A couple who had fond memories of vacationing around Michigan’s Pentwater Lake as children built this home to pass the tradition on to their sons. They could walk down to their dock and be on Lake Michigan in moments. “This lake has direct access to Lake Michigan but offers the shelter of a smaller lake,” says builder Scott Branc, who built the house with his business partner, Tim Brinks.
The home’s style and details nod to Victorian design and lake-camp cottages, but architect Jeff Visser made it to suit contemporary family life, using an open first-floor program, a first-floor master suite, a complete fitness center over the garage along with every modern amenity. “Jeff and inner designer Jennifer Butler made the home so that when you walk in, you let down and relax,” Branc states.
at a Glance
Who lives here: This is the second home of a family of 4
Location: Northwest of Grand Rapids, Michigan
Size: 2,619 square feet, and cellar and garage; 4 bedrooms, 3 1/2 bathrooms
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Architect Visser has a fantastic eye for mixing in details, Branc states. The area was settled from the mid-1800s and is filled with charming Victorian homes. Victorian design is recalled by A birdhouse under the eaves . Board and batten siding and window boxes add lake-shack style.
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Arched details replicate throughout the property, from the pergola into the front door to a window in the kitchen.
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“The big, arched window in the kitchen is one of those details that make this home unique,” Branc states. “The mixture of granite and wood countertops and the colour palette add that comfy warmth into the kitchen; the tiled walls add a lot of interest”
Here is the kitchen window from the exterior. The window boxes add more cabin charm, and also the blossoms pick up on the deep red trim.
An open fireplace between the living room and the kitchen actually warms up the area and creates a focus for the two rooms.
Tongue and groove paneling on the fireplace surround brings a subtle coastal appearance. The main part of the island countertop is walnut; the part from the foreground is a large walnut and bamboo cutting board counter tops.
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A breakfast nook complete with banquette gives a cozy spot for family foods.
Table: Lee Industries
The adjacent dining room enjoys magnificent views of the lake. A farmhouse dining table, slipcovered chairs, an unfussy drum pendant light and a warm neutral color palette lend a relaxed texture to what is generally a more formal area.
Exposed trusses provide the main living room a barn-like texture, while clerestory windows allow in more light from over. The result is a feeling that is really open.
Built-in shelves and cabinets provide space for publications and media gear.
Room is this porch that is exceptional. The stone facing is buechel, quarried in Wisconsin. The rustic mantel is a reclaimed barn beam. Another detail homes that are arched that are subtle logs and fireplace provides.
The first-floor master suite enjoys views of the lake. Upstairs another master suite, two additional bedrooms and another bath offer plenty of rooms for guests, including the kids’ buddies for special lakeside sleepovers.
Soft hues and Shaker-style cabinets give the master bath a comfortable slimplicity, while extensive cabinets provide plenty of space for storage.
Rugged stone stairs lead down to the dock, in which the family enjoys boating, fishing and swimming around the lake.