You shouldn’t give up on finding a good deal for your dream lake home just because it’s a discretionary purchase. Lake Homes Realty’s CEO, Glenn Phillips, shares four ways to find a great price for your future property.
Think Rural: Location plays a big part in home prices. Typically, the more rural the area, the better deal you’ll get for the lake home.
Smaller Lakes: While major lakes may be the first to come to mind, don’t count out nearby smaller lakes that can provide a similar lifestyle.
Be Flexible: It’s great to have your list of must-haves, but you have to be willing to make some compromises in order to find the right price.
Lake-Focused Agents: Finding an agent who specializes in lake real estate will make all the difference in your home search. Lakehomes.com has a plethora of lake experts committed to finding you what you’re looking for.
Take these tips into consideration before you buy in order to find the right lake home for the right price!
Just because a lake home is a discretionary purchase, doesn’t mean you should overpay for one. Lake Homes Realty’s CEO, Glenn Phillips, shares how to spot an overpriced property.
Price… “Sort Of”: What’s considered overpriced for one home on the lake may be a great value for a similar property in the area. You have to keep certain factors in mind before you start comparing homes.
Days on Market: A high number of ‘Days on Market’ is usually a sign that other home buyers have deemed it inappropriately priced.
Clues in Photos: Assess photos for current conditions. Sellers may try to reimburse themselves for the money they’ve invested in the past despite it being outdated.
FSBO: These sellers aren’t as knowledgeable about today’s market as a traditional agent would be. This typically leads to them overshooting the current value of their home.
Watch out for these signs and you’ll find your dream lake home with the right price tag!
Lake home buyers differ greatly from their residential counterparts. Lake Homes Realty’s CEO, Glenn Phillips, breaks down the traits of these types of buyers.
Money / Financing: Over half of lake home transactions are with cash. If buyers do decide to get a mortgage, they are more than likely favorable candidates for them.
Motivation: The average lake home buyer has one of two reasons for moving closer to the water. They’re either eager to move because they’ve become enthralled with the idea of a lake home, or they want to enjoy the slower-paced lifestyle of lake living.
Timeframe /Patience: These buyers are searching for their dream home, meaning any old property won’t do. They have plenty of patience, and time on their side.
Impact of Economy: Even in times of economic uncertainty, lake home buyers are still active in the market. Although a lake home is a discretionary purchase, it can be a great place to hold your money.
The best way to cater to a potential lake home buyer is to understand their behaviors and what they want in their dream home. This insight should make your real estate journey much smoother!
You’ve heard of oceanography, the study of oceans. And marine biology, the study of marine life. But you may be less familiar with limnology, the study of lakes. Limnologists working in this important field help advance scientific research about lake ecosystems, making huge contributions to the environments we love so dearly. Today, we’re taking a broad look at the field as a whole.
In short, limnology is the study of lakes. It’s closely related to the field of oceanography, which together with limnology, comprises the study of all aquatic ecosystems. While lakes are often the primary focus of this discipline, that’s not all that’s covered. The field of limnology includes all inland waters, including lakes (both salt lakes and freshwater lakes), rivers, wetlands, reservoirs, streams, and groundwater. If the word sounds confusing, that’s because it originates from the Greek word limne, meaning marsh or pond. Although people have been investigating lakes since ancient history, the field as an organized discipline was founded in 1892 by F.A. Forel, a Swiss scientist. He aimed to create a discipline for aquatic science that integrated studies of different types of lakes.
Limnologists work in both academia and applied work. In other words, some limnologists spend time conducting scientific experiments while others apply scientific knowledge to the “real world.” In academia, limnologists engage in scholarly research including observational, comparative, and experimental studies. These scientists may also teach at colleges and universities, often near bodies of water. For instance, the University of California- Santa Barbara, ESF, and Western Michigan University are all water-proximal schools known for their limnology programs. In applied work, limnologists may lend their expertise to federal organizations like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the National Park Service to help government bodies make scientifically informed policy decisions. They may also engage in consultation work in the private sector or at an environmental consulting firm.
