The work of a Lake Homes real estate agent in the real estate industry presents its own set of obstacles and opportunities. These agents, nestled among the tranquil beauty of lakeside properties, are tasked with not only completing property transactions but also creating a smooth experience for their clients. Lake Homes real estate agents must discover the secrets to success that set them apart from the competition in order to fully flourish in this sector. Understanding the discretionary property sales cycle, developing systems for playing the long game, maintaining a laser focus on lakefront properties, and employing national marketing tactics to attract the right buyers are four essential strategies that can propel these agents to new heights.
1. Understanding the Discretionary Property Sales Cycle: Master the nuanced sales cycle of lakefront properties, aligning with seasonal trends and buyer emotions for effective and smart transactions.
2. Systems to “Play the Long Game”: Develop systems for enduring success, such as cultivating buyer databases, nurturing relationships, and consistent follow-ups.
3. Focused on the Lake: Focus expertise on lakefront living details, regulations, and lifestyle benefits to provide tailored guidance to each individual client.
4. National Marketing to the Right Buyers: Utilize marketing and tailored advertising to capture the attention of potential lakefront property buyers.
Success as a Lake Home real estate agent hinges on a combination of specialized knowledge, strategic planning, and a thorough understanding of both the market and potential buyers’ desires and dreams of lake homes. By embracing the secrets, successes, and systems, agents can position themselves as trusted experts and elevate their careers in the competitive world of lake home real estate. This intentionally provides a platform for individuals acting as real estate agents, as well as those taking on the roles of buyers and sellers within any real estate market.
Whether you prefer freshwater fish caught from your own lake or succulent market seafood, there’s no better complement to your fresh catch than the perfect bottle of wine. Like wine and cheese, there are endless options to choose from when selecting the perfect wine pairings for fish and seafood. So, to help you navigate the sea of wine selections, here’s an easy shortlist to guide you. Keep in mind that there are no hard and fast rules, and it’s always adventurous to experiment with different combinations.
Starting with a summer classic, Chardonnay—along with these other favorite whites—are the go-to wines for a multitude of fish dishes. A fuller-bodied Pinot Gris or Fumé Blanc complements oilier fish like mackerel, salmon, sardines, herring, bluefish, grilled fish, and smoked trout. Yet a rich buttery Chardonnay pairs beautifully with sweet seafood, including lobster, shrimp, crab, scallops, and even raw oysters. Its slightly oaky flavor also balances well with trout, striped bass, and crappie. Chardonnay is known for pairing well with nutty or buttery flavors, and it also tastes delightful with meaty fish like tuna, halibut, and cod. As journalist and Master of Wine Christy Canterbury said in a Kendall-Jackson post, “Chardonnay is the Meryl Streep of white wines . . .a marvelously versatile white grape variety that can play a diverse array of roles very well.”
Light and dry, Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc wines are characterized by their high acidity, bright citrus aromas, and crisp minerality. These wine styles are the perfect pairings for white, lean fish such as tilapia, cod, snapper, walleye, halibut, and flounder. Because of their acidity, they are especially prized for balancing the fat in fried fish dishes, catfish, striped bass, deep-fried shrimp, fish and chips, and fish tacos. In addition, these refreshing wines taste excellent with seafood salads and most seafood, including sushi, shrimp, lobster, scallops, crab, mussels, clams, and oysters. To learn more about specific fish and wine pairings, visit VinYang.
Yes, you can drink red wines with fish, contrary to popular belief. These light reds are an ideal choice if you’re serving meaty, flavorful, and fatty fish such as tuna, salmon, swordfish, monkfish, marlin, bluefish, or mackerel. Fruity and bright, they can even help tone down the fishiness you can sometimes detect with tuna and salmon. Likewise, rich, tomato-based dishes, paella, and Mediterranean-style fare can stand up remarkably well to light and medium-bodied red wines. In addition to hearty fish, these versatile reds can also complement mussels, oysters, lobster, and delicate poached white fish or salmon. For more on pairing red wine with fish, visit Decanter.
