Built in the ‘50s, this never-updated lakeside home in a secluded neighborhood enchanted the new owners with its classic lines and unrealized potential. It challenged us to expand its dimensions from 2100 square feet to comfortable accommodations for a family with three teenage boys, while retaining the character and grace of the original structure. Another essential goal was to enhance the sweeping views of lakefront and surrounding oaks.

Through the design process we greatly expanded living spaces, updated the rest of the home and seamlessly integrated new with existing structure. The renovation extended the house 20 feet to the rear and added a two-story porch that offers panoramic lake views from both levels. The upper porch is accessed through French doors from a new second-story mastersuite with wings at either end to host a grand bath and walk-in closet, respectively. Downstairs, the open floorplan enables the centrally-located kitchen to meld with the family room, which is accented by a coffered ceiling and two-sided hearth that also serves the adjacent library. An upstairs laundry room and first-floor guest bedroom are other amenities in this now spacious and handsome residence whose appraised value has since doubled.