Anything and everything about lakes! Limnologists investigate a wide variety of lake-related questions, and most limnologists have a specific specialty. For instance, they may study features of running water or key differences between lakes in various climates. Limnologists may also help answer questions like “How are lakes formed?” “How do lakes recover from coastal disasters?” and “What are the historical trends in ice coverage on lakes?” This type of research is normally conducted at academic institutions, often within an environmental science department, by limnologists with master’s or doctoral degrees. For instance, the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Center for Limnology and the University of Minnesota’s Limnological Research Center actively engage in scholarly research on these topics.
The field of limnology is integral to the well-being of lakes, reservoirs, rivers, and other non-oceanic ecosystems. Without this increasing body of knowledge about lakes, we would know far less about how to take care of our lakes. Specifically, limnology plays a major role in wildlife habitat protection, water use and distribution, water pollution control, and many other facets of lake sustainability. As lake lovers, we have a lot to learn from these scientists about the maintenance and care of these beautiful bodies of water. For more information about this important field, check out the International Society of Limnology and ALSO (Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography). And as always, we hope you continue to appreciate and enjoy the natural beauty of your lake area!
One of the most appealing aspects of this lakeside cabin nestled within New Hampshire’s Monadnock Region is its 1950s camp-style charm. Originally constructed as a summer cottage, the dwelling was desperate for some long-overdue TLC and a modern update to allow the current owners, who live in New York City, to enjoy all four seasons on the lake. So when they enlisted architect Katie Cassidy Sutherland of kcs ARCHITECTS, their primary goal was to preserve nearly every facet of the original cabin, particularly the rustic ceiling beams, the knotty pine wallboards, and the surrounding mature trees—even those that partially obstructed the breathtaking water view.
“Snowshoeing and ice fishing are popular winter lake pastimes on New Hampshire lakes,” says Katie, “and this is certainly a place where winter and summer alike can be enjoyed. So first, we created a coat of continuous insulation around the building walls and roof to take the chill off. We then put new wood board siding—vertical Alaskan yellow cedar sheathing paired with red asphalt roof shingles—characteristic of New Hampshire camps, but with more contemporary details and much larger windows,” she adds.
This allowed the inside to maintain the same cottage feel with exposed framing and wood boards, also distinctive of summer lake cottages in New Hampshire. In addition, all windows were replaced with insulated glass casements, which are much more airtight than the existing original single-glazed double-hung windows.
“A large two-story opening was created to open up views to the lake from the main living space and primary bedroom above,” Katie continues. “The house was built in the 50s as a summer camp and now retains that rustic New Hampshire vibe with a stronger visual connection to the trees and lake.”
Sign Language
The cabin’s original signature mark—a colorful hex sign—lends a unique artistic embellishment to the lake-facing façade. Since the original had deteriorated, the owners commissioned Claypoole Hexsigns in Lenhartsville, Pennsylvania, to recreate it. The symbol means “good luck in all four seasons of the year.”
“To enhance up the exterior, we detailed wood plank doors outside some of the glass doors to serve as storm doors in the colder winter months,” says Katie. “They are installed with old-school hook and eye hardware to keep them held open in the summer months.”
Effortless Entry
Sunlight streams through the living room’s main seating area via a wall of windows and a pair of glassed doors flanking either side. Matching Heywood Wakefield chairs from Strictly Hey-Wake in Hagerstown, Maryland—near the wife’s childhood home—immediately capture the 50s vibe that flows throughout the entire home. “We intentionally kept all the details very minimal, says Katie, “to celebrate the 1950s modernism.”
View Finder
“Our design concept was to open the house up more to the lake in front of it and create more living space with a primary view to the shore,” Katie explains. “We added a lot of larger insulated glass openings and doors to better connect the experience to its beautiful setting. In the living room, fixed bottom windows are combined with tilt-and-turn top windows,” she sums.
Modern Hues, Cabin Charm
“We wanted to push the modern details, colors, and patterns inside,” Katie explains. “The clients were heavily involved with furniture and fabric selection as well as the overall vision. We wanted to have a couple of different colors to create playful movement, so we designed teal concrete counters to pick up on the summer hues outside. Splashes of sunny yellow and a mix of natural wood and white cabinet doors complement the 50s look,” she notes.