You don’t need a special occasion to break out the bubbly. Sparkling wines like Champagne, Prosecco, and Cava are perfect on their own but take on an entirely new persona when paired with sweet seafood and shellfish like shrimp, lobster, and prawns. They are also surprisingly delicious with fried foods like tempura seafood and even hearty beer-battered fish. The light and lively fizz of sparkling wines help to balance heavy fried foods and elevate the flavors. Champagne and oysters—another classic pairing—deliver a perfect balance between the crisp and satisfying nature of bubbly with the clean and fresh sea-saltiness of oysters. Pair these effervescent wines with cooked shellfish such as scallops, clams, or mussels for a beautifully balanced taste sensation.
Highly versatile and universally popular, blush wines and rosés pair exceptionally well with seafood. Their floral and fruity notes, along with their palatable acidity, bring a beautiful balance to succulent shellfish as well as both subtle and rich seafood. These wines are light and refreshing, so there’s no need to worry that they will ever overpower the delectable flavors of your fresh catch. In fact, they do just the opposite, complementing almost every fish flavor, whether briny or sweet. Plus, they make a crisp substitute for more full-bodied white wines like Chardonnay. Their light blush hues bring delightful color to the table, along with the fresh taste of summer.
For a list of exceptional “No-Fail Seafood & Wine Pairings,” visit Southern Living. Cheers to your delicious culinary adventures at the lake this season—bon appétit!
A day on the lake is all sunshine and relaxation, but owning a boat is more than playing in the water. Proper boat ownership includes maintenance to ensure your vessel’s appearance, longevity, and value. Luckily, there are several tools and cleaners on the market to keep your vessel in pristine condition. Whether you need to remove salt, grime, or mildew, these products are sure to help you.
One of the primary products for boat cleaning is a high-quality boat soap or marine cleaner, like this one from West Marine. These specialized cleaners are designed to effectively remove salt, grime, and other common contaminants found in marine environments. Although formulated to be gentle, this sudsy aid provides thorough cleaning power for exteriors. Boat soaps or marine cleaners are essential for routine maintenance and are typically used for washing the boat’s hull and decks.
Great for both the hull and the floor, this special soap keeps your vessel water ready. But boaters clean a vessel like their teeth — a brush is needed. Most deck brushes feature a multi-bristled head with an extendable body and telescopic handle to reach difficult spots.
One struggle boaters everywhere complain about is mildew. Try as they might, boatowners are bound to miss a spot when cleaning, and that is all it takes for mildew to form. Mildew thrives in damp areas, making vessels a prime location. These boat cleaners remove mildew stains and ward off potential popups. Manufacturers designed these products to be safe on various surfaces and fabrics commonly found on boats. Regular use prevents buildup, eliminates odors, and prolongs the lifespan of cushions and similar items.
Bling Sauce is a brand for and by boaters with a mission to imagine, create, and distribute solutions to boating woes. One of their products, Green Sauce, boasts a biodegradable spray to defeat mildew and mold on your vessel. Their formula is safe for color, vinyl, outdoor fabric, carpet, and fiberglass — all without chlorine, bleach, or ammonia!
Readers may have noticed that most boat cleaning tools tend to be soapy liquids, but they are not just to improve aesthetic appeal. One example is the bilge, an area within the boat that collects and pumps out water. Bilge water may contain salt, oil, fuel, or other contaminants that corrode metal components, such as pumps, wiring, and other mechanical systems. By keeping the bilge clear and removing any water or substances that could cause corrosion, you help protect the boat’s components and reduce unnecessary damage.
No need for a lengthy trip to the store or ordering online, as one common bilge cleaner is in the kitchen. Known globally for its part in assisting with the BP oil spill, Dawn Dish Soap is safe for bilges too. To use Dawn for bilge cleaning, add a fair amount of soap to a bucket of water, include a splash of bleach, and soak below.
