Nestled just blocks from the lake, this remodeled home transforms decades of disparate additions into a cohesive, family-focused retreat. The goal was to create practical main-level access for aging grandparents while unifying the home’s previously mismatched spaces, and to enhance flow for a family of six with a mix of indoor, outdoor, and recreational living.

The home, one of the older lakefront properties, included multiple additions over the years with awkward room shapes, ceiling slopes, and inconsistent materials. Entry was difficult, garage space insufficient, and the layout lacked a welcoming focal point. A crumbling stone foundation, multi-level basement, and complex rooflines further complicated construction. Design challenges included connecting four basement levels, creating visual cohesion across varied ceiling styles, and balancing repeated materials without monotony.

Structural engineering allowed columns to be removed, ceiling planes tied together, and walls opened to unify spaces. The old dining room became a foyer, connecting the kitchen and great room. A new four-car garage with a sloped driveway provided one-level entry, while bedrooms, bathrooms, and an office above the garage emphasized symmetry and architectural repetition.

The multi-level basement accommodates a golf simulator, pool table, and bar with a suspended 14-foot natural stone top, low-height seating, and hidden HVAC. Motion-activated stair lighting and indirect LED lighting enhance safety and ambiance. Ceilings throughout feature tongue-and-groove white oak beams that create cohesion, while a consistent palette of blues, grays, and wood tones unites the home. Bathrooms maintain individual character while echoing shared color stories. Family life, entertaining, and indoor-outdoor connectivity now flow effortlessly.