Tag: lake living

Thanksgiving—The Sequel: Innovative dishes to whip up using your turkey-day leftovers.

Posted on Jeanne Delathouder
Thanksgiving table with all the foods arranged and styled beautifully
Photo Courtesy of Oldways

At a lake house, where the horizon stretches wide and you’ve just hosted a generous holiday dinner, the question of what to do with leftovers often feels too familiar. The answer? Repurpose yesterday’s feast into something new today—without repeating the same plate. With strategic tweaks, your day-two dishes can deliver fresh flavors, different textures, and a revived appetite. By transforming the rendered richness of turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, and cranberry sauce into fresh meals, you stay efficient yet elevated. These innovative dishes pay homage to the produce of your holiday kitchen while maintaining the relaxed vibe your lakeside setting demands. Below are seven distinct recipes that let you use leftover Thanksgiving ingredients to create inventive new dishes. You’ll avoid reruns of the big meal.

Stuffing Hash

Stuffing Hash
Photo courtesy of Christopher Testani, Bon Appétit

This easy skillet recipe brings new life to leftover stuffing, turning it into a golden, crispy hash. It’s perfect for a relaxed post-holiday brunch at the lake. A drizzle of olive oil and a hot pan help the stuffing crisp along the edges. This keeps the center tender and flavorful. The herbs and savory notes from the original Thanksgiving meal deepen as they caramelize. This makes each bite more complex than the day before. A fried egg on top adds creamy richness, and a sprinkle of chopped parsley brightens the dish. The contrast between the crisp exterior, soft interior, and silky yolk captures the essence of comfort food without feeling repetitive. With just five minutes of prep and about eight minutes of cook time, it’s quick enough for a leisurely morning. Yet, it’s indulgent enough to impress guests staying the weekend. For the recipe, visit Garlic & Zest, which also offers swaps and variations.

Turkey & Mushroom Risotto

Turkey & Mushroom Risotto
Photo Courtesy of Penden + Munk, Epicurious

Here, leftover turkey is reincarnated in a creamy risotto with mushrooms, broth (ideally turkey or chicken), Parmesan cheese, and arborio rice. The ingredients: leftover turkey meat, mushrooms (wild or button), onion or shallot, arborio rice, turkey stock, Parmesan, butter, and oil. On the flavor side, you get a deeply comforting mouth-feel. The earthy mushrooms, nutty cheese, and tender turkey are elevated compared to the original roast. Approximate time: about 10 minutes prep (chopping turkey and mushrooms, bringing stock to a simmer) plus about 25–30 minutes of risotto cooking, for a total of about 35–40 minutes. Visit Epicurious for the recipe.

Cranberry Orange Loaf

Cranberry Orange Loaf
Photo courtesy of I Am Baker

Turning leftover cranberry sauce (or fresh cranberries) into a loaf bread makes for a sweet-and-tart offering. It doesn’t feel like more pie. Key ingredients: cranberries (or leftover sauce), orange zest and juice, flour, baking powder, sugar, and pecans. The flavor profile pivots to bright citrus, tart berries, nutty texture, and sweet bread. It feels lighter and more brunch-friendly than dessert. Prep takes about 15 minutes mixing, then 60 minutes bake time (total about 1 hr 15 mins). Visit Allrecipes for baking instructions.

Best Homemade Turkey Soup

Best Homemade Turkey Soup
Photo courtesy of The Endless Meal

This hearty soup uses leftover turkey (and optionally the bones for stock), carrots, celery, onion, turkey stock, and noodles or pasta. The flavor is wholly different from the holiday roast. It features an aromatic broth, tender turkey pieces, and warming vegetables—ideal for a slower-paced lakeside evening. Rough time estimate: about 10 minutes prep (chopping veggies). If making stock from bones, around 8 hours simmering is needed (or shorter if using pre-made stock). If you skip the full carcass stock, you can have it in 30–40 minutes by using cooked turkey meat and good-quality stock. For the recipe, visit The Endless Meal.