Katie designed a small addition on the cabin’s south side to include a dining area featuring sliding doors that open to the lake. She incorporated a steel support beam to allow the kitchen to flow directly into the new dining room. She also removed the drop ceiling to expose the original structural wood beams and installed Juno track lights that are cleverly tucked between them. A delightfully distressed picnic table, where the family enjoys games and puzzles, was reclaimed from the original owners.
“The family drives in from the city to enjoy their home primarily in the summers and during school holidays throughout the year,” says Katie. “They are avid hikers, campers, and kayakers, and I must say, they are culinary geniuses as well. I relish every dinner invitation,” she laughs. “The kitchen is well used and a perfect spot to bring friends together near and far.”
Happy Meals
The newly created dining area continues the kitchen’s whimsical midcentury-modern vibe with cheery yellow cushioned banquettes that wrap the room and provide plenty of seating space for guests. Splashes of teal from the countertops are echoed in the overhead pendant light and table lamp. The wife, a talented photographer and avid Gillian Welch fan, purchased the colorful silkscreen prints above the banquette.
Suite Dreams
On the second level, which was once an attic-like storage space, Katie designed an open and airy private suite for the homeowners with a beautiful birch plywood floor and sweeping views of the lake. To retain the room’s quirky camp-cabin feel, she left the pine wall boards that don’t quite reach the ceiling intact. A Haiku fan light from Big Ass Fans accentuates the soaring ceiling height and provides cool ventilation in the summer.
Sleek Simplicity
The couple’s bathroom, located behind their bedroom, features a skylight that Katie added to brighten the space. Kohler Purist fixtures complement a custom maple vanity with a white concrete top. Rain Gloss glass Roku wall tile by Walter Zanger strikes a visually satisfying contrast against the textured Original Style Moonbeam penny-round ceramic floor tile.
A plank door is a replica of one of the cabin’s original doors. “I love the juxtaposition of the modern frameless glass shower and glass tiles with the rustic repurposed 1950s-style plank door,” Katie says. “It is one of my favorite detail moments in the interior.”
Bunk Bliss
The existing bunk rooms on either end of the home were lovingly restored for the owners’ daughter and son. They both retain the original bunk beds and natural pine boards. Katie installed larger windows so the kids could experience magical views of the lake.
Easy Access
On top of the dining addition, Katie designed a new deck on the cabin’s south side accessible from the couple’s private suite. “I love that they can go directly from the lake right up to their bathroom,” she says. “Since our renovation, the family spends summers and winter holidays here. The homeowners were thoughtful and meticulous about creating a four-season retreat with modern sensibilities and vibrant midcentury-modern style,” she adds. “Working with such creative clients—a photographer and her husband, an attorney who plays the cello beautifully—really made for an inspiring and enjoyable design collaboration.”
Whether you’re observing wildlife on the lake, identifying constellations in the night sky, or just getting a close-up view of your surroundings, it’s essential to own a solid pair of binoculars. Depending on the activity, different features will be more important. For example, those interested in astronomy will want to pick binoculars with large objective lenses which produce powerful light-gathering abilities. However, for regular everyday use, you’ll want lighter binoculars with decent magnification. No matter your purpose, we’ve got a recommendation for you! Check out our top five best binoculars for Summer 2022.
For all those relaxing daytime hikes near your lake house, we recommend the Pentax AD 8 x 25 WP. There is nothing too glamorous about this pair. They’re not designed for serious birding or for examining subjects with precise detail. Rather, their assets are their compactness, waterproof coating, and relative inexpensiveness. They also have a multi-layer coating to ensure maximum light transmission.
The Swarovski Optik SLC Series is an excellent option for viewing wildlife. At a higher price point, it’s certainly a worthwhile investment. The company that manufactures these binoculars created a signature quality lens called Swarovision, which offers a wider view for better peripheral vision. Another asset of the Swarovski is the sharp color and clear vision — perfect for getting detailed, up-close pictures of the wildlife in your backyard. Built with durable materials, these binoculars are also wear-and-tear resistant, so you can enjoy the views for years to come.
If a little stormy weather doesn’t stop you from looking out at nature, you’ll want to try the Athlon Optics Midas MD. These durable binoculars can sufficiently withstand humidity, dust, and intense weather conditions. Further, its focus dial can adjust reliably across a wide range of depths, allowing for sharp, close-up views. Its advanced coated lenses allow for better light transmission as well. And of course, given its design to withstand less-than-ideal weather circumstances, these binoculars are waterproof.