Just like cars, it’s important to keep your window clear of grime and gunk. Among other things, a traditional windshield will protect from dirt, bugs, and wind, but the windshield on a boat faces different challenges. On the water, glass must be able to withstand saltwater, sea spray, and other environmental elements. Many boat glass cleaners have additional properties that make them effective at sea. Water-repellent helps bead water, encouraging it to roll off the glass surface, which can be particularly useful when boating in wet or rainy conditions.
Chemical Guys offers a series of sprays and cleaners catered toward boaters, and their product, Marine and Boat Optical Clean Glass Cleaner, reduces scratching, prevents water spots, and works for both tinted and non-tinted glass. After treatment, salt and minerals will be unable to stick onto and dry on applied surfaces.
With the right tools, you can enjoy your time on the water while keeping your boat looking its best.
If you’re already enjoying the relaxed pace of lake life, you may not want to spend your weekends tending to lawn maintenance. This time-consuming and seemingly endless chore can be a passion for some, but it doesn’t rank high on the list of favorite activities for those who prefer a low-maintenance lawn and lifestyle. Think about the time and energy—not to mention the cost—of caring for a plush green lawn. There’s mowing, pesticides, fertilizer, water consumption, or lack thereof. And even if you are fortunate enough to employ a landscaping service to take care of the maintenance, the costs—both out-of-pocket and environmental—still exist.
Reducing the amount of turf on your property doesn’t have to mean a reduction in your property’s aesthetic appeal. Instead, you can strategize your lake landscape in ways that can protect the environment and also save you time and money. From sustainable water features and stunning hardscapes to lush groundcovers and native plants, here are some low-maintenance lawn alternatives that will bring natural beauty to your outdoor spaces with little to no maintenance.
Want to reduce your water bill, recycle rainwater, and add natural beauty to your lake landscape? Then a sustainable water feature might be in your future. This cutting-edge design features a multi-faceted infinity pond with a rainwater harvesting system utilizing natural stones and a biological filtration system that continuously maintains its crystal-clear water. A stunning example built by the team at Deck and Patio, the water feature blends seamlessly with the natural landscape and includes waterfalls, a stream, and a second lower-level pond. This innovative New York-based company has developed expertise in sustainable water features that capture rainwater from rooftops. They also specialize in permeable paver walkways and patios.
If you live by the water’s edge, you most likely already value the beauty of the natural landscape and the lake shoreline. But did you know you can design a landscape that will actually protect the water and the surrounding land? It’s called native landscaping, and it is essential to preserving the ecosystem of your waterside retreat. Native plants that grow in the water, along the shoreline, and beyond provide a natural habitat for both wildlife and marine life. Plus, they also play a critical role in maintaining healthy water quality.
Native plants in a lake environment have far-reaching root systems that have adapted to thriving in and around the water. So, the roots and stems of the plant life work to defend against water pollutants that can run off sloping or neighboring landscapes. In addition, the extensive root systems help to naturally minimize erosion while creating a favorable habitat and food source for fish and waterfowl.
When selecting native plants for your area, take into consideration the following criteria:
How much will the plant proliferate and spread?
How tall will the plants grow?
When will the plants bloom?
Are you planting your species in the right location for growing success?
Check with your local nursery or landscape service to select the right plants for your climate and growing conditions. For an abbreviated list of native plants known for their success in northern shoreline areas, click here.
Groundcovers offer an exceptional alternative to high-maintenance grass lawns. These lush plantings spread evenly across your ground instead of growing tall and upwards, so they require no mowing and little to no maintenance. There are numerous varieties to choose from, with all sorts of different textures and densities depending on your preference. In addition, many groundcovers are considered nitrogen-fixing, and most can enhance your soil and choke out weeds.
