Tag: lake house

Sky Phenomenon to View from Your Lake House

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo courtesy of Popular Science.

There’s something magical about the night sky. Valerie Stimeck, the author of the book Dark Skies, refers to the stars as “one of the few unifying features of human history.” 

Unfortunately, modern skies, shrouded in city lights, don’t allow for proper stargazing. It’s reported that 90% of the United States population lives with significant light pollution. Given the pervasiveness of artificial lights, you’re probably missing out on more stars than you realize. 

If your lake house is in a rural area, you might be part of the lucky 10%. On the next clear night, venture to your boat dock and see if you can spot these five sky phenomena from your lake house. 

Constellations

Photo courtesy of Hubpages.com.

Constellations are perhaps the most famous sky phenomenon — and they have been for a long time. Of the 88 constellations recognized by astronomers today, 48 of them date back to the Ancient Greek and Babylonian times. Each night since the dawn of time, these patterns of stars have returned to their places, and their predictability is part of why stargazers love them. 

The prominence of constellations differs based on seasonality. During the summer, the Big Dipper is easiest to spot in the Northern Hemisphere. As fall approaches, be on the lookout for Pegasus and Andromeda. Need help finding constellations in the night sky? An app can help with that. With Sky Guide, point your phone to the sky above, and it will outline constellations for you.

Planets

Photo courtesy of Sky & Telescope.

Constellations are perhaps the most famous sky phenomenon — and they have been for a long time. Of the 88 constellations recognized by astronomers today, 48 of them date back to the Ancient Greek and Babylonian times. Each night since the dawn of time, these patterns of stars have returned to their places, and their predictability is part of why stargazers love them. 

However, their prominence differs based on seasonality. During the summer, the Big Dipper is easiest to spot in the Northern Hemisphere. As fall approaches, be on the lookout for Pegasus and Andromeda. Need help finding constellations in the night sky? An app can help with that. With Sky Guide, simply point your phone to the sky above, and it will outline constellations for you.

Milky Way

Photo courtesy of Dan’s Camera.

At one point in time, the Milky Way was always visible on every moonless night. However, due to light pollution, its appearance isn’t as consistent. It’s brightest in the southern hemisphere of the modern sky, but you can still view this sky phenomenon from your lake house. You’ll see dust lanes, nebulas, and star clusters within the constellation Sagittarius, making up the brightest part of the galaxy. Between June and August, our galaxy appears most brilliant, while December through February is when it’s invisible and too close to the sun. Right now, it’s a perfect time of year to look for the Milky Way on a clear night!

Comets

Photo courtesy of @alisonleedham via Twenty20.

According to NASA, comets are “cosmic snowballs of frozen gasses.” As they travel close to the sun, they spew gas and dust, forming a tail that stretches millions of miles. On rare occasions, you may be lucky enough to spot a comet at your lake house. Typically, they appear just around sunrise or sunset. 

Although comets are rare to witness, some reliably appear in the night sky. You may have recently heard of Comet Neowise, which came closest to the Earth in late July 2020. Famously, Halley’s Comet reappears every 75 years, so it’s possible to see it twice in one average lifetime. Mark Twain was born in a year when Halley’s Comet was visible, and he died the year it was visible again. Other well-known comets include Comet Hale-Bopp and Comet Encke. Regardless of which comet you’ve set out to see, owning a lake home in a less light-polluted area increases your chances of witnessing this sky phenomenon.

Northern Lights

Photo courtesy of SUOMI PHOTOGRAPHY via Pexels

This one is for lake homeowners in the northern U.S. You likely won’t see the Northern Lights directly from your patio, but many of our markets with listings are close to parks where this sky phenomenon is visible. For instance, stargazers have witnessed the aurora borealis in the Panhandle National Forest in Idaho, Acadia National Park in Maine, and Headlands International Dark Sky Park in Michigan. If you’re lucky enough to witness this beautiful sky phenomenon, in which earth’s gases collide with sun particles, your photos won’t do justice to its magnificence.

If you can’t see every sky phenomenon at your lake house, no need to worry. There are plenty of ways to tackle light pollution at your own home to increase visibility. So grab a pair of binoculars and start stargazing! 

Low Outdoor Seating: Ideas for Fire Pits

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo courtesy of Luxury Home Magazine Charlotte via Instagram.

Have you heard the phrase “form follows function?” This famous architectural philosophy, coined by skyscraper inventor Louis Henry Sullivan, means that a building or object’s shape reflects its intended purpose. 

This principle certainly applies to outdoor furniture; an outdoor chair’s height depends on its designated function. For instance, high counter stools are for entertaining because hosts can chat with their seated guests at eye level. By contrast, lounge chairs’ low height and reclining backs facilitate ultimate relaxation.

