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Prairie-style lake house in Southern Maine in perfect harmony with nature

contemporary prairie style home exterior with a fire pit

This contemporary, prairie-style home, nestled along Sebago Lake in southern Maine, was reimagined by Newberry Architecture and Knickerbocker Group. Surrounded by woods, this lakeside home features an exterior facade of sleek glass paired with rough-hewn red cedar board-and-batten siding, painted almost black—Iron Ore by Sherwin-William—allowing the home to blend seamlessly with its setting.

Step inside to find an elegant mix of color and pattern that is thoughtfully balanced to create a home that feels both refined and family-friendly. The wife was originally from Maine and spent summers vacationing there every year with their daughters. Desiring a more permanent place, this Houston-based couple found a property in one of their favorite locations. Initially, they sought to make a few minor renovations. However, they expanded their scope to better align with the vision of a generational family home.

DESIGN DETAILS: ARCHITECT Newberry Architecture BUILDER Knickerbocker Group

contemporary prairie style home exterior with a stone pathway

An essential element of any Maine lake home is a strong connection with the outdoors, and this home is no exception. Strengthening the home’s relationship with nature was one of the guiding principles in the redesign. Through expansive windows, native materials, and a complementing color palette, each room of this 6,850-square-foot, six-bedroom, six-and-a-half-bath home feels innately connected to the site.   

contemporary prairie style home exterior with a view of the lake

The floorplan was entirely reworked, allowing the main living/kitchen space to flow freely and open to a large, covered porch. Featuring a western red hemlock ceiling, glass balcony, and retractable Lutron screens, the porch is now a favorite gathering spot, day and night.  Just below, the lower lake level features an entertainment room and bar with sliding doors that open to an outdoor kitchen and trails leading to the gas-fueled fire pit and lake beyond.

contemporary prairie style home exterior at dusk

The dwelling’s original two-level screened-in porch was converted into living space and now features a guest room on the lake level, a dining room on the second floor, and an office with impressive views on the third floor. In the dining room, natural light floods the space while built-in cabinetry lacquered in a rich green brings the colors of the outdoors in.

contemporary prairie style home exterior backyard view

What We Love: This beautiful lakeside retreat feels warm and inviting, completely transformed to welcome family and friends for years to come. The outdoor living spaces were expanded to maximize views of the lake while also providing the family with plenty of entertaining options. We especially love the living room fireplace, which is made of native stone, and the light and airy main bathroom with floor-to-ceiling windows that beautifully frame the lake and surrounding trees.

Tell Us: Would this Maine lake house be your idea of the perfect family getaway home? Let us know why or why not in the Comments below!

Note: Check out a couple of other fascinating home tours that we have showcased here on One Kindesign in the state of Maine: Inside this spectacular ski house with a scenic overlook of Sugarloaf Mountain and Cozy cabin with summer camp vibes on the tranquil coastline of Maine.

contemporary prairie style home exterior with a front driveway

This gorgeous summer house was designed to be kid-friendly yet elegant. It features Prairie-style architecture, low-sloped roofs, large overhangs, and contemporary touches.

contemporary prairie style home exterior with a front driveway at dusk

contemporary staircase with a shiplap wall

contemporary powder room

Above: The powder room features an antique gray limestone Milano sink and a Callan mirror sourced from Arteriors.

contemporary dining room and kitchen

contemporary kitchen looking towards the living room

contemporary living room with a stone fireplace

contemporary living room with sliding glass doors overlooking the lake

contemporary dining room with sliding glass doors overlooking the lake

contemporary dining room with a forest room

contemporary dining room

contemporary dining room with green cabinets

contemporary dining room with green cabinets

contemporary bedroom with a lake view

The owner’s bedroom suite continues the indoor-outdoor connectivity. Decorated in crisp whites, creams, and blush tones, coupled with the room’s expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, the space exudes calm.

contemporary bathroom vanity

The main bath makes a statement with a matte-finish, volcanic limestone Vetralla tub by Victoria and Albert, which looks out to the lake beyond.

contemporary bathroom with a freestanding tub

contemporary kids bedroom

For their daughters, the former garage was transformed into two ensuite bedrooms and a bright and cheery playroom that features a climbing wall. This playroom now happily entertains dozens of kids on rainy afternoons!

contemporary home bar

contemporary home bar

contemporary home bar

contemporary family room

contemporary family room with large windows framing the lake

contemporary prairie style home exterior aerial view

contemporary prairie style home exterior aerial view

contemporary prairie style home exterior aerial view

PHOTOGRAPHER Julie Soefer

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Chrissy
3 months ago

The external cladding reminds me of the Japanese Shou Sugi Ban technique which I find rather stunning. Along with the black cladding, this building design is really impressive – very imposing – love it!

Last edited 3 months ago by Chrissy