From annuals to perennials, groundcovers include flowering varieties that can bring beautiful seasonal color to your landscape. Green clover and micro-clover offer popular soil conditioners that are virtually drought resistant and stay green even through the scorching summer. You can also plant edible groundcovers, such as strawberries and low-growing herbs like mint, oregano, thyme, and rosemary if your climate is conducive. From shade-loving groundcovers like bunchberry and wild ginger to those that thrive in damp or soggy soil conditions, there are many varieties suitable for your lake landscape. Check with your nursery or landscaping service to discover the perfect plants for your gardening zone and sunlight requirements.
If you prefer the look of a plush and beautifully untamed landscape, then ornamental or native grasses are your perfect turf alternative. These willowy low-maintenance grasses can thrive in many soil conditions and are typically drought resistant. In addition, they are prized for having little to no disease and pest problems and usually do not require fertilizer. Variety types range from cool-season and warm-season grasses to running-growth and clumping-growth types. Running-growth grasses can spread rapidly or creep slowly, and they offer a perfect solution to slow down erosion on slopes and around the shoreline. Clumping ornamental grasses grow in tufts and offer erosion protection when planted in groups.
Most ornamental and native grasses thrive best in sunny climates, and clump grasses can even be cut back to encourage new growth in the spring. You can also split clump grasses and replant them if they become too large and unruly. Click here to discover some of the most popular drought-resistant ornamental grasses.
Wood decks and paved patios offer a fantastic turf alternative. Plus, they extend your living space outside, which is the best feature of lake living. This covered patio overlooking South Carolina’s Lake Keowee incorporates a rustic wood-beamed ceiling, rock-clad support columns, and stone pavers, creating an inviting open-air space that integrates harmoniously with the natural landscape. Cozy porch swing beds and a plush area rug underfoot create al fresco creature comforts for family and friends. This spacious outdoor oasis brings beauty and value to the property without all the lawn maintenance. Lush potted plants and bordering shrubs blend seamlessly with the existing native trees that surround the shoreline.
If you’re eager to learn more about eco-friendly, low-maintenance lawn alternatives and other ways to cut down on lawn care costs, visit Eartheasy. From all of us at Lake Homes, here’s wishing you a beautiful and carefree outdoor season by the water.
Are you looking for a healthy and family-friendly alternative to summer cocktails? Then try a mocktail instead. Not surprisingly, mocktails are becoming a delicious option for people who have nixed alcohol altogether—permanently or for a brief sabbatical, like sober January. However, you don’t have to sacrifice flavor when it comes to refreshing summer mocktails. These libations look and taste just as appealing as their boozy cocktail cousins. Plus, they easily transition into a cocktail simply by adding your favorite spirit. This is a perfect all-around summertime fav that everyone—even the kids—can enjoy. Sip these refreshing mocktails on hot afternoons at the lake or while boating when you want to stay hydrated in the sun and feel full of energy for watersports. After all, sunset cocktails are right around the corner if you so desire. So, here are some delicious crowd-pleasing concoctions you can whip up at the lake—cheers!
This vibrant Mango-Kiwi Mocktail combines frozen mango concentrate with kiwi juice, offering a fruity taste sensation as fresh as an island breeze. You can also use freshly blended mango juice if you prefer and slowly pour over ice. Top with kiwi juice, and then add a splash of grenadine that will sink to the center and create beautiful layers. Garnish your refreshing mocktail with a lemon wedge, and sip on a glass of tropical inspiration. Visit Cooking Sense for the ingredients and preparation.
This spicy citrus Ginger-Orange Mocktail is the perfect option when hosting a family gathering or festive summer celebration. You can make this wonderful concoction beforehand and then serve it in a punch bowl or pitcher over glasses of ice. Combine freshly squeezed orange juice—or Satsuma mandarin juice—with chilled pineapple juice and Angostura bitters. Ensure you have enough oranges to garnish your mocktails with thin slices for an extra kick of citrus flavor. Top each drink with ginger beer for a cold and fizzy thirst quencher. For those who prefer a cocktail, add a shot of vodka or gin. Visit Southern Living for the full recipe. Sip, savor, and enjoy.