However, seating for fire pits is unique. Lower than a dining chair but higher than a lounge, this low outdoor seating should cater to casual conversation among guests.

For lake homeowners with fire pits, there’s a myriad of types of chairs to pick! From benches to Adirondacks, these differing forms all reflect the same function — enjoying a fireside chat with your friends and family. 

Adirondack Chairs

Photo courtesy of Polywood.

Named for the mountainous region in New York, Adirondack chairs are simply a classic. The classic wooden frames and reclining backs are designed for relaxation. Further, their low height makes them perfect for fire pit seating.

One brand specializing in Adirondack chairs is Polywood, a leading manufacturer in sustainable furniture. Their goal is to incorporate 1 million pounds of ocean-bound plastic into furniture by 2021. If you’re seeking a timeless, simple look, an Adirondack chair is unbeatable.

Sectional Sofas

Photo courtesy of Brown Jordan.

For square and rectangular fire pits, sectional sofas are an ideal low outdoor seating choice. As an angular piece of furniture, their form naturally matches a fire pit’s edges. This form matching creates a seamless, congruous design.

The good news is that it’s possible to find sectional sofas at any price point. For the best of the best, look to Brown Jordan, a renowned luxury outdoor furniture provider. Their selection of outdoor sectional sofas is built to last. 

Swings

Photo courtesy of Little White House Blog/Remodelaholic via Country Living Magazine.

Who says that swings are reserved for front porches? Low-hanging outdoor swings add a laid-back flare to any fire pit. If you’re good with woodworking, you can create a DIY hexagonal swing set for your backyard.

If woodworking is not your thing, there’s plenty of other swing options. These wicker egg chairs from Belham are great for social distancing, as they only accommodate one guest per swing. On a cool fall evening, it’ll be easy to drift to sleep with the rocking motion of these swings. 

Euro Chairs

Photo courtesy of Summer Classics.

For outdoor fire pits, picking the right chair height is ideal. Dining chairs are too high, but lounge chairs are too low. Enter the euro chair — a “chat height” designed for having casual conversations and roasting smores around the fire.

While many brands carry euro chairs as a low outdoor seating option, Summer Classics has a particularly strong collection. This luxury brand of outdoor furniture specializes in durable, high-quality pieces built to last. Add a few plush cushions for maximum comfort. 

Benches

Photo courtesy of Hayneedle.

If you don’t mind backless furniture, curved benches are a great option for low outdoor seating around a fire pit. Multiple benches create a design where each guest can have their own space, and the flat planed seat doubles as a drink holder.

Bench style seating has become a popular trend in recent years. They’re effortlessly stylish, they blend well with nature, and they’re easy to build. If you’d rather not build your own, Wayfair has plenty of options in multiple price ranges. 

Regardless of the specific kind of low outdoor seating furniture, your guests will love gathering around the outdoor fire pit at your lake home. For more backyard landscaping ideas, check out our blog at Lakehomes.com! 

How to Attract Birds to Your Lake House

Posted on Camille Smith

Despite its reputation as a boring pastime, bird watching is anything but dull. It’s a popular hobby that over 45 million Americans engage in, according to the U.S. Fishing and Wildlife Service. Bird watching is especially thrilling if you own a lake home. “At the lake, you have a greater range of potential bird species to interact with,” says Dr. Julian Avery, a conservation biologist at Penn State University. “I get excited thinking about different species (waterfowl, sandpipers, and sparrows) that might show up around a lake that would not enter urban areas.” Besides the joy of high-flying guests, tangible benefits to attracting birds include pest control and pollination. Ultimately, it’s worth the extra effort to attract birds to your lake house. Here are some foolproof strategies for bringing in more winged guests this season!

Choose the Right Seed

Birds are not hard to please. Just like humans, birds must fulfill their basic needs to survive. If you can provide food, water, and shelter, they’ll start congregating around your lake home. Food is an excellent place to start. Since different birds prefer different seeds, the question of how to choose the best bird seed depends on the types of birds you’d like to attract. If you want to bring in multiple species, diversify your seed types. “Make sure you use a variety of foods and clean regularly,” Dr. Avery advises, “As you increase the number of seed types, you should see an increase in species variety.” When choosing a feeder, remember to follow guidelines ,so your birdseed doesn’t attract predators.

Set up a Bird Bath

Birdbaths are not just for decor. While these shallow stone basins are a charming look for your outdoor space, they’re also a major bird magnet. For birds, these baths serve a dual purpose– drinking and preening. Just keep in mind that you must maintain it regularly. Scott, a bird enthusiast ,and blogger, writes on his website Bird Watching HQ: “Birds love having fresh water so much that typically within a few days, they have made the water in your bath pretty gross. This means that you will have to commit to changing the water every few days and cleaning with a scrub brush every few weeks.” In the winter, purchasing a heated birdbath will attract birds to your lake house. When most of their water supply is frozen, they’ll quickly gravitate towards the warm water.