Thanksgiving Skillet Pizza

Thanksgiving Skillet Pizza
Photo courtesy of Chelsea Kyle, Epicurious

Here’s a fun repurpose: turn leftover mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes, turkey, cranberry sauce, and veggies into a skillet pizza with a crispy crust. Ingredients: pizza dough (store-bought or homemade), oil, mashed potatoes (or sweet potato mash), shredded turkey, cheese (mozzarella/Fontina, etc.), leftover veggies, cranberry sauce drizzle. Flavor becomes inventive: creamy potato base instead of tomato sauce. Turkey and veg are on top, while the sweet-tangy finish from cranberry enhances it further. Prep roughly 4–8 minutes to set the dough and toppings, then about 8–13 minutes of baking. Total time is around 12–15 minutes if the dough is ready (or longer if you make the dough). Visit Epicurious for the recipe.

Sweet Potato Pancakes

Sweet Potato Pancakes
Photo courtesy of Feel Good Foodie

This recipe is perfect for using up leftover mashed or baked sweet potatoes from your casserole. Ingredients include about 1 cup leftover mashed sweet potatoes, two eggs, ½ cup milk, 2 Tbsp brown sugar, 1 Tbsp maple syrup, ¾ cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp baking powder, a pinch of nutmeg, and melted butter. The flavor profile: richly sweet-potato-forward, subtly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg. A hint of maple and brown sugar reinforces that warmth, while the pancake format offers a new texture for your lake-home breakfast or brunch. Approximate time: prep about 10 minutes, cook about 15 minutes (total ~25 minutes). Visit Feel Good Foodie for the recipe.

Turkey Salad with Cranberries

Turkey Salad with Cranberries
Photo courtesy of Savory with Soul

This salad is a fresh, cold preparation that turns leftover turkey—and stuffing—into a crisp, mixed-green dish with dried cranberries and pecans (or almonds). It is ideal for your lake-home entertaining. Key ingredients: cooked turkey (shredded or chunked), celery, parsley, dried cranberries (or leftover cranberry sauce lightly stirred in), chopped pecans, mayonnaise, and plain yogurt for the dressing. The flavor profile: savory turkey and stuffing crumbs interspersed with sweet-tart cranberries, crunchy nuts, crisp celery, and fresh herbs. The creamy dressing ties it all together, while the textural contrasts keep it lively. Prep is very efficient—about 15 minutes—and there’s no cook time since everything is pre-cooked. You’ll be done in about 15 minutes. Visit Savory with Soul for the recipe.

By approaching your Thanksgiving leftovers with intention—selecting dishes that completely change the format, texture, or speed of preparation—you can keep the holiday energy alive at your lake home without falling into repetition. For more inspired recipe ideas to live your best lake life, visit Lake Homes Lifestyles.

Good Gravy: For a savory sidekick at your Thanksgiving table, it’s ALL gravy.

Posted on Jeanne Delathouder
Caramelized Onion Gravy in a gravy boat on a Thanksgiving table with turkey, utensils, table linens, and wine in the background.
Caramelized Onion Gravy, Photo Courtesy of Julia Garland, Food52

Thanksgiving at the lake deserves more than the usual gravy—it calls for sauces that match your relaxed lakeside vibe yet bring something fresh to the table. A memorable gravy can be the one element that ties your holiday feast together. It can also express regional flavor and honor a modern home cook’s time constraints, all while delighting the senses. Whether you’re nestled in the Upper East lakes of New York, hosting in the Mid-Atlantic, or laid back in California lake country, you’ll want options that feel both inventive and doable. Below are seven savory gravy recipes, each with its own twist and regional nod.

Ultimate Make-Ahead Gravy

Ultimate Make-Ahead Gravy ingredients in separate ramekins on a table
Photo courtesy of Emily Laurae, Southern Living

We’ll start with the easiest one for home cooks with lots to do—in very little time. This make-ahead gravy uses butter and flour to create a roux, then adds chicken (or turkey) stock with sage, thyme, and garlic powder. It becomes a deeply comforting gravy that you can prepare up to 3 days in advance. It suits a Southeast lake setting—say a Georgia or Alabama lake house—where ease of prep is valued. You want that Southern-style comfort without fuss. The taste is warm, herb-laced, and silky —a classic that doesn’t feel outdated but effortless. With an active time of about 20 minutes and a total time near 30 minutes (excluding chilling), you get a pantry-friendly, stress-reducing sauce you can make ahead. For the recipe, visit Southern Living, which also offers variations including mushrooms, fresh herbs, and sherry.