Who doesn’t love the taste of cold, juicy watermelon on a hot summer day? For these delicious Watermelon Mocktails, you can use either a blender or a cocktail shaker to muddle the watermelon cubes, fresh mint, and lime juice. The tang of the lime juice balances beautifully with the natural sweetness of the watermelon. Strain the mixture into ice-filled glasses and top with sparkling water or kombucha. Add a splash of apple cider vinegar if desired, and garnish with a lime wheel and fresh mint leaves. Visit The Mindful Mocktail for the full recipe.
A Cuban-Spanish classic, the mighty mojito is always a summer specialty. For your next get-together at the lake, mix up a batch of refreshing Mojito Mocktails. Packed with fresh flavor, this variation combines all the ingredients of a traditional mojito without the alcohol, which you add by the glass for those who prefer rum. Blend fresh lime juice with simple syrup, fresh mint leaves, and strips of lime zest. Add ice cubes and sparkling water and divide among four glasses. Garnish with lime slices and mint springs, if desired. You can easily double the recipe to serve a crowd.
Quick Tip: Add your ice cubes and sparkling water just before serving if you don’t want to dilute this fragrant pitcher cocktail. Visit Eating Well for this refreshing recipe.
For a punch of zesty summer flavor, this cooling Fizzy Cranberry-Lemonade Punch offers a quick pitcher drink you can mix up in just five minutes. All you need is a large pitcher, some cranberry juice cocktail, and one container of frozen lemonade concentrate. Stir until blended, and add club soda or seltzer and ice cubes. Garnish with orange slices and fresh cranberries for an extra fruity kick and a colorful presentation. Visit Woman’s Day for this breezy summer recipe.
For a twist on the classic cocktail, this Virgin Cucumber Gimlet delivers all the cool cache of the original. Simply combine club soda, muddled cucumber, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake it up and serve over crushed ice in a rocks glass. Garnish with a rolled cucumber slice and a refreshing finish. For the recipe, visit Town & Country.
This classic tiki drink gives you all the frosty goodness of the original without the liquor. To make these Nonalcoholic Piña Coladas, mix coconut milk, cream of coconut, and agave syrup in a blender for about 20 seconds. Then, add pineapple chunks and lime juice and blend for an additional 30-45 seconds. Add ice and even nonalcoholic rum if you like, and blend until creamy and smooth. Divide the mixture between two tall, stemmed glasses and garnish with pineapple wedges. For some extra zest, make your ice cubes from fresh limes or lemons. This Caribbean favorite is yummy-delicious and offers an instant cool-down in the summer heat. Visit Food Network for the full recipe.
If you want to transform these creative libations into cocktails, add your favorite spirits or liqueurs. For more fantastic summer mocktail recipes, visit Food Network. Cheers to a cool summer at the lake!
If your lake home is currently on the market, or it will be soon, it’s important to know key things about buyers. As a seller, you may have certain home transaction qualifications that are important to you whereas these same priorities may not be important to a homebuyer. Lake Homes Realty’s CEO, Glenn Phillips, has some insight into the top 5 things sellers may care about, but buyers don’t.
What the seller paid: Phrases such as “This is what we paid” usually don’t coincide with what the buyer thinks. They’re looking for the best price. The market will set the price that will sell.
Listed price of nearby homes: What’s listed for and what sells are two different things. You should instead be aware of what the homes are selling for. The buyers are already aware of this.
Personal effort on customizations: The emotional value put into house might mean a lot to you, but for the buyer the same sentimental feeling isn’t there. You personal style isn’t the same as everyone else’s.
Rumors of outlier high prices: Just because your neighbors sold their home as a high outlier doesn’t mean the circumstances will occur for you. You may have priced higher based off a rumor.
Taking low offers personally: No offers are worse than a low offer. Try countering the offer and negotiate during the transaction.
At the end of the day, buyers are ready to jump on some great options. You just have to make sure you go about it in the right way. If you’re ever looking for more help, contact an agent at lakehomes.com. They know how to get buyers and are more than willing to help!
