After an extensive search in the New Hampshire Lakes Region for property, our clients finally found their dream location and concluded their pursuit. Originally developed in the early 1900s before water body protection was a critical issue, the existing summer home on this lot was located extraordinarily close to the water’s edge on a small peninsula with fantastic 270-degree views of Lake Winnipesaukee. Despite these positives, however, the existing house did not entirely meet our clients’ needs. Awkward layouts that restricted natural light into the house and rooflines that extended over decades of add-on renovations, created useable headroom for the upper floors and limited our clients’ ability to entertain family and friends throughout the home. The solution was to rebuild a new house on top of the existing stone foundation. This plan would limit the disruption to the shorefront and create a unique space that would meet our clients’ needs and exceed their expectations.

Exterior detailing was important in siting the house properly and defining the exterior space without overcrowding the shoreline. Steep roof pitches with shingle sweeps, intricately detailed bracket work and gable build-outs pay homage to the traditional turn of the century shingle style architecture found throughout the Lakes Region. Such detailing also provided a backdrop to the many exterior spaces for which one could relax and enjoy the day. A large fieldstone chimney matching the existing foundation balances the visual scale of the building from the front entry and grounds the building visually to the site through the use of materials found in the local architectural vernacular.

At the front entry, guests are greeted into a small anteroom that welcomes them and frames their views through the house into the larger spaces. One such space includes the Great Room, which is encompassed in glass with spectacular 270-degree views of Lake Winnipesaukee. Warm neutral tones, beadboard accent walls, and coffered ceilings help to create an atmosphere of relaxation and elegance while allowing the lake views to shine effortlessly.

The intricately detailed stairwell uses the warm tones of the wood floors and custom railing to carry the eye visually to the western facing Palladian window which helps scatter the golden afternoon sunlight throughout the house. The railing heights and landing widths were increased to create a sense of space on and around the stairs for reflection, viewing and pause when leaving a room. Each individual space throughout the house has its own unique character, yet complements the main spaces they adjoin to create a cohesive, timeless design.