Lake House Essentials
I just got back from a long fourth of July weekend spent at a friend's house on Keuka Lake in western New York. Most of the weekend was spent outside - the lake and the weather could not be more gorgeous - and really, it's the outdoors that make a lake vacation special. But that doesn't mean the house doesn't count.
My friend's family house is, like a lot of lake houses, comprised of a lot of small bedrooms and one big, open living space. Plus, lots of windows and two big wraparound porches that offer a perfect view of the lake (and a little shade, which is nice sometimes). The decor could be called American mishmash - lots of rustic touches, family photos (including collages spanning about 30 years) and more than a few hand-me-down appliances.
I think that sort of organic decor is typical in vacation homes that are used mostly by family and only adds to the charm of the home. To me, high design is not a lake house essential. But there are a few things that can really make a lake house.
Here's where my list starts - what else would you add?
My friend's family house is, like a lot of lake houses, comprised of a lot of small bedrooms and one big, open living space. Plus, lots of windows and two big wraparound porches that offer a perfect view of the lake (and a little shade, which is nice sometimes). The decor could be called American mishmash - lots of rustic touches, family photos (including collages spanning about 30 years) and more than a few hand-me-down appliances.
I think that sort of organic decor is typical in vacation homes that are used mostly by family and only adds to the charm of the home. To me, high design is not a lake house essential. But there are a few things that can really make a lake house.
Here's where my list starts - what else would you add?
I love sleeping porches of all kinds (listening to lake water is the best way to fall asleep) - and this one is especially useful, since it transitions nicely from daytime social space to a nighttime bedroom.
Q