Litter Some Leaves

Not all birds rely on feeders. Species like starlings, doves, and quails typically search for their next meal on the ground. To attract these birds, try raking fallen leaves underneath your shrubs to create mulch. Dr. Stephen Kress, the National Audubon Society’s vice president for Bird Conservation, told All About Birds how this strategy works. According to Dr. Kress, earthworms, roly-poly bugs, insects, and spiders will thrive in this pile of leaves, providing a delicious dinner for ground-feeding birds. “In general,” he says, “overly tidy gardeners are poor bird gardeners!”

Provide Shelter

Whether it’s snowing outside or blistering hot, birds need protection from extreme weather conditions. This need for cover will drive them away from a barren yard and closer to one filled with trees and shrubs at varying heights. “Having some vegetation and cover will enhance your feeding and viewing opportunities,” Dr. Avery says. “We tend to clear the shoreline of vegetation, but this makes it less likely you will have wildlife on your property. Waterfowl will not nest unless there is some cover, and you have a unique opportunity to help these species raise young in your backyard!” When choosing plants, be sure to pick ones native to your hardiness zone as they’ll attract native insects that birds eat. Evergreen plants are also good choices that provide shelter for birds year-round.

Put these tips into action, and your backyard will become a bird sanctuary in no time! Bird watching provides hours of enjoyment for its practitioners. 

5 Reasons to Purchase a Lake House as a First Home

Posted on Camille Smith
For Sale Sold Sign lake house as a first home

Imagine that you’re looking to buy your first house or apartment. More than likely, it’s in an urban or suburban area, and the most picturesque views that you’ll get is of your neighbor’s backyard or the recycling bins outside. But of course, it has its benefits —  it’s near work, it’s close to the city, and it’s just practical. Perhaps thoughts of a luxurious lake home seem more like a pipe dream than a reality. Something to save up for and wait several years before even thinking about it. But who says that you have to postpone your lakeside living fantasies?

According to CNN, there’s a rising trend of people buying vacation houses as a first home. For many new homeowners, this method is the ideal way to obtain real estate without sacrificing all their assets in one purchase as you might in an expensive city. From saving money to stressing less, there are several perks that come with buying a lake home as your primary investment property. 

1. Save Money

Lake George, NY
Photo courtesy of Lake George.

It’s no secret that major cities like New York or San Francisco are very pricey for small units of space. Not surprisingly, both were ranked among the top 25 most expensive cities in the U.S. For good reason, many people are now opting to buy properties at vacation spots adjacent to these major cities while continuing to pay rent for their small urban apartments. This way, new homeowners can get the best of both worlds — an investment in real estate while also living in the city. For example, New York dwellers might choose to buy a house on Lake George, about a three hour drive from the hustle and bustle. When the work week gets stressful and a weekend retreat is in the cards, there’s nothing better than a nearby destination that you can proudly own. Buying a lake house as a first home solves this issue.

2. Rent it Out

Person handing house keys to renters

If you aren’t planning to live at your lake house full time but still want to invest in the property, there’s a great opportunity to rent your vacation home to others who are looking for a weekend getaway. Since it’s going to be left unoccupied when you aren’t there, you might as well be making a profit. According to the data studio Priceconomics, AirBnb hosts make $924 per month on average. By including your lake home on a platform like AirBnb, you can offset the mortgage cost each month and make your investment a little more affordable. Plus, with amazing views of a nearby lake and serene nature surrounding the house, you’re bound to get plenty of booking requests.

3. Stress Less

Lake House at Bulow lake house as a first home
Photo courtesy of The Lake House at Bulow.

When it comes to buying a house, there can be a lot of pressure to make sure it’s the right decision. After all, you’re placing roots in a space that you expect to enjoy for years to come. But if you’re living in an expensive city, the stakes are high and dropping more than $150,000 on a downpayment (based on the average listing price of $779,000 in New York City) is not a decision to be taken lightly. If you’re ready to be a homeowner but can’t commit to city prices, choosing a more affordable vacation home is a great way to lower your stress and buy some time before investing in city property.

4. Invest in the Future

Grandfather reading with grandson at lake

If retirement is already on your mind, imagine the kind of place where you’d like to spend the years following your career. Likely, it’s a place where relaxation is the name of the game. By investing in lake house property early on, chances are that you’ll be far enough on your mortgage payments where you can retire comfortably at your vacation home. Not to mention, you’ve secured a vacation destination and weekend getaway for all those pre-retirement years when you need to take a break.

