A stunning lakefront camp in Maine designed for multi-generational gatherings

Cedar-shingled Maine camp at dusk with glowing windows, metal roof, and tower element surrounded by autumn trees

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For one Maine family, this lakefront property is more than just a place to vacation; it’s a part of their family history. The land has been in their family since 1898, and their wish was for a traditional Maine camp, updated for multi-generational gatherings. They commissioned Fryeburg-based John Cole Architect, whose practice has spent decades crafting vacation and retirement homes rooted in New England traditions.

The result is a cedar-shingled lakefront retreat that feels like it has always belonged to this wooded shoreline. The upland side is marked by a stair tower that serves as a beacon for approaching guests, provides natural ventilation, and offers a lookout/play space for children.

The lakeside features a wide wrap-around porch with dormers above, paying homage to a previous camp on the site. Inside, exceptional craftsmanship enhances the post and beam details, extensive wainscot, and reclaimed oak floors. Continue below to see the rest of this spectacular Maine summer camp…

Rear view of three-story cedar shingle camp at twilight with standing seam metal roof and lit interior

Design Details at a Glance

Architect: John Cole Architect, Fryeburg, ME Style: Traditional Maine Camp / New England Craftsman Location: Western Maine lakefront (family property since 1898) Key Materials: Red cedar shingles, standing seam metal roof, post-and-beam fir framing, reclaimed oak floors, granite fieldstone, knotty pine wainscot, butcher block, marble, unlacquered brass Notable Features: Three-story stair tower, wrap-around screened porch with outdoor fireplace, built-in bar, bunk room, timber-engraved beam

Rustic kitchen with dark green cabinets, wood island, exposed beam ceiling, copper pendant lights, and forest views

Kitchen and Dining: Where the Family Gathers

Open-plan dining and kitchen area with round wood table, dark Windsor chairs, exposed beams, and bar nook

What We Love About This Home

This camp shows how thoughtful architecture can feel both timeless and completely at home in the Maine woods, with every material choice, from the cedar shingles to the granite fieldstone to the reclaimed oak floors, feeling deliberate and place-specific. The screened porch with its stone fireplace and the kitchen’s striking combination of dark green cabinetry, copper pendants, and exposed timber beams strike a balance between rustic warmth and sophisticated design. Most of all, we love that this home carries over 125 years of family history and was built with beautiful craftsmanship for generations to come.

Tell Us: What is your favorite feature of this classic Maine camp? Is it the dramatic stair tower, the screened porch with the stone fireplace, or that stunning green and copper kitchen? Share your thoughts 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: An idyllic camp-inspired lake house takes refuge in the Maine woods and Peek into this cozy lakefront house in Maine with peaceful water views.

Detail of exposed timber beam engraved with MMXXII above a built-in bar with wine and spirits shelves

Built-in bar with dark cabinetry, mirrored back, brass fixtures, wood countertop, and three bar stools

Living Room: Stone Fireplace and Timber Warmth

Living room with granite fireplace, exposed timber beams, mixed seating, and large windows overlooking a lake

Bedrooms and Bunk Room: Sleeping Quarters for Every Generation

Bright bedroom with vaulted ceiling, iron bed frame, wood-paneled walls, and clerestory gable windows

Primary bathroom with blue subway tile, double marble vanity, brass fixtures, and glass-enclosed shower

Stair Tower: The Architectural Soul of the Camp

Handcrafted wood staircase with vertical-slat railing, knotty pine walls, and tall landing window

Multi-story stair tower with timber framing, vertical wood balusters, and wraparound windows flooding light

Looking up through stair tower well showing spiraling wood stairs, timber trusses, and ceiling fan

Cozy attic bedroom with sloped ceiling, built-in window seat, shiplap wall, and treetop views

Compact bunk room with four maple bunk beds, sage green walls, and center window framing autumn foliage

The Screened Porch: Where Camp Life Really Happens

Covered porch with floor-to-ceiling granite fireplace, log mantel, American flag artwork, and wood-plank ceiling

Screened porch with wood ceiling, rocking chairs, picnic table, and sweeping forest and lake views

A Traditional Maine Camp Built for Multi-Generational Living

Side view of rustic Maine camp perched on rocky hillside with screened porch and metal roof amid fall foliage

Night view of cedar camp exterior with illuminated stone steps, boulder landscaping, and warm glowing windows

Photos: Courtesy of John Cole Architect