A Dillard-Jones Builders design – this custom lake house is focused on the outdoors and putting the home owner’s active lifestyle directly on the water.

Situated on the edge of New Hampshire’s beautiful Lake Sunapee, this Craftsman-style shingle lake house peeks out from the towering pine trees that surround it. When the clients approached Cummings Architects, the lot consisted of 3 run-down buildings. The challenge was to create something that enhanced the property without overshadowing the landscape, while adhering to the strict zoning regulations that come with waterfront construction. The result is a design that encompassed all of the clients’ dreams and blends seamlessly into the gorgeous, forested lake-shore, as if the property was meant to have this house all along. The ground floor of the main house is a spacious open concept that flows out to the stone patio area with fire pit. Wood flooring and natural fir bead-board ceilings pay homage to the trees and rugged landscape that surround the home. The gorgeous views are also captured in the upstairs living areas and third floor tower deck. The carriage house structure holds a cozy guest space with additional lake views, so that extended family and friends can all enjoy this vacation retreat together. Photo by Eric Roth

A view from the lower family room toward the lake. This was an existing exterior space that we enclosed with windows and the projecting deck above. It ends up being the closest room to the lake.

Scott Amundson

Architecture & Interior Design: David Heide Design Studio Photos: Susan Gilmore Photography

Exterior, Longviews Studios Inc. Photographer

David Clauss Photography

Our clients already had a cottage on Torch Lake that they loved to visit. It was a 1960s ranch that worked just fine for their needs. However, the lower level walkout became entirely unusable due to water issues. After purchasing the lot next door, they hired us to design a new cottage. Our first task was to situate the home in the center of the two parcels to maximize the view of the lake while also accommodating a yard area. Our second task was to take particular care to divert any future water issues. We took necessary precautions with design specifications to water proof properly, establish foundation and landscape drain tiles / stones, set the proper elevation of the home per ground water height and direct the water flow around the home from natural grade / drive. Our final task was to make appealing, comfortable, living spaces with future planning at the forefront. An example of this planning is placing a master suite on both the main level and the upper level. The ultimate goal of this home is for it to one day be at least a 3/4 of the year home and designed to be a multi-generational heirloom. - Jacqueline Southby Photography

T&T Photos

Design: Always by Design (AxD) principal Ed Barnhart, AIA; Photo Credit: Paul S. Bartholomew

Well crafted of stone, metal and timber, this clean, Asian contemporary custom residence is perfectly at home in its natural surroundings. Built in the location of an old structure, it is positioned only twenty feet from the bulkhead, establishing an intimate relationship between the home and the lake. The connection to the landscape is strengthened by the trellis covered patio, which functions as an outdoor room. Lowering and stepping the main floor allows the home to gently settle into the site. The interior spaces, especially in the kitchen and den, are wrapped in warm finishes.

The Mansfield Hollow is one of our smaller barn home designs coming in at 1,789 square feet of living space with 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. Photo: House Pics, LLC

Scott Braman Photography