5. Enjoy the Scenery

Buying a lake house as a first home
Photo courtesy of Bontena.

Of course, the decision to buy a vacation home as a first home comes with a few considerations. For example, the upkeep is your responsibility and this may be harder to keep track of when it isn’t your primary residence. However, those who have taken the plunge and bought a vacation home while renting in the city say that it helps to keep close ties with neighbors who can alert you if anything suspicious is going on. And if your property is just a few hours away, you should be able to make it for a maintenance day one weekend a month. If you decide that you’re ready to take on the homeowner responsibilities, consider all the benefits of making your first home one with an incredible lake view. 

Life in Living Coral: Using the 2019 Color of the Year in Your Home

Posted on Staff
Pantone Color of the Year 2019 Living Coral

Pantone hit it out of the ballpark with their 2019 Color of the Year, Living Coral. This vibrant, brilliant hue is a dreamy complement to all things nautical and shore-side.

Here are five tips for using the Pantone Color of the Year in your lake home.

Textile Touches

Living Coral Furniture Decor Lake Front Home
Photo courtesy of ComfyDwelling.

The beauty of textiles is they allow you to make bold or subtle statements with color.

For a low-key look, why not stock your bathrooms with some sumptuous coral-toned bath towels?

Some luxury throw pillows in coral will brighten up your living room, and at the very least some coral placemats or napkins can spice up the dining room table.

Be careful with bright draperies though–your view is one of the most precious things your lake home has to offer, and bright drapes can pull the eye away from it!

Accent Walls

Adding an accent wall in coral is one way to celebrate this color loudly.

While some homeowners may say, “Go big or go home,” with a color this boisterous, prevailing wisdom holds that less is indeed more.

Perfect for warming up any space, Living Coral speaks to us most when used as an accent in a breakfast nook, bathroom, or mudroom.

Statement Pieces

Adirondack Chairs in Living Color
Photo courtesy of Fifthroom.

For a bold furnishing set for those with no fear of commitment, these Adirondack chairs in coral will give your outdoor lounging area a delicious burst of color.

Some retro appliances in Living Coral can also brighten up a kitchen dramatically. A classic coral bedspread will give you or your guests an exciting feature to sleep on for years to come.

Wall Art

Consider a piece of art featuring the pigment. An abstract painting or a vintage print can give you just the right amount of coral flair you need to feel like your home is on-point with this trend.

Sometimes, a tiny amount of color will tie a room together in a sophisticated way. Wall art featuring some coral accents will really shine when incorporated with some textile touches nearby.

Floral Accents

Maybe you find the idea of committing to Living Coral long-term a little daunting. If so, consider adding some living touches to your living space.

A few stems of amaryllis, coral roses, and tuberose look great in a vase and can add just a touch of the color to the room on a short term basis.

There are also many beautiful orchids whose coral blooms are great for warming up your home’s interior.

Outdoor flower gardens are becoming more trendy as homeowners to improve curb appeal and increase the value of their homes and vacation houses.

Creating a garden can do just that and will give you a lovely outdoor hobby, as garden maintenance is a must for thriving blooms.

Try planting a Coral Wings Rhododendron or a Knockout Rose in Coral. These gorgeous bloomers will add some seasonal flair to your yard and can even provide some stems for indoor bud vases.

Whether you’re a slave to trends and can’t wait to paint the lake house coral, or you prefer to keep things more subtle, these five tips for using the Pantone color of the year in your lake home will freshen up your 2019 look with very little work.

For more home improvement or DIY tips, read more articles here.

Article Contributed by: Sarah Miller, Lawnstarter.com

Sarah Miller is a writer, self-claimed nutritionist, and CrossFit junkie. She spends most of her time meal prepping and actively trying to beat personal records in the gym, but always enjoys a meditative walk through a nearby woodland area or near a lake.

Lake Home Tips: Kitchen Upgrades to Make Your Space Feel Bigger

Posted on Staff

To be honest, most of the time spent at your lake home is spent outdoors – as it should be. But the second-most popular place at your lake home is inside: It’s your kitchen, and when you’re entertaining your family and friends, a cramped space just won’t do.

Construction crews aside, there are many simple ways to make your kitchen feel bigger. Take a look at the few examples below to see how you can update your space this lake season!

White and Wood

Lightening up the color of your kitchen may sound simple, but it’s effective.

Lighter colors, such as creams and whites, are better at reflecting light, which helps create the illusion of a larger room.

kitchen with white walls, stainless appliances

To take your upgrade a step further, interior designers suggest putting up trim around the top of your space, painted an even lighter color than the walls.

