On a picturesque site on the shores of a small inland lake, we drew inspiration for the design of this new house from English and American country house traditions. Evoking the spirit and romanticism of the Arts and Crafts in its massing and materiality, airy, light-filled rooms arranged enfilade and appended with projecting porches frame a broad motor-court and gardens. The design of the house reflects our Clients’ lifestyle and personalities: impressive, yet humble, naturally grounded, and effortlessly sophisticated.
Fresh air and natural light were top priorities. We oriented the house to amplify long views across the lake with rooms arranged to capture the sun’s path across the day, from rising to retreat, with views to the woods and water from all the primary living spaces.
This strategy gave us the opportunity to fashion rooms that are simultaneously gracious and intimate and gave form to a home that is equally suited to formal entertaining and quiet family evenings. One example: the Library at the heart of the home, decorated in sophisticated blues, is an intimate space for entertaining and a private Sitting Room for the adjacent Master Suite.
The Kitchen is arranged for entertaining with most primary appliances located in an adjacent Larder which sits between the Kitchen, a four-season Dining Porch, and nearby Kitchen garden.
It is in its vernacular and traditional detailing — simultaneously faithful and austere — that the house feels most fully reconciled to its quiet, picturesque site and the broader Midwestern landscape. Adjacent to the living and entertaining wing, three family bedrooms and two guest suites are situated atop a Children’s Playroom and in-home Gym with water access.
Like each of the primary living and entertaining spaces, the Mudroom — the link between the Garage and House — is light-filled and one-room deep, flanked by the morning garden on one side and a formal cutting garden on the other.