Summer is in full swing, and for lake lovers, that means boating and barbecues. And these days, you can do both simultaneously, even if your boat is not equipped with an onboard grill. Like the recent boom in outdoor kitchens, exceptional boat grills are available in endless innovative options, from built-in electric and gas grills to attachable charcoal grills and portable styles. To get your boat in ship shape for an on-the-water barbecue, here’s a list of top-notch marine grills for every captain, chef, and capacity. So, drop anchor, fire up the grill, and savor the lake life!
Streamlined and convenient, this built-in electric grill from Kenyon features marine-grade stainless steel and waterproof construction. It is available in three sizes with customization options and comes equipped with user controls, multiple lids, and mounting or free-standing capabilities. This grill boasts a performance level that surpasses charcoal and gas grills if you want to eliminate the danger of open-flame grills. This model also offers insulated lids and automatic shut-off timers.
This reputable company also offers marine-grade radiant and induction cooktops in many configurations, sizes, and user controls. All are fabricated with top-notch ceramic glass and innovative cooking technology.
Believe it or not, there are charcoal grills available for your boat. However, before you commit to one, please check with your lake region’s rules and regulations. For many grilling purists, nothing beats the flavors produced by a charcoal barbecue. This Party-Size Marine Kettle® Charcoal Grill from MAGMA is time-tested and features a hinged lid for added safety. Crafted of mirror-polished stainless steel, this grill gives you maximum resistance against corrosion. The unique rotating design lets you determine which direction your grill lid opens when cooking in windy weather. The kettle design offers an oven-like baking experience that seals in the natural juices of your food and enhances the grill flavors you love. You can safely and efficiently extinguish the coals by closing the draft door. Choose from a selection of mounting options for both on-board and onshore customization.
If you have limited storage space, this compact Kuuma Stow N’ Go Profile 150 Gas Grill from Camco Marine offers a perfect option for you and the chef. This one mounts to any Kuuma rail, rod, or pedestal mount and can be portable if desired. The durable stainless-steel construction features a latching lid, a stay-cool handle, and integral folding legs. This sleek and simple design is ideal for small boating get-togethers on the water.
Designed for boat grilling and built to withstand harsh marine environments, this Kuuma Stow N’ Go 160 Stainless-Steel Portable Charcoal Grill from Camco Marine is also perfect for onshore grilling, camping, and tailgating. Constructed of premium-quality stainless steel, this transportable grill comes fully assembled with enough grilling space to cook for up to four or five people. The grill features integrated fold-away legs, a removable liner, a latching lid, and a stay-cool handle. The Stow N’ Go can be easily transported and weighs only 17 pounds.
If you’re looking for an alternative portable grill to bring onshore without charcoal or gas, the Ranger Pellet Grill from Traeger offers an innovative option that travels anywhere you go. Using ignited wood pellets and a system of fans to heat your food, this grill functions much like a convection oven. The Ranger’s Digital Arc Controller gives you precise temperature control with an added Keep Warm Mode to ensure your food is ready to eat whenever you are. This top-rated model comes with porcelain-coated grill grates, a griddle, a meat probe, and a latched lid.
Don’t forget your grilling essentials when hopping aboard. This handy Cuisinart® 20-Piece Grill Set from Crate and Barrel carries everything you need in a portable aluminum storage case. The set includes a spatula/bottle opener, grill tongs, eight corn holders, five skewers, a silicone basting brush, a cleaning brush with a replacement brush head, and a digital temperature fork with an LED light.
As you’re getting ready to put your lake house on the market, the topic of selling price will always come up. More than likely you will think “Can I get more money for my lake home?” Lake Homes Realty’s CEO, Glenn Phillips, explains a few different ways to help push for that price you want to sell for.
Start with a Market Appropriate Price: Buyers don’t care how much money you have put into the home. Most of the time they will be looking at the current market conditions. When you start at a high price to test the market, it usually does not result in the way you would like.
