House Plans for a Lake House
Lil B
3 years ago
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Celadon
3 years agolast modified: 3 years agoMark Bischak, Architect
3 years agoRelated Discussions
Floor Plans for 3000 sq foot lake house w/ kitchen on 2nd floor?
Comments (1)I have only stumbled onto one plan somewhat similar to what you describe. It's by Spitzmiller and Norris but it is actually a beach house. Here is a link that might be useful: Beach House...See MoreLake house floor plan thoughts
Comments (6)Building on a lake lot usually comes with a whole additional set of restrictions, at least that was the case with our lake home. I looked at so many plans before we contacted the builder but none of them would have ended up working for our lot, the views we wanted to highlight, or the building requirements. Between our architect and builder they were able to design a house that was perfect for us and met all the requirements for a lake build. Because of that I wouldn't get your heart too set on a plan until you have a lot in mind and have researched the building restrictions. That said I do know that I also loved looking at plans and dreaming of what could be in the months before we got serious about the project . We ended up building a two story. Yes - up was definitely cheaper than out. We couldn't have had a bigger footprint anyhow without having to have special variances - and that's with only a 3 bedroom, 2 bath house. We did a unattached garage partly for cost but mainly because it just fit better on the lot. We also wanted to keep the lake views for the main areas so the master bedroom is on the opposite side and we put it downstairs for aging purposes. It's also much nicer having that buffer between the bedroom and the deck area if there are people staying out later. Upstairs there are two bedrooms and a bath. That gives company their own dedicated space. With 2-zone heat we can always keep the temp lower up there when it's not in use. We are so happy with our finished product. I can't wait until the day when we can retire and live there permanently. It doesn't get much better for me than to be able to spend a relaxing day at the lake....See MorePlease critique lake house floor plan
Comments (9)Far too much space devoted to the kitchen. When we're at the lake, we spend most of our time outside, and most cooking is done on the grill. Your plan doesn't lend itself to that at all. And anyone coming in with a wet swimsuit to get a snack is going to drip through half the house to get there. You've already pinpointed that as a dislike. I'd be tempted to get rid of both the banquette and the island seating,a nd use the table. You didn't post dimensions, but this is not a huge space, and I think paring down to one seating area will free up more space for other needs. Is this a year-round home? Who will live there? Do you have visitors for the day? Again, I'm thinking about how we use our lake cottage. It would be nice to have a shower on the first floor, so guests could easily shower and change after a swim. I do like the idea of the study/sunroom being separate, however. No matter how well your family gets along, sometimes you need quiet time for just one or two people, without retreating to a bedroom. Here's is a really ugly, quick and dirty idea, putting the stairs in the middle of the house, moving the kitchen to the front, and eliminating the redundant seating. I'd expand the powder room into the pantry, and perhaps add cabinets in the dining room to use as pantry space, if necessary. The kitchen is very rough, obviously, but I'd put the fridge where the black box is, and range where the white box is. The sink side could be open to the dining table, or enclosed (if so, I'd swap the sink and range). Now the great room is the entire top of the room - expanding into the stair area as needed, or the current stair area becomes a cozy sitting area, reading nook, or game table spot. I would eliminate the bump-outs on both sides. They add a lot of expense, without a lot of benefit. Bay windows would serve the same purpose....See MoreInitial Home/Garage Lot layout - lake home advice please
Comments (16)I read your kitchen should be on the east for morning light and bedroom on west for evening Usually, especially if on enough mornings you like to sleep in... It's what I am doing. If you are usually early birds, the sun helps get you up, and the kitchen/dining on the west can make sense... and depending on the lay of the land, and lake, you may get to share good sunsets with guests. But there are other factors, too. Views to east and west, And since you are lake front, I think what you want to do is something to accentuate the views of lake, whatever that takes. You are the ones who know if you like to wake up and see the lake first thing, and how you want to "share" the lake to visitors - presumably, you do! With this lot, I do think your architect's thoughts will be paramount, and if he thinks you'd do best without an angled garage, listen. You have a house to the north of you blocking view from the road, so I think the "rules" about front facing garages fall to the side. Ahem as it were....See Morecxd213
3 years agoLil B
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3 years agoBeyond Clean Tile
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2 years agoKeepthefaith MIGirl
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