Add texture to your kitchen by paneling your walls with whitewashed wooden planks, commonly known as shiplap.

Popularized by the HGTV show “Fixer Upper,” shiplap can not only help make your kitchen feel bigger, but it can also make your space feel warm and cozy, like a comfy lake cabin.

Or, when accented appropriately, can give your kitchen a coastal vibe.

Let the Light in

Another technique to making your space feel bigger, is increasing the amount of natural light that flows into it.

Do away with your dark colored window shams and thick, heat-blocking curtains, and spring for a set of indoor shutters that can be opened and closed at your leisure while still inviting in ample sunlight.

You can also incorporate reflective surfaces in your kitchen. Similar to how lighter colors can make a space feel roomier, so can reflective surfaces like stainless steel appliances and metallic backsplashes.

Eliminating low-hanging chandeliers and frosted light fixtures can also open up a room.

Redo Your Floors

Installing patterned flooring is another option to consider when attempting to make your space feel bigger.

One way to achieve this is to use over-sized tiles in your kitchen. The size of these will help to create a sense of wideness to the area.

In selecting these tiles, choose similar colors that are slightly different, such as a slate and a lighter grey. Dark floors will contrast well with your light walls.

If you want hardwood floors, install planks of alternating colors. As with your tile, be sure not to very the color drastically. Slight variations will achieve the look you desire without being visually jarring.

Another tip is to install your hardwood floors vertically, rather than horizontally. This will help make your space look as it longer.

Incorporate Open Shelving

Ditch your boxy ceiling-to-counter shelves and opt for several open shelving units.

This will help add depth to your kitchen by optimizing the amount of light in your space and help make better use of your wall space.

Often thick and dark, closed cabinetry can also have an oppressive effect on a space.

Open storage aides in functionality of your kitchen by eliminating the time you take hunting down that pot or pan, as well as makes the room more inviting.

So before you call the contractor, try out one of these simple upgrade suggestions for making your space feel bigger, and be sure to check out our other home improvement articles here and here!

Choosing the Right Flooring for Your Lake House

Posted on Staff
Shoes on flooring of lake house

Anyone buying or remodeling a lake home has a myriad of decisions to make. Many times, flooring is one of the last things you want to think about. Even so, lake home flooring is a very important decision!

If you are buying or remodeling a lake home, chances are you are already familiar with the effects of the elements. Lake homes withstand a huge amount of moisture, humidity and wear and tear.

Here are the most common flooring types and how they stack up against those elements.

Carpet

White farmhouse style bedroom with carpet lake house

Best for: Bedrooms, living rooms, upstairs hallways
Worst for: Kitchens, bathrooms, entryways

Many people think carpet is an automatic no-go for a lake house. Far from it! If your heart (and your soles) are set on having carpet in your home, never fear. Just keep a few things in mind.

The main worries for carpet on the lake are water, mud, and humidity. Those muddy footprints can add up pretty quickly!

But if your property isn’t waterfront, this might not be a serious problem. Many builders compromise by using hardwood or synthetic flooring in main entryways and kitchens, then carpet in the main living areas.

Carpet also gives comfy insulation during the winter months. Having a soft, comfy floor is a big plus on those chilly winter nights!

One hidden drawback of carpet is its absorbency. Carpet absorbs moisture, pet hair, dust, pollen, and mold. Many of these are in abundance at a lake house! If you are buying a previously owned lake house, be sure to clean the carpets when you move in.

Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood flooring of lake house with fireplace and walk out patio
Photo courtesy of OneKindesign.

Best for: Living rooms, dining rooms, foyers, hallways, bedrooms
Worst for: Basements, bathrooms, kitchens, wet areas

Many lake homes have hardwood floors. There is a wide range of hardwood flooring options, from bamboo to pine, to oversea exotics such as mahogany and rosewood. These can be attractive, durable, and increase your home’s value.

The two primary concerns with hardwood on the lake are cost and the chance of water damage. Hardwood can be extremely expensive, depending on the wood chosen. Water damage from flooding, the elements, or just years of wet feet can be expensive to replace.

Hardwood is also vulnerable to humidity, especially in basements or other “below grade” areas. Many builders only use hardwood on or above the ground floor. Or you can use engineered wood. This uses a top layer of finished wood over multiple, thin layers of plywood or fiberboard. Amy Matthews, the host of HGTV’s Sweat Equity, says, “depending on the thickness of the veneer, engineered wood can be finished once or twice.”

Laminate / Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl laminate floors in lake house kitchen
Photo courtesy of Mi Windows.

Best for: Entryways, hallways, living rooms
Worst for: Bathrooms

Lake homes often sport vinyl or laminate flooring in parts. These are more affordable and durable than carpet or hardwood. Better yet, they have advanced greatly since the 1970s, when vinyl flooring, floral wallpaper, and lava lamps went hand-in-hand.