Best-Ever Turkey Gravy

Best-Ever Turkey Gravy being poured from a saucepan over turkey on a pate with mashed potatoes and Brussel sprouts with stemless red wine glass in background
Photo Courtesy of Victor Protasio, Food & Wine

This savory recipe emphasizes building a rich turkey stock from neck, liver, gizzard, and vegetables. You render the turkey fat (or use butter), then make a roux to finish the gravy, adding richness and depth. It’s ideally suited to an Upper East lake retreat—like New England or Upstate New York—where tradition matters. You might have the time and space to build stock. The flavor is deeply roasted, satisfying, and rooted in the classic idea of Thanksgiving gravy. You’ll spend about 1 hour roasting the stock ingredients, then about 20 minutes finishing the sauce (plus cooling/skimming time). Visit Food & Wine for the recipe.

Easy Gluten-Free Turkey Gravy

Easy Gluten-Free Turkey Gravy on top of turkey with sweet potatoes and cranberry sauce on the side and turkey decorations in backdrop
Photo courtesy of Queen of My Kitchen

This recipe is an excellent choice to suit guests with gluten restrictions. Instead of flour, it uses cornstarch (or another gluten-free thickener) to maintain a silky texture, while still allowing the turkey drippings or stock to shine. The taste is clean, smoothly rich—even satisfying in the way a flour-based gravy is—but appropriate for guests who need gluten-free options. With about 5 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of cook time, it’s highly doable. Visit Queen of My Kitchen for the recipe.

Super-Savory Turkey Gravy

Super-Savory Turkey Gravy made with oyster sauce in a two-handled baking dish on a tablecloth
Photo courtesy of Chris Simpson, Food & Wine

This delicious rendition befits a more adventurous Thanksgiving table—think a Pacific Northwest lake home—where you might lean into smoked salmon, fresh herbs, oyster, or seafood influences. The gravy incorporates oyster sauce, sherry, and a beurre manié (butter-flour paste) technique for a silky, umami-rich finish. The roasted turkey drippings and pan fond combine with oyster sauce and thyme to deliver a savory, slightly salty-sweet complexity. With an active time of around 15 minutes and a total time of about 20 minutes, this option lets you pull off something elevated without getting bogged down. For the recipe, visit Food & Wine.

Bourbon Cranberry Turkey Gravy

Bourbon Cranberry Turkey Gravy in a glass gravy boat and garnished with rosemary sprig and cranberries and sliced turkey in the background
Photo courtesy of Mantitlement

Decidedly daring, this booze-infused gravy brings a Northern lake-home twist—think New England or Upper East lake regions—where cranberry bogs thrive. Bourbon adds to the allure of this secret sauce, combined with turkey drippings or stock, butter, onions, and flour for thickening, and cranberry sauce for bright acidity and color. The flavor profile is rich and savory, thanks to the robust turkey base. It has a tangy sweetness from the cranberry and a subtle warmth from the whiskey. With 5 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes for cooking, this recipe takes about 15 minutes. Visit Mantitlement for the recipe.

Giblet Gravy

Giblet Gravy in a gravy boat on the able with a crumpled linen napkin
Photo courtesy of Caitlin Bensel, Southern Living

This classic recipe deepens the Southern table gravies with turkey giblets, aromatics, and the savory pan drippings. It’s an ideal choice for any lake region where you want to lean into tradition with a twist. The star ingredients feature turkey giblets (heart, gizzard, neck), turkey broth, onions, carrots, celery, herbs, pan drippings, butter, and a flour-based roux. The result reveals a rich, poultry flavor with savory undertones that taste hearty and comforting. Approximate time includes simmering giblets for about 1 hour, then making a roux and finishing in about 10 minutes. Visit Southern Living for the recipe.

Roasted Poblano Gravy

Roasted Poblano Gravy in a green gravy boat beside a Guajillo-Tamarind turkey and all the side dishes on a table
Photo courtesy of Joseph De Leo, Epicurious

Rounding out the list, this innovative smoky-green-chile option combines roasted poblanos, turkey drippings or stock, and a butter/flour roux. Decidedly Southwestern with a Tex-Mex spin, it is especially fitting for Texas and California lake homes, where you might source fresh chiles from local farms or markets. The taste is peppery, gently smoky with medium heat, and very approachable alongside turkey and mashed potatoes. After roasting (10 minutes plus steaming), you’ll spend around 8 minutes making the gravy—roughly 18 minutes total. Visit Sunset for the recipe, which incorporates pan drippings from their Guajillo-Tamarind Turkey recipe.

