Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: Historical Details Charm in a Lakeside Michigan Home
Victorian touches harmonize with contemporary amenities in this inviting vacation home with its own dock on the lake
A couple who had fond memories of vacationing around Michigan's Pentwater Lake as kids built this house to pass the tradition on to their sons. They can walk down to their dock, hop on their boat and be on Lake Michigan in minutes. "This lake has direct access to Lake Michigan but offers the shelter of a smaller lake," says builder Scott Branc, who built the house with his business partner, Tim Brinks.
The home's style and details nod to Victorian architecture and lake-camp cottages, but architect Jeff Visser designed it to suit modern family life, with an open first-floor plan, a first-floor master suite, a full gym over the garage and every modern amenity. "Jeff and interior designer Jennifer Butler designed the home so that when you walk in, you completely let down and relax," Branc says.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: This is the second home of a family of 4
Location: Northwest of Grand Rapids, Michigan
Size: 2,619 square feet, plus basement and garage; 4 bedrooms, 3 1/2 bathrooms
The home's style and details nod to Victorian architecture and lake-camp cottages, but architect Jeff Visser designed it to suit modern family life, with an open first-floor plan, a first-floor master suite, a full gym over the garage and every modern amenity. "Jeff and interior designer Jennifer Butler designed the home so that when you walk in, you completely let down and relax," Branc says.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: This is the second home of a family of 4
Location: Northwest of Grand Rapids, Michigan
Size: 2,619 square feet, plus basement and garage; 4 bedrooms, 3 1/2 bathrooms
Architect Visser has a great eye for mixing in historical details, Branc says. The area was settled in the mid-1800s and is full of charming Victorian homes. A faux birdhouse under the eaves recalls Italianate Victorian architecture from the late 1800s. Board and batten siding and window boxes add lake-shack style.
Arched details repeat throughout the property, from the pergola to the front door to a window in the kitchen.
"The large, arched window in the kitchen is one of the details that make this home unique," Branc says. "The mix of granite and wood countertops and the color palette add that comfortable warmth to the kitchen; the tiled walls add a lot of interest."
An open fireplace between the living room and the kitchen literally warms up the space and creates a focal point for both rooms.
Tongue and groove paneling on the fireplace surround lends a subtle coastal look. The main part of the island countertop is walnut; the section in the foreground is a large walnut and bamboo cutting board countertop.
Tongue and groove paneling on the fireplace surround lends a subtle coastal look. The main part of the island countertop is walnut; the section in the foreground is a large walnut and bamboo cutting board countertop.
A breakfast nook complete with curved banquette provides a cozy spot for family meals.
Table: Lee Industries
Table: Lee Industries
Exposed trusses give the main living space a barn-like feel, while clerestory windows let in more light from above. The result is a very open feeling.
Built-in shelves and cabinets provide space for books and media equipment.
Built-in shelves and cabinets provide space for books and media equipment.