Laminate is a synthetic flooring with the appearance of hardwood. Vinyl is a synthetic flooring with far more options and can have the appearance of tile, wood, stone or other materials. Both come in panels of various sizes.

Many of these can beautify a home at a fraction of the cost used by hardwood or tile flooring. They can easily shrug off spilled drinks and muddy footprints, too.

Remember that these flooring options are not perfectly waterproof. They typically require a perfectly clean, level floor. Seams between the panels can let water in, as well, that could soak into the underlayment or subflooring. Be careful when using these in a bathroom, where small puddles of water are almost a daily occurrence.

Linoleum

Hand painted linoleum floors with stencil navy blue
Photo courtesy of BBFrosch.

Best for: Entryways, kitchens, bathrooms­­­
Worst for: Sunrooms, bedrooms, rooms with rough concrete flooring

Another flooring that has seen a resurgence ­is linoleum. This synthetic flooring can come in either glue-down sheets, panels, or tiles.

The main difference between linoleum and laminate is the materials used. Linoleum is made from natural products, including linseed oil and sawdust.

Linoleum is more waterproof than laminate or vinyl tile. Because of this, it is more commonly used in areas like kitchens where spills happen frequently. When installing linoleum, be sure to waterproof the seams and edges.

Avoid installing linoleum flooring in any room with direct sunlight. The flooring will fade with time, and could even peel or warp. Install linoleum flooring in a sunroom, and you will most likely need to replace it in a few years’ time.

Ceramic or Stone Tile

Rustic kitchen with stone tile
Photo courtesy of Elona Home.

Best for: Entryways, outdoors, kitchens, bathrooms
Worst for: Bedrooms

Many homeowners on the lake solve these water damage issues with ceramic or stone tile. Tile flooring is attractive, easy to clean and completely waterproof. It also comes in a wide range of textures and colors. A tile floor can give your home a warm, old-world charm; a crisp, clean surface; or any other look you desire.

Tile floors are more durable than nearly any other finished flooring. You can use it in entryways, kitchens, patios or anywhere you like.

The only true drawbacks to tile are cost, hardness, and temperature. Depending on the type, tile can easily cost more than hardwood. Tile can also be very unforgiving if you plan to stand for long periods of time, or if someone slips and falls. This is especially true for gloss finish tile.

Tile gets very cold in the winter, too. This is why builders rarely use tile in bedrooms or hallways.

Location, Location, Location

Couple selecting tile flooring at hardware store

Whatever your preference, a mix of flooring types will probably work best for your lake home.

Many builders use grading to determine what type of floor to use. “Grade” refers to ground level. Rooms at ground level are “on grade,” above ground level are “above grade” and below ground level is “below grade.”

Most builders never use hardwood, or other floorings susceptible to water damage, in below-grade rooms such as finished basements. Due to the proximity to the lake and the water level, this can bring persistent dampness or even water seepage. Any flooring susceptible to damage from moisture (such as hardwood) should not be used below grade.

For more home improvement and DIY tips, read more of our articles here.

Top Five Movies Set on the Lake

Posted on Staff

On the lookout for some fitting lake movies to Netflix and chill with this summer?

Look no further! We’ve pulled together some fun summer flicks that will get you in the mood to spend some time on the lake, wherever you are.

What About Bob (1991)

When psychiatrist Dr. Leo Marvin (Dreyfuss) meets Bob Wiley, a good-natured, socially oblivious and anxiety-prone patient (Murray), he gets more than he bargained for. After their first therapy session, Dr. Marvin goes on vacation with his family on Lake Winnipesaukee. Things take a left turn when Wiley appears, having been unable to cope on his own. Despite Marvin’s protests, Bob’s friendly, innocent nature wins the hearts of his family and neighbors.

Marvin’s attempts to drive Bob away backfire time and again. Each time, Bob faithfully interprets them as a “radical new therapy.” At one point, Marvin goes so far as to actually strap Bob to the mast of his sailboat before going out on the lake, knowing that Bob is terrified of the water. Naturally, this cures Bob of his phobia. Before they pull back into dock, he is triumphantly shouting, “I’m sailing!”

What About Bob was set on Lake Winnipesaukee. By the time filming took place for the movie, set in the summertime, the leaves on Winnipesaukee were already changing color.

As a result, filmmakers actually shot the movie at Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia. The institution where Marvin tries to have Bob committed is the Elks National Home for Retirees in nearby Bedford, Virginia.

