This mountain-style lake cottage was designed by Norman Dodds together with Scott Christopher Homes, located on a bluff overlooking the waterfront shoreline of Walloon Lake, Michigan, on a nearly 14-acre historic farm. This two-story retreat is intentional in its landscape and is designed to support an active lifestyle for a family who has a love of downhill skiing and westward travel.
“Their vision was really to have a summer home that they could enjoy with their family, and they wanted to be able to take advantage of the beauty of the property and also the beauty of the lake,” said Scott Christopher.
Part of that vision – and a priority from the outset – was to preserve an existing cabin from the mid-20th century on-site and maintain many of its historically accurate elements, such as the fieldstone fireplace and old barnwood. That, along with thoughtful consideration of driveway placement, was a big part of the process that determined where the home was placed on the land.
DESIGN DETAILS: ARCHITECTURE Norman Dodds BUILDER Scott Christopher Homes INTERIOR DESIGN Villa Decor
“When we are working on properties that have trees on them, it’s part of the process to understand how you can place the house to best utilize the views, but without clear-cutting the land so we are able to work within the trees and natural elements of the property,” noted Christopher. It is a home that was designed with its surrounding environment in mind, where exterior living spaces, a wraparound porch, and natural wood in the ceiling speak to the natural landscape beyond.
There is also intention in the function of some of those exterior spaces, where a heated concrete floor – a snowmelt system – and integrated infrared heaters in the ceiling extend its usability throughout the seasons. From its rich exterior finish, custom oversized front door, and four-gabled roofline silhouette, the home strikes a bold, albeit harmonious, architectural statement within its landscape.
Natural elements, such as stone and barnwood, are repeated throughout the home, from the outdoor landscaping to the refabricated beams within the interior, including the main family room, living room, fireplace mantle, and upstairs area. The main floor boasts open and inviting spaces, offering the kitchen unobstructed views of the living room, dining room, and lakefront vistas beyond.
What We Love: This beautiful mountain-style lake cottage was designed to embrace its natural surroundings, providing a fabulous retreat for family holidays. The attractive material palette selection and the conservation of trees during the siting of this home reflect a deep respect for the land. At the same time, design features such as heated exterior flooring and infrared heaters extend outdoor living into all seasons. Inside, the open-concept floor plan, stunning views, and warm rustic details create a welcoming retreat that feels both timeless and luxurious.
Tell Us: Would this Michigan lake house be your idea of the perfect family getaway? Let us know why or why not in the Comments below!
Note: Be sure to check out a couple of other fascinating home tours that we have showcased here on One Kindesign in the state of Michigan: Step inside a designer’s modern farmhouse dream home in Michigan and A peek inside this stunning modern Scandinavian-inspired home in Michigan.
The upper level includes two guest bedrooms, a full bathroom, and an owner’s bedroom suite with a vaulted, beamed ceiling, a modern fireplace, and a spa-like bathroom. Finishing off the upper level is a laundry room and a loft area with built-in bookcases and a reading nook.
PHOTOGRAPHER Ashley Avila Photography
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