From make-ahead ease to umami-rich innovation, you’ll be able to match a sauce to both your locale and your guests. Choose one, or layer two for variety—because in a lakeside setting, you’ve got the space and the calm to bring something thoughtful to the table. The gravy doesn’t just fill the plate—it completes the experience. For more inspired recipe ideas to live your best lake life, visit Lake Homes Lifestyles.

Sky Phenomenon to View from Your Lake House

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo by Visit Greenland

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 83% of the world’s population cannot see the stars at night, whereas over 90% of the European and United States populations live 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 few. 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

By Roberto Mura – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

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

By CUIZIANG – Own work, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

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, nebulae, 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 gases.” 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 in your own home to increase visibility. So grab a pair of binoculars and start stargazing! 

This article was originally published on November 16, 2020.

Beacon of Beauty: Poised elegantly on the shores of Wisconsin’s Lake Winnebago, this dynamic family dwelling is entirely clad in synthetic slate tiles made from recycled rubber.

Posted on Jeanne Delathouder

Architecture: Stephen Bruns, Bruns Architecture
Builder: Tielens Construction
Photography: Tricia Shay Photography

Designed by Milwaukee-based architect Stephen Bruns, founder of Bruns Architecture, grassy swath of lakefront property in Pukwana Beach, Wisconsin, on the shores of Lake Winnebago.

Positioned on a plush, grassy swath of lakefront property in Pukwana Beach, Wisconsin, this extraordinary summer vacation home on Lake Winnebago is the happy place for a New York couple and their four young children. A Wisconsin native, the wife spent her childhood summers on this nostalgic expanse of waterfront land sprinkled with the homes of her parents and relatives. She and her husband sought to continue the family tradition and create their own getaway on this same stretch of beach. Their children would be the sixth generation to enjoy blissful summer vacations here. 

“While all our projects share a common DNA, each of them is unique because we listen to our clients,” says Milwaukee architect Stephen Bruns, founder of Bruns Architecture, who was enlisted to take on the task. “The owners of this project are true lake people, and their familial connection with this shore goes back generations. Additionally, one of the owners is an interior designer with a delightfully minimal palette. The commission and collaboration were extra special. We were able to explore the idea of purity and distillation towards a wonderfully clean aesthetic. This house is experiential.”

The architect’s unique design—a pair of black gabled forms that “distill the idea of home” aligned flawlessly with the couple’s vision. A slightly shorter and narrower south volume includes a home office and family bedrooms, while the north volume holds the living room, a light-filled double-height kitchen, a guest room, and a loft. A transitional single-story volume containing the entrance hall and dining room elegantly weaves the home together, connecting all the spaces.

Well-Connected

Bruns aptly named the property the “Woven House” due to the central vestibule that gracefully connects the two massive gabled forms of the home.

Bruns aptly named the property the “Woven House” due to the central vestibule that gracefully connects the two massive gabled forms of the home. Additionally, he doubled the wall thicknesses to accentuate the form of the house. “Clad in synthetic slate tiles formulated from recycled rubber tires, the exterior provides a specular mosaic skin over the thick outlined forms,” explains the architect. “I love the way light reflects off the tiles, and this taut surface is kerfed at window and door openings to reveal a layered wrapper that encloses and protects the interior. Breaking free from the dark exterior, the white stucco chimney punctuates the structure as it creates a radiant landmark along the shore.”

Smooth Transition

Clad in white oak and minimalist accents, the narrow hallway in the central vestibule offers a graceful prelude to the serene spaces that await inside.

Clad in white oak and minimalist accents, the narrow hallway in the central vestibule offers a graceful prelude to the serene spaces that await inside. “This low-slung, single-story form weaves through the taller silhouettes to create a series of dynamic interior and exterior spaces,” notes Bruns.

Airy Ascent

An elegant staircase outfitted in white oak risers and accented with a black railing appears to float weightlessly to the second story, where the children’s bedrooms offer spectacular views of the lake.

An elegant staircase outfitted in white oak risers and accented with a black railing appears to float weightlessly to the second story, where the children’s bedrooms offer spectacular views of the lake.

Clean Living

In the living room, comfy white seating pieces and a nubby textured rug from Restoration Hardware keep the space soft and serene. The wall of sliding doors opens the room up to cooling lake breezes and the soothing sound of waves lapping against the shore.

