Christopher Strom Architects has reimagined this rustic-modern lakeside cabin on a woodsy property nestled along Pear Lake in Trego, Northern Wisconsin. The owners have a deep emotional connection to this region. As a kid from Chicago, the owner attended a nearby summer camp and fell in love with the north woods. In a twist of fate, after college, a neighboring lake lot became available, and over the next few years, the owner built a one-room timber-framed cabin to decompress from the bustle of life.
Over time, a bunk house and barn were added to host friends and family for long weekends. Inevitably, the clients outgrew the original one-room cabin and desired a larger lake home. The new house needed to respect the land and its established patterns of activities. The original cabin was relocated further inland, and a new home was designed in that location with modern amenities while still maintaining a cozy cabin feel.
DESIGN DETAILS: ARCHITECT Christopher Strom Architects INTERIOR DESIGN Indicia Interior Design CONTRACTOR RPS Home Builders STRUCTURAL ENGINEER Bunkers & Associates TIMBER FRAME Big River Timberworks STONEWORK Orijin Stone WINDOWS Marvin
Outdoor Living
A flagstone patio spills out of the cabin with easy access to the powder room and coffee bar. The upper patio has an extra-long picnic table to feed friends and family staying for the weekend. The lower patio circles the fire pit for outdoor cooking and campfire nights.
Awards
This lakeside home in Northern Wisconsin was selected for the 2025 AIA MN Homes by Architects Tour.
What We Love About This Home
This lakeside cabin, set amid the woods in northern Wisconsin, features a striking cedar-and-stone exterior and ample outdoor space for entertaining. We are loving the home’s open interior layout, with the stunning stone-clad fireplace and hand-framed timber structure in the kitchen and great room. The screened porch is fabulous, an idyllic spot to lounge, enjoy fresh breezes off the lake, and enjoy the changing of the seasons. Overall, a beautiful home away from home to spend with family and friends!
Tell Us: What are your thoughts on the design of this lake house? Let us know in the Comments below. We enjoy reading your feedback!
Note: Be sure to check out a couple of other fascinating home tours we have featured here on One Kindesign in the state of Wisconsin: Stunning lakeside getaway in Wisconsin designed to feel like a summer camp and A gorgeous lakeside cabin retreat with privileged views over Balsam Lake.
Entry
The entry is nestled between two gables and opens to an inviting dining room table and a framed view of the lake.
Timber Framing
As a nod to the original cabin, the new cabin incorporates a hand-framed timber structure (no nails or metal connections!) for the kitchen and great room. Taking advantage of the peninsula site, the cabin has precisely located windows to create a 180-degree view of the water from the great room. Relaxed seating centers around a stone fireplace for fireside chats.
Kitchen
The kitchen and great room are designed as the main social area/gathering space for guests, with food prep as a shared activity. The kitchen has no upper cabinets, which allows for large windows. A nearby pantry has plenty of additional storage. The great room seating is open to the kitchen for easy conversation and is bookended by a 1 ½-story stone fireplace on the other side.
Staircase
The stairs have open risers and large windows at the landing to flood the lower level with natural light. No more dark basements!
Porch
A three-sided screen porch on the main floor has uninterrupted views of the lake. Motorized retractable screens drop down from the ceiling with the push of a button to keep the bugs at bay.
Exterior
The exterior is clad in vertical cedar siding, lightly stained, and natural stone complements. The cabin is highly insulated to withstand the cold Wisconsin winters. Thick Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) are used on the roof, and continuous exterior insulation is applied to the walls to prevent thermal bridging and increase energy efficiency.
PHOTOGRAPHER Spacecrafting
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