Be clearly the best VALUE in the area: Don’t automatically make your lake home the lowest price. However, check out surrounding homes and see what’s going on. Are there nicer or newer homes nearby? Are these homes your price or lower? New construction may also become a player in this.
Picture Perfect/Move-In Ready: Whether you already have your home staged or simply have your own property in the house, make sure it appears move-in ready. Buyers typically lack imagining this aspect and this will help you stand out.
Would you buy it today at your price? Each day the house doesn’t sell and remains on the market, you are effectively buying it again at your price. In reality, the only price is that of what someone will pay and what you’re willing to accept. Price accordingly and price from a buyer mindset.
At the end of the day, these 4 tips are useful in getting the best return and sell price for your lake home. , Connect with one of our lake agents today at lakehomes.com and see what they can do!
It was a grandmother’s dream to create a family lake getaway for her daughter, son-in-law, grandchildren, and everyone’s friends. Their previous retreat on Wisconsin’s Green Lake was proving to be too long of a weekend drive—four hours from the young family’s home in Chicago. So, the grandparents decided to search for a closer place to build their forever lake home. As luck would have it, they found a lot on Lake Nagawicka, the most desired lake in Delafield, Wisconsin, just two hours from Chicago. Fast forward to the completion of their idyllic waterfront home—a blissful place where the family gathers nearly every weekend, and the grandmother lives all summer long.
But long before this house became a reality, the grandmother—and her entire family—worked meticulously with interior designer Kelly Guinaugh, owner of the award-winning full-service studio Interior Enhancement Group, to build her dream lake home piece by piece.
“This lake home was created to be a warm, inviting place for three generations to gather year-round and make memories,” says Kelly. “So, the windows are large and placed to maximize the beauty of the lake and the beach where the grandchildren play in the summer.” Case in point: This beautiful three-season screened-in porch offers alfresco time in the evenings—without mosquitoes—and can be enjoyed from early spring until the late fall.
Four-Season Splendor
To honor the property’s scenic setting, it was important to build a home that blends into the landscape and does not detract from the nature surrounding it. The white brick-and-board exterior radiates a clean aesthetic and a stately presence that is impactful yet understated, given its sprawling dimensions of more than 8,000 square feet. In addition, the dwelling features soft traditional elements juxtaposed with modern details, such as dark window frames that create a bold and dynamic contrast.
“One thing that stands out is how open Kelly and her team were to all of us wanting to be involved in making selections and creating the feel of the space,” remembers the daughter. “Also, this was a meaningful project for our family—it was my dad’s dream home, but he passed away unexpectedly before construction began. So, we were emotionally invested in realizing his vision.”
Soaring Heights
The home’s uncluttered appeal begins in the sunlight-drenched foyer, where a sweeping staircase amplifies the grand scale of the two-story ceiling height. An elegant wrought-iron chandelier, chosen for its massive size and graceful lines, befits the proportions of the space. A round and nubby wool rug echoes the circular shape of the concrete pedestal table. Plus, a single keepsake vase and a whimsical dog figurine make decorative accents spare yet substantial enough to complement a large space.
“Interior millwork details were important,” says Kelly. “We worked alongside the architect to create a batten-board wall design that blends with the two-story ceilings and the lower ceilings in other areas. We used gorgeous five-inch-wide hickory floors with character marks that feel great under your feet in all seasons—even in the Midwest.”
Center Stage
On top of the grandmother’s wish list was a big, open kitchen where she could cook to her heart’s content and still be part of the action. Hence, the open and airy design provides plenty of countertop/prep space, seating for guests, and, of course, glorious views of the lake from every angle. “The kitchen backsplash tile is rustic in design but highly polished,” notes Kelly, “This seemed counterintuitive at first but ended up being the perfect complement to the stone countertops.”