“While this family of six lives in New York, deep memories and extended familial connections make Wisconsin a second home,” says Bruns. “The design objective was to create a welcoming gathering place with a sophisticated sense of style while maximizing connections to the outdoors.”

In the living room, comfy white seating pieces and a nubby textured rug from Restoration Hardware keep the space soft and serene. The wall of sliding doors opens the room up to cooling lake breezes and the soothing sound of waves lapping against the shore.

“Perfectly imperfect cement plaster applied using Old-World methods and materials covers walls and ceilings,” adds Bruns, “while reclaimed white oak timbers create a rhythm of support across the gables.”

Unspoiled Island

A waterfall concrete island by Bomanite of Wisconsin, accented with black Kohler faucet hardware, is punctuated with bright white Bell pendants by Normann Copenhagen and Fiber counter stools by Muuto.

Delightfully sparse yet highly functional, the kitchen is the nerve center of the home and one of the owner’s favorite spaces. A waterfall concrete island by Bomanite of Wisconsin, accented with black Kohler faucet hardware, is punctuated with bright white Bell pendants by Normann Copenhagen and Fiber counter stools by Muuto. The sleek Wolf cooktop and Sub-Zero refrigerator align with the kitchen’s clean, seamless aesthetic.

Minimalist Mystique

Spare and simple in its design, the dining room invites the natural scenery outside to become the focus of the décor. A skylight overhead provides shifting sunlight throughout the day, giving the space an ever-changing mood and ambiance.

Spare and simple in its design, the dining room invites the natural scenery outside to become the focus of the décor. A skylight overhead provides shifting sunlight throughout the day, giving the space an ever-changing mood and ambiance. The long custom dining table accommodates up to 14 guests, and Danish-inspired wood chairs from J104 echo the minimalist aesthetic. Snowbound wall paint from Sherwin-Williams gives the space a soft, tranquil vibe.

“A restrained palette of materials within the house offers texture and explores variations of white with black accents to provide an elegant contrast and sense of drama,” Bruns explains. “The color gradations interplay with natural light to offer visual interest as the interior illumination varies throughout the day.”

Breathing Room

Just off the living room, a welcoming covered breezeway catches a breath of fresh air and captures stunning lake views.

Just off the living room, a welcoming covered breezeway catches a breath of fresh air and captures stunning lake views. A wall-mounted TV, cozy cushioned sofa, and dining table offer endless entertaining options for family and guests.  

White Noise

Dressed in white with minimal decorative accents, the primary bedroom offers the homeowners a tranquil escape from which to enjoy the expansive lake views outside.

Dressed in white with minimal decorative accents, the primary bedroom offers the homeowners a tranquil escape from which to enjoy the expansive lake views outside. Its ground-level positioning allows the space to meld seamlessly with the landscape.

“Because of the owners’ personal affinity for the classic combination of black and white, the exterior and interior finish palette plays with sophisticated contrasts and uses the warmth of wood to infuse a deep sense of place within the lakeside setting,” Bruns explains.

Bold Beauty

The high-contrast black and white aesthetic is reiterated in the master bathroom with a generous double walk-in shower and a massive black vanity topped with a bright white sink.

The high-contrast black and white aesthetic is reiterated in the master bathroom with a generous double walk-in shower and a massive black vanity topped with a bright white sink. Natural wood accents, including the shower bench and towel stool, lend a complementary organic element.

Shoreline Appeal

Exterior facing the lake: Two bold gabled forms instill the fundamental vision of a home while the central vestibule quietly connects them.

Two bold gabled forms instill the fundamental vision of a home while the central vestibule quietly connects them. Bruns slightly rotated the two-story bedroom structure to widen views of the lake and harvest additional light. His unique angled orientation enhances the outdoor entertaining opportunities by increasing the available space and offering multiple functions for the owners’ lakeside gatherings. The dramatic glazing on the lakeside accentuates the bold triangular forms and visually connects the home to the beautiful blue waters of Lake Winnebago.

 “One of my favorite aspects of this project was the opportunity we had to exploit conventional roof forms and geometry while using a clean, modern vocabulary,” says Bruns. “We distilled the shapes down to a typical child’s drawing of home, overstating the gable and erasing the overhangs. The resulting composition is immediately recognizable yet elevated to a sculptural level. Located on the eastern edge of Lake Winnebago, this dynamic structure is a beacon at the end of a narrow farm road that punctuates the shoreline.”