The Lake House (2006)

  • Starring: Keanu Reeves, Sandra Bullock, Christopher Plummer
  • Set in: Madison, Wisconsin
  • Filmed in: Maple Lake Forest Preserve, Chicago, IL

The most obvious resident on any list of lake movies, The Lake House was unfortunately panned by critics. The story revolves around a doctor (Bullock) who exchanges love letters with the previous tenant (Reeves) at her Wisconsin lake house in an unusual way. We won’t spoil the storyline. Let’s just say that depending on how you look at it, the letters travel either much faster, or much slower, than the US Postal Service.

The lake house in the movie was set in Wisconsin, but filmed on Maple Lake, in the Maple Lake Forest Preserve in the southwest suburbs of Chicago.

Filmmakers built the lake house entirely for the movie set. After filming, they removed the structure and put a simple fishing dock in its place.

On Golden Pond (1981)

  • Starring: Katharine Hepburn, Henry Fonda, Jane Fonda
  • Set in: Golden Pond (fictional), New England
  • Filmed in: Squam Lake, New Hampshire; Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire

Lake movies often only star young people. Not so for this adaptation of the Ernest Thompson play! On Golden Pond stars a retired couple, Ethel and Norman Thayer, played by Katharine Hepburn and Henry Fonda. Ethel and Norman spend each summer at their cottage on the fictional Golden Pond in northern New England. When their daughter, played by Henry Fonda’s real-life daughter Jane Fonda, visits, she asks if her son Billy can stay with them while she goes on vacation. They resent each other at first, but Norman and Billy grow close over the summer through their love of fishing.

Filmmakers leased the lake house used in On Golden Pond from a New York physician, on the shores of Squam Lake in New Hampshire. They modified the house for the shoot, adding an entire second story and balcony.

The waters of Squam Lake are shallow, but extremely cold, even for summer filming. The actors had to wear wetsuits under their clothing for many of the shots, including the famous scene in which they crash their fishing boat on the rocks. Hepburn, 74 at the time, performed all her own stunts, including a dive into the lake’s frigid water.

Lake Winnipesaukee also served as the location for some additional shots.

Meatballs  (1979)

  • Starring: Bill Murray, Harvey Atkin, Kate Lynch, Chris Makepeace
  • Set in: Unspecified
  • Filmed in: Camp White Pine (and nearby locations) in Haliburton, Ontario

Meatballs is one of the quintessential summer camp and lake movies. Murray stars as the head of a new group of counselors-in-training at Camp North Star, a cut-rate summer camp. The comedy follows the counselors’ practical jokes, romances, and misadventures over the summer. The movie culminates with their annual Olympiad competition with the rival Camp Mohawk.

Meatballs was followed by several sequels, but only one of them, Meatballs III: Summer Job, has any connection with the cast of the original film.

The movie was filmed at Camp White Pine in Haliburton, Ontario. Surprisingly, the camp stayed in operation during filming. This resulted in many of the actual campers and counselors serving as extras in the film.

Big Fish (2003)

  • Starring: Ewan McGregor, Albert Finney, Billy Crudup, Jessica Lange
  • Set in: Various locations across the United States
  • Filmed in: Various locations in Alabama (Wetumpka, Montgomery, and Jackson Lake)

While not properly set on a lake, Big Fish is a movie all about water. The film follows the life, adventures and many tall tales of Edward Bloom. Actors Ewan McGregor, in flashbacks, and Albert Finney, in the present day, play Bloom.

The film starts with Bloom telling the story of the day his son was born, when he caught a monstrous catfish by using his wedding ring as bait. Bloom recounts his life story in a series of fantastic tales, starting with his childhood in Ashton, Alabama. He encounters a witch as a young boy and is shown his death. He discovers the hidden town of Spectre, befriends a misunderstood giant, works at a circus, serves in the Korean War, and becomes a traveling salesman all before marrying the love of his life, Sandra.

Fun fact: You can still visit the fictional town of Spectre, located on the privately-owned Jackson Lake Island near Millbrook, Alabama. The houses and buildings from the movie set are still standing, and visitors have to pay just a $3 admission fee. Campsites are available, and the fishing is supposedly fantastic. Just like the residents in Big Fish, you won’t ever want to leave…

Already seen all of these movies? Check out our article, “Lake Movies You Must See” for more flicks to add to your must-watch list.

Hidden Costs of Buying A Lake Home: Tips for First-time Buyers

Posted on Staff
Chalk drawing of a house with a key in the doorway next to a fanned out stack of $100 bills the hidden costs of buying a lake home

It’s no secret that lake property typically costs more. If you are shopping for your first lake home, chances are you’re extremely aware of this! What many first-time buyers don’t know is that there are several hidden costs of buying a lake home that may lie just beneath the surface.

While you are busy falling in love with that gorgeous lake home of your dreams, keep the following factors in mind. Your budget will thank you!

