Houzz Tour: Lakeshore Bliss for a Cantilevered Vermont Home
Perched over a serene lake, this bright and expansive-feeling home on a steep slope appears from the inside to float
On the site of a former summer camp, this lakeside house in Vermont sits on a steep slope. When the dilapidated camp was torn down, new construction was allowed within its exact footprint. A couple nearing retirement wanted to build a second home here that wouldn't crowd the pristine lake's shore, so architect Elizabeth Herrmann cantilevered the structure to accommodate the steep site and emphasize its relationship to the outdoors. "From inside, the house appears to float and creates a serene, expansive feel," Herrmann says.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: This is a second home for a couple nearing retirement.
Location: Leicester, Vermont
Size: 1,583 square feet; 3 bedrooms, 2 1/2 bathrooms
Photography: Susan Teare
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: This is a second home for a couple nearing retirement.
Location: Leicester, Vermont
Size: 1,583 square feet; 3 bedrooms, 2 1/2 bathrooms
Photography: Susan Teare
The cantilever solved a major issue with the site's layout, allowing the new house to have outdoor space where the old home's footprint had been. Unlike the previous structure, which dipped into the lake, the new home doesn't take up square footage on the lakeshore. Vermont's Department of Environmental Conservation applauded the new layout.
The new structure inverts a traditional floor plan — the entry is at the top level, and the main living areas are at lake level below.
Herrmann chose Port Orford cedar siding for its durability and warm color. "It glows with a soft honey-colored stain and looks great throughout the year as the trees change," she says. "Very uplifting and tranquil."
Herrmann chose Port Orford cedar siding for its durability and warm color. "It glows with a soft honey-colored stain and looks great throughout the year as the trees change," she says. "Very uplifting and tranquil."
The projecting decks allowed Herrmann to extend the living spaces outdoors and added a lightness to the architecture of the home's lake side. The classic structure and cedar siding pay a contemporary tribute to the traditional camps in the area — including the one that was on this site.
"We were very purposeful about creating spaces entirely different from many of the surrounding camps and the original camp we tore down," says Herrmann. "Many are dark, poorly lit and, in the case of the old camp, made surprisingly little connection to the outdoors."
The clients are both serious cooks and wanted a kitchen that could accommodate them both at the same time. While the kitchen is on the lower level, Herrmann made sure it felt spacious and was well lit.
Tucking the refrigerator under the stairs and using small appliances eliminated extra bulk, opened up the kitchen and expanded counter space.
Flooring: Dal Tile; countertops: Jerusalem Gold granite; cabinetry: clear maple, custom by Fine Lines Wood
Flooring: Dal Tile; countertops: Jerusalem Gold granite; cabinetry: clear maple, custom by Fine Lines Wood
Stairs with stainless steel and cable rails lead up to the second level and the main entrance.
Railing: Feeney cable rail, Nop's Metalworks; bar stools, dining table, chairs: clients' own
Railing: Feeney cable rail, Nop's Metalworks; bar stools, dining table, chairs: clients' own
Herrmann framed a perfect view in every room. "Window placement and the shaping of spaces are the two most critical aspects to this house," she says.
Light interior materials and a lack of jarring transitions help to visually expand the home's size. "Sheetrock returns on the window don't stop the eye," says Herrmann. "The exterior view becomes the focus, rather than the window surround."
"Natural light gives cues where to go," says the architect. "There is always a glimpse of something beyond as you make your way through the house. It builds curiosity and keeps the house from feeling too tight or static."
In this hallway just off the entry, the two small bedroom doors face each other. The bath sits opposite the two doors, creating a triangle. The transom windows above each door help air and light circulate into the bathroom, which has no windows. "There's something fun about moving parts, too," says Herrmann. "I'm always looking for ways to make small spaces feel exciting."
The exterior windows and transom windows also contribute to ventilation throughout the home. Cross-ventilating windows and ceiling fans help with passive cooling.
Bedroom built-ins: Fine Lines Wood
Bedroom built-ins: Fine Lines Wood
As in the rest of the home, the main bathroom mimics the natural textures and hues of the outdoors. Light colors and large expanses of glass help to create the illusion of more space.
Lighting throughout house: Hubbardton Forge; tile: Jasba
Lighting throughout house: Hubbardton Forge; tile: Jasba