Interested in finding your place to enjoy the lake life? Explore Lake Homes Lifestyles for properties across the country and start living your lakeside dream.

Stay Cozy & Keep Your Cool: Tips to resolve thermostat wars in your lake home.

Posted on Jeanne Delathouder
cozy socks on propped feet in front of a roaring fireplace
Photo Courtesy of Artist GND photography via The Pioneer Woman

Heating a lake home in winter can add a noticeable expense, particularly when family members disagree over how warm the space should be. Turning up the thermostat may feel like the easiest solution, but it often leads to higher utility bills and unnecessary strain on heating systems. For homeowners who split time between urban residences and seasonal lake properties, understanding smarter ways to manage indoor comfort becomes essential.

Setting the temperature doesn’t have to be contentious. Before cranking up the heat, consider factors such as the size and layout of your home, the regional climate, and alternatives that reduce both costs and conflicts. Layered clothing and extra bedding, heating only the rooms that matter, adding a fireplace or space heater, and using modern tools like smart thermostats are all practical options that balance comfort with efficiency. The key is choosing the right combination of strategies that suit your property and your family’s lifestyle. From the Upper East to California’s lake regions, each area presents different challenges, but all can benefit from a thoughtful approach to winter warmth. Below are several ways to ease thermostat wars while keeping lake homes both cozy and cost-conscious.

Layer Up with Thermals

Layer Up with Thermals like socks and a hot water bottle
Photo courtesy of Guinness Homes

One of the simplest methods to reduce thermostat battles is layering clothing and keeping sweaters or thermal wear accessible. Even the vintage charm of a hot water bottle under a blanket can keep you cozy for hours and also warm up chilly sheets at night before bed. In regions where winters are cold but not relentlessly harsh—such as the Upper East and Mid-Atlantic lake regions—residents can comfortably reduce thermostat reliance by dressing appropriately indoors. This approach is not only cost-effective but also eliminates the constant adjustments that lead to higher bills. In homes where multiple generations gather, layered clothing provides individual control without frequent thermostat changes, especially when paired with warm socks or indoor slippers.

Heat Zoning

Heat Zoning in your lake home by controlling air flow in vents, space heaters, and heat zoning solutions
Photo courtesy of Paschal

Another option is concentrating heat where it’s truly needed. Many lake homes, particularly in the Northern Great Lakes and Western lake regions, feature open layouts or multiple guest rooms that may sit unused for long stretches. Closing vents, shutting doors, and directing heat toward occupied spaces can save considerable energy. Zoning systems or portable heaters in main living areas ensure that only the most frequently used parts of the home remain warm, cutting down on both utility costs and unnecessary wear on central systems.

Invest in Smart Technology

Invest in Smart Technology thermostat to save energy costs at your lake home
Photo courtesy of Green Builder

Smart thermostats are one of the most effective tools for reducing disputes and energy waste. These devices learn usage patterns and adjust heating schedules accordingly, which works particularly well in seasonal lake homes across the Southeast and Texas lake regions, where temperature fluctuations can vary dramatically throughout a single day. Remote access allows homeowners to warm their properties before arrival, ensuring comfort without excessive energy use while the home is vacant. For weekend getaways or part-time residences, smart thermostats provide both peace of mind and long-term efficiency.

Targeted Warmth

target your warmth with a fireplace: a massive rustic fireplace and surround made from river stones
Photo Courtesy of KTAR News

Fireplaces and space heaters can be valuable tools for targeted warmth, especially in larger properties or great rooms that are costly to heat through central systems. In the Pacific Northwest and Northern Great Lakes regions, where winters tend to be damp and prolonged, adding supplemental heat in communal spaces makes gatherings comfortable without raising the thermostat for the entire home. However, safety is essential. Homeowners with children should use protective screens, maintain proper ventilation, and position portable heaters away from high-traffic areas to reduce fire risks. When managed correctly, these supplemental options provide cozy warmth and energy savings.

