We’ve all been there: pinning and clipping beautiful images of what we’d someday like to put in our dream home. The good news is builders love taking a person’s concepts and seeing how they can integrate it into the perfect home. And it’s no different if you’re wanting to build a home on a lake. If you’ve been pinning away with a plethora of lake house ideas, we don’t blame you! And your builder will want to know exactly what those ideas are.
Lake houses have a special something nostalgic about them. They conjure up daydreams about hot, lazy summers spent lounging in the water. They create images of autumn getaways filled with rich fall foliage and the smells of campfires. They set the stage for big, family getaways for holidays like the 4th of July and Thanksgiving. We believe a lake house should be a place that draws people in and invites them to stay awhile. That’s why we’re also big believers in dreaming up the best getaway possible.
During our years building lake homes, we’ve seen a wide variety of designs. Some have been stunning, sophisticated, and awe-inspiring. Some are designed to be a serene or rustic getaway. Some are simply functional and understated. No matter what it is you’re hoping your lake home could be, we have a few tips and lake house ideas for you to consider as you dream up the perfect home.
Get Your Eyes on the Lake
One of our top recommendations for lake houses starts with thinking about the lake itself. We promise, you’ll want to focus on those waterfront views, which is likely why you want to build a home at the lake in the first place. Start by understanding the property you’d like to purchase to see where the sun rises and sets. That way, you can plan according to where you’d like to spend your days.
Some of our favorite designs have incorporated patio dining rooms—screened in to keep the mosquitoes out and the sunshine and lake breezes in. We also love wraparound porches and second-story balconies that create cozy spaces for relaxation and give you incredible views.
You might want to design your floor plan to pull your visitors toward the daylight, too. Make the entry awe-inspiring every time with an elevated foyer and entryway to draw your guests directly to a view of the lake as they enter the door.
We’d also suggest designing a bay of windows to create a stunning sitting room with 180-degree views of your land. Even when the weather isn’t cooperating, it’s something you’ll absolutely love.
And don’t forget the mudroom! You can build a mudroom that is both attractive and functional. It’s a must-have when you have guests stopping by to make the most of the lake.
Make Delicious Memories
We’re certain you’re already thinking of the perfect kitchen, but there are even things beyond the kitchen you may want to consider.
If you’re the type who loves hosting large holiday gatherings, we’d suggest planning for a big, open kitchen with all the amenities. Pantries for extra storage or to tuck away dishes can help you entertain with ease and comfort.
Don’t forget the outdoor kitchen space, either. Outdoor patios with built-in ranges and ovens will give you new ways to entertain. And if you’re a gardener, the addition of an atrium or greenhouse can create fun memories of foraging for dinner throughout the year.
Give Yourself all the Creature Comforts
Don’t be afraid to spoil yourself and your guests with smartly planned sleeping spaces that make your home an unforgettable getaway. As the homeowner, you deserve a breathtaking master bedroom with all of the amenities. You might want to give yourself a well-lit master bath with skylights, and if you can, add a clawfoot tub for some extra wow factor. You’d love soaking in that tub under a clear summer sky.
If you know you’ll be entertaining, we’re fans of building bunk beds into the wall. We’ve created spaces where three bunk beds stack up to 20-foot ceilings to ensure everyone has a comfortable place to sleep without bulky furniture taking away space. Check out our gallery of custom homes for even more lake house ideas.
Get an Added Boost on Your Purchase
If your dreaming is done, you’ve got your list of lake house ideas, and you’re ready to buy a lot and start building your home, our Broker Builder Advantage Program is the way to go. Simply purchase a lot with us as your Real Estate Agent and we’ll apply half of our commission on the land purchase toward the price of your new home. We call that a win-win situation!
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