Leased Lots

Even with a traditional mortgage, buying a lake home may involve leasing the land itself.

This is most common on waterfront property. The power company, the local municipality, or even the federal government may own the lake itself – and that often includes the shoreline.

When you purchase a home on a “leased lot,” you enter into a long-term lease with the owner.

These are not complicated, but it can be a significant expense. Leases typically run between $200 and $500 a month, depending on the area. Depending on the area, your lease could last anywhere from 20 to 100 years!

When on the waterfront, ask always find out who owns the shoreline. This can be a huge factor in your budget.

Property Taxes

Lake property is subject to higher property taxes as well, and if your lake home is going to be a second home, that can make tax season incredibly complicated.

These hidden costs of buying a lake home often don’t pop up until you’ve already been in the home for months.

Many lake homeowners have their primary residence in different counties or even states. Research the local laws and tax rates for your lake home. Don’t be afraid to consult with an accountant!

If you rent out your lake home, you may also be subject to income tax.

Insurance

Person holding clipboard with insurance contract

Homeowner’s insurance is usually higher for lake homes due to their increased exposure to the elements. Having good coverage is a wise choice to begin with. Unfortunately, that choice might already be made for you.

Local laws and insurance companies often mandate a higher level of insurance coverage for lake homes, including flood insurance.

Remember that you need to get coverage for any additional structures on the property, such as your dock, guest house, or sea wall. Your homeowner’s insurance policy may not cover them automatically.

Flood insurance should always be seriously considered for lake property. After the floodwaters recede, this protection can mean the difference between a serious hassle and a financial disaster.

HVAC and Septic Systems

According to Wally Cawthon, a Lake Homes Realty agent on Jackson Lake, Georgia, “The two biggest unexpected and preventable expenses for first-time lake home buyers are repairs to HVAC systems and septic systems. If buyers take proper inspection measures, they can avoid these in almost every case.”

Many lake homes, especially in rural areas, use a septic system.

These need to inspected regularly to ensure that they don’t pollute the local water table, or the lake itself.

Never purchase a lake home with a septic system before having it professionally inspected.

This typically costs $200 to $500, and is money well spent. Replacing a seriously damaged septic system can easily cost up to $7,000.

HVAC systems should also be thoroughly inspected before buying.

A home that looks picture-perfect when the weather is mild can still house an HVAC system long past its prime.

Buy without having it inspected, and you may be in for a rude surprise (and an even more rude repair bill) when you take ownership.

Outdated HVAC systems can also churn through electricity, especially in the chilly winter months.

Boat Docks

Lake house floating boat deck
Photo courtesy of Custom Dock Systems.

Building a dock on your property is no small project. According to homeadvisor.com, the average homeowner spends $3,396 in dock construction.

Depending on the specifications, a high-quality, permanent dock can cost more than $50,000. Factors such as size, water depth, climate, and other factors all contribute to this cost.

If part of your dream home involves building a dock, get a professional estimate on dock construction, then factor that cost into your budget for the new home.

On the other hand, you may have your eye on property that already has a dock.

If so, ask the selling agent if they know how old it is. Most wooden docks last 20 to 25 years. Purchasing one that is due to be replaced can be a serious hit to your wallet!

Know how your homeowner’s insurance policy covers your dock. Many policies cover the structure from incidental damage, but not damage due to flooding, freezing, or thawing.

Utilities

Many lakes are situated in pristine, secluded, rural areas. This means that power, water, cable, and other utilities often come at a premium.

Lake homes need a dedicated “land line” for the telephone. Between the rural locations and limited cellular service providers, you never want to rely entirely on a cell phone.

This may seem like a trivial concern. Lake homeowners can attest, though, that these hidden costs of buying a lake home add up quickly.

You will find this doubly true if your lake house is a second home. This is why many lake homeowners “winterize” their homes in the winter months, cutting off the power, gas, and water when it isn’t in use.

Homeowner’s Associations

Person signing homeowner association contract the hidden costs of buying a lake home

Last but not least, many lake homes are part of a homeowner’s association.

These associations often serve the same role as small-town municipalities around the lake itself. They maintain the lake, set local regulations, and preserve the natural beauty of the area.

Homeowner’s association dues usually make up a small, but mandatory, annual cost.

It’s a good idea to acquaint yourself with the association before purchasing the home. This can give you an inside look at the local culture, including your future neighbors!

Do the Research

These are the most common costs to take into consideration. When researching a lake home, factor these into your budget early on.

Curious about the hidden costs that come after the purchase of a lake home? Read our article, “The Hidden Costs of Keeping A Lake Home: Tips for First-time Buyers“, or find more advice and tips on lake living here.