Blanket Statements

Luxurious plaid flanel bedding, sheets and cozy blankets and layered winter bedding for your lake home
Photo courtesy of Woolrich via Amazon

Extra bedding designed for colder seasons can prevent thermostat conflicts, particularly at night when people’s comfort levels diverge. Down comforters, flannel sheets, or layered blankets allow individuals to regulate personal warmth without requiring the entire home to be heated to higher temperatures. This strategy works especially well in the California and Mid-Atlantic lake regions, where temperatures can dip overnight but do not require continuous heavy heating. Bedding choices tailored to local climates—such as lightweight duvets in milder zones and heavier quilts in colder areas—keep bedrooms comfortable without overburdening the heating system.

Heat-Holding Materials

Use heat-holding textiles like warm area rugs on hardwood floors, upholstered seating, layered curtains, etc. to keep the cold at bay
Photo courtesy of Anastasiia Krivenok via The Pioneer Woman

Material selection within the home itself can significantly affect temperature management. Lake homes in the Southeast, Texas, and Western lake regions can benefit from insulated window treatments, area rugs over hardwood or tile floors, and weather-stripping to reduce drafts. In colder climates, such as the Upper East and Pacific Northwest, choosing furniture with upholstered fabrics rather than leather or metal, and layering curtains with thermal linings, helps interiors feel warmer without adjusting the thermostat at all. These material upgrades are subtle but long-lasting, improving comfort while enhancing energy efficiency throughout the season.

Handling thermostat wars in lake properties requires both practicality and foresight. No single method works for every home, but a combination of strategies tailored to region, property size, and family lifestyle can significantly reduce both energy costs and tension. Whether layering clothing, upgrading bedding, or installing smart technology, each solution empowers homeowners to stay comfortable while maintaining efficiency. By focusing on targeted solutions and recognizing regional differences, lake homeowners across the U.S. can enjoy their winter retreats with fewer disputes and more control over their comfort.

For more inspiration on living your best lake life, visit Lake Homes Lifestyles. Stay cozy.

[homesoftherich.net] Stone & Stucco Lakefront Home In Chandler, Texas (PHOTOS)

Posted on Linda Thach

Estimated reading time: 1 minute

21395 Jamison Drive, Chandler, TX
21395 Jamison Drive, Chandler, Texas

Perched on one of the most breathtaking waterfront lots on Lake Palestine, in Chandler, TX, this residence blends unmatched luxury with the natural beauty of the lake. Wake each morning to awe-inspiring sunrises that shimmer across the water, enjoyed from your air-conditioned veranda, private balcony, expansive patio, or infinity pool that seems to flow seamlessly into the lake itself.

Inside, the home features 7 bedrooms, each with its own full bathroom, along with a total of 9 full and 2 half bathrooms. A thoughtfully designed primary suite includes dual closets—one a reinforced safe room with refrigerator and steel door. Spaces for both recreation and relaxation abound, including a padded exercise room, private study, game room, and a state-of-the-art media room.

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[PriceyPads.com] 26-Acre Entertainer’s Dream on Smith Lake Asks $4.99 Million in Bremen, Alabama

Posted on Linda Thach

Estimated reading time: 1 minute

2610 County Road 71, Bremen, AL 35033

Nestled on 26 private acres along Smith Lake’s Ryan Creek, this 8,805-square-foot legacy property is listed for $4.995 million. Designed for spectacular lakeside living, the estate features 6 bedrooms, 5.5 bathrooms, a gourmet chef’s kitchen, and a game room. The outdoor amenities are simply incredible, with a lakeside terrace, a lower covered deck with a fireplace and outdoor kitchen, a private boat dock, and a separate RV barn. Every vantage point offers unmatched sunsets and breathtaking views of the water.

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[Haven Lifestyles] 5 Texas Luxury Estates Showcasing Expansive Acreage and Sophisticated Design

Posted on Linda Thach

Estimated reading time: 1 minute

1237 Overlook Ct, Whitney, TX 76692

Step into a world of refined luxury and privacy, where each residence is a masterpiece of design set against Texas’s most captivating landscapes. From a hillside retreat with sweeping views to a Mediterranean-inspired villa, these five estates set a new standard of exclusivity. Each showcases distinctive architecture, generous living spaces, and exceptional outdoor amenities—picture infinity pools, panoramic lake vistas, and sprawling acreage. These properties embody sophistication, versatility, and a seamless harmony between indoor elegance and outdoor beauty.