An Easy Flow
Because the grandchildren are a big part of the family dynamic, the design team kept areas open and free of furnishings so they could play between the kitchen island and the great room. “We always adhere to the space plan, so we know what works in terms of traffic flow and furniture dimensions,” Kelly explains. “The architect had planned the home so all rooms would have the best views, and we wanted to ensure the interior selections played to this as well. So, we didn’t select any especially tall pieces because we wanted to keep the windows unencumbered, and we used minimal window treatments for the same reason.”
In addition, the lake home’s color scheme was carefully considered regarding what hues would blend best with the natural environment. A soft palette of coastal blues and greens mixes with caramels and browns for an earthy touch of warmth. “We kept to quiet patterns as well,” notes Kelly, and again, our focus was always on the amazing property this home was built upon. Plus, we also were very aware that a home is only inviting when you feel like you can really live in it.”
So, with that sentiment in mind, and without sacrificing her design selections, Kelly used stain-resistant, durable fabrics almost everywhere to take the worry out of family fun. “Now everyone says it is their favorite escape,” she adds, “a place where they feel welcome and pampered. Mission accomplished!”
Great Room Grandeur
In the great room, Kelly and her team introduced texture with a magnificent Wisconsin stone fireplace and richly patinaed wood floors anchored with a plush wool area rug. In addition, the ceiling beams and flooring have character markings to bring a well-worn aged feeling to the home, and a smooth level-five drywall finish creates a striking contrast to the wood’s warm walnut stain. She then layered in textural accents, such as the tall tree trunk flanking the window, a branch-like chandelier, and a mix of soft upholstery fabrics, supple leathers, and sumptuous throws and pillows. “Because of the room’s enormous size, we needed a large cocktail table,” Kelly adds. “Also, to make it even more useful, we tucked small ottomans underneath for the grandchildren to sit on while coloring and playing.”
Throughout the home, Kelly incorporated essential furnishings from the owners’ previous lake home and heirloom pieces that had special meaning. Here, a duck collection on the built-in shelves and an old grape press placed under the console table continue her theme of mixing the old with the new.
Warm Family Gatherings
The dining room’s relaxing effect is largely due to its walnut-stained recessed ceiling treatment that gives the space a warm and inviting feel. In addition, a colorful landscape painting emulates the home’s color palette and the waterside environment. Overhead, a pair of rattan chandeliers lend texture to this traditional dining space.
Quiet Time
Bathed in soothing shades of brown, this home office makes a cozy spot for reading or playing chess on rainy afternoons. A vintage-style rug grounds the space with bold patterns and colors while complementing neutral-hued upholstered seating and an ornately carved antique desk—an heirloom from a great grandfather. In addition, meaningful pieces of nautical-themed artwork from the owner’s collection mirror their scenic lakeside setting.
Naturally Neutral
In the primary bedroom, beautiful beiges, creams, and blues blend with the landscape, making an almost seamless indoor/outdoor transition. Plus, the soft palette makes a restful oasis from which the owner can enjoy the splendid lake views.
Spa Retreat
Even the primary bathroom connects with the outdoors via a wide expanse of windows that backdrop a luxurious soaking tub. In addition, dark-stained cabinetry provides a rich contrast to the white marble flooring and vanity surface, and a beaded crystal chandelier creates a refined spa-like ambiance.
Memories in the Making
With endless lake activities and nearby hiking trails, the idyllic property offers plenty to do outside in all seasons. Plus, Lake Nagawicka is as beautiful in summer as in winter, when snow gathers on the tree branches and the lake landscape is blanketed in white. Delivering spectacular shoreline appeal, this meaningful getaway has proven to offer more than enough space for the entire family and extended family members to gather for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and all holidays and weekends in between.
“In the end, Kelly and her team’s job could have been a lot easier with clients who just gave them free rein,” says the daughter. “Instead, they got me, my mom, and my husband—with all our emotional investment in the project, our varying design ideas and needs, and a lot of sentimental family treasures to incorporate into the space. Amazingly, they were able to weave all of that into a design that gives us a family home filled with meaning and memories. We couldn’t be happier with the result.”