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Lakeside Gold: Your Guide to Exploring Mackinac Island This Fall

Posted on Linda Thach

Okay, the people have spoken. According to USA Today, Michigan’s Mackinac Island ranks number one for the best place to visit in the U.S during the fall for its scenery, pleasant weather, and seasonal activities. If you’re planning to take a trip to this charming town, be sure to check out our guide. Whether you’re a history buff or a shopaholic, there’s something for everyone to enjoy on Lake Huron’s famous island this autumn season.

Facts About Mackinac Island

Before you step off the ferry and onto the island, there are a few unique things every traveler should know. First and foremost, you’ll be taking a step back in time. Motorized vehicles have been banned on the island since 1898, with horse-drawn carriages, bicycles, and your own two feet serving as the primary modes of transportation. This absence of cars creates a tranquil atmosphere unlike anywhere else. The island is accessible only by ferry (from Mackinaw City or St. Ignace), personal boat, or small aircraft. It’s also worth noting that over 80% of the island is dedicated as a state park, preserving its incredible natural beauty for all to enjoy.

Shopping and Dining

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

The island’s downtown area is a bustling hub of activity. Main Street is lined with charming, family-owned shops and boutiques offering everything from unique apparel and art to one-of-a-kind souvenirs. The air itself is an experience, often filled with the irresistible, sweet aroma of the island’s world-famous fudge being made right before your eyes.

When it comes to dining, the options are plentiful and cater to every palate. You can grab a quick, casual bite at a cozy cafe, enjoy a family meal at a relaxed grill, or indulge in a fine dining experience at a historic hotel with breathtaking waterfront views. Many establishments pride themselves on using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, giving you a true taste of Northern Michigan.

History and Culture

Photo courtesy of mackinacisland.org

Mackinac Island is steeped in a rich history that is visible at every turn. Long before European settlers arrived, the island was considered a sacred place by the native Anishinaabe people. It later became a critical hub for the Great Lakes fur trade and played a strategic role in the War of 1812.

One of the most prominent historical landmarks is Fort Mackinac, which sits on the bluff overlooking Haldimand Bay and its surrounding harbor. This meticulously preserved military outpost offers daily wartime demonstrations, including cannon firings, and provides incredible views. The island’s architecture is a defining feature, with the majority of its structures reflecting late Victorian styles. You’ll see grand hotels and quaint cottages adorned with ornate trim, sprawling porches perfect for relaxing, and a palette of bright, cheerful colors that add to the storybook feel of the community.

Outdoor Activities

Photo courtesy of mackinacisland.org

For those who love the great outdoors, a fall trip to Mackinac Island is a true paradise. The crisp autumn air and stunning foliage create the perfect backdrop for a day of exploration. One of the most popular activities is to rent a bicycle and ride the 8.2-mile paved path that circles the entire island, offering continuous, spectacular views of the Straits of Mackinac and the majestic Mackinac Bridge.

If you prefer to explore on foot, the island’s interior boasts over 70 miles of trails that wind through lush forests, leading to fascinating limestone formations like Arch Rock and Sugar Loaf. For a more leisurely pace, consider a guided horse-drawn carriage tour, which provides a narrated journey through the island’s scenic and historic highlights. No matter how you choose to explore, the vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows of the fall colors will make it an unforgettable experience.

Fall Festivals

Photo courtesy of mackinacisland.org

Beyond the stunning foliage, the autumn season on Mackinac Island is marked by unique and festive events. The season kicks off with the annual Mackinac Island Fudge Festival, a sweet celebration of the island’s most famous treat. Visitors can enjoy fudge-making demonstrations, tastings, and a host of other sugar-fueled, family-friendly activities. The end of October, in particular, has a festive atmosphere as downtown businesses host trick-or-treating events for families, turning the historic streets into a Halloween haven during Halloween Weekend.

You may also find special themed weekends celebrating the island’s cinematic history, as well as opportunities to attend grand costume parties at historic venues. These festivals offer a wonderful way to experience the island’s close-knit community spirit and create lasting memories.

From the vibrant fall colors painting the forest trails to the timeless charm of its car-free streets, Mackinac Island offers a truly unique autumn getaway. Whether you spend your days biking the scenic shoreline, exploring centuries-old forts, or simply savoring a sweet treat on Main Street, the island’s tranquil atmosphere provides the perfect escape. It’s a place where natural beauty and rich history converge, creating an unforgettable fall experience. A trip to Mackinac Island isn’t just a vacation; it’s a step into a different pace of life, and there’s no better time to experience its magic than in the fall.