Admiring the night sky is one of the great perks of owning a lake home. Away from the city, you can find much brighter constellations. For getting an even clearer view, the Canon 10X42L IS WP is a perfect choice. Due to the gyro-stabilization feature, they achieve an anti-wobble effect. According to Space.com’s review, this feature makes you “feel like they’re being held on an invisible tripod.” The downside to these binoculars is their bulkier weight, which is true for most binoculars designed for nighttime use.
For everyday use, the Olympus 10×42 Pro is a great choice for simply observing the natural world around you. Compared to other binoculars, these are relatively compact, lightweight, and versatile. With top-notch high-performance optics, they have amazing close-up abilities. Specifically, you can look at subjects as close as 1.5m away. Further, they’re waterproofed and nitrogen filled which prevents fogging. Although the power isn’t quite as strong as more heavy-duty binoculars, they are perfect for everyday use.
From wildlife to constellations, there’s no shortage of astounding aspects of nature. With these top binoculars for summer 2022, you can get a close-up view of all of it.
Previously on our blog, we covered the best lake vacation destinations for relaxation. You can lay back at these lakeside retreats and enjoy the scenery. But for some people, the easygoing atmosphere may feel too slow. Maybe you’re the first out the door on a hiking trip, always ready to explore the wilderness. You’d rather spend all day exploring a new mountain than being inside reading a book. Check out these top five lakes for outdoor enthusiasts! If this describes you, we’ve got you covered.
Philosopher and writer Henry David Thoreau referred to Moosehead Lake as “uninterrupted.” Its 120-mile stretch of water (the second largest in New England following Lake Champlain) winds through gorgeous mountainous scenery, reasonably untouched by man-made features. For the best hiking, Mount Kineo offers plenty of different trails for all experience levels. If you’re an advanced hiker, you won’t want to miss the Pinnacle Pursuit – a six-mountain hiking challenge with incredible views that are worth the arduous effort. And, of course, as its name suggests, you’re bound to catch glimpses of wildlife such as moose, falcons, loons, and otters.
Along the south shore of Lake Superior, on Wisconsin’s northernmost point, sits the Apostle Islands. These gorgeous sandstone cliffs and sea caves are only accessible by boat. Further, camping is the only accommodation while staying on these islands, making them a perfect destination for serious outdoor enthusiasts. The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is home to more lighthouses than any other National Park. If you enjoy bird watching, bring binoculars while on the island – you’ll likely find plenty of new birds to identify. The archipelago gets more than 240 species of winged visitors every year. You’ll need to plan your visit in advance, but it’ll be well worth the trip.
On average, Lake Chelan sees 300 annual days of sunshine. At this iconic lake destination in the Pacific Northwest, it’s rare that you’ll ever take a rain check on hiking plans. Besides the sunny weather, Lake Chelan is close to Mount Rainier National Park and North Cascades National Park. Immersed in these stunning alpine landscapes, you’ll have an abundance of hiking trails at your fingertips. These national parks offer over 250 miles of trails for mountain bikers, hikers, motorcyclists, and horseback riders. There are plenty of opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddle boarding on the water. In short, if you can’t get enough of nature, Lake Chelan is the place to be.
Lake George is nicknamed “Queen of the American Lakes” for a good reason. Although the town of Lake George is small and quaint, its natural surroundings are expansive. Located near the Adirondack mountains, it’s known for its proximity to stunning foliage and mountainous views. If you own or rent a lake house along its 32-mile shoreline, you’ll have access to countless outdoor activities – whitewater rafting, motorcycling, horseback riding, hiking – you name it! And if you need a day off, head to Million Dollar Beach along Lake George’s shore.
Tucked away in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Lake Lure offers both gorgeous lake views and 1,000 acres of wilderness. The scenery is so outstanding that Lake Lure has been a movie destination for shooting Dirty Dancing, The Last of the Mohicans, and other films. To get a good look at everything, climb up Lake Lure’s Chimney Rock for expansive views. Overall, the abundance of hiking trails and nature activities make this southern lake a perfect spot for outdoor lovers.
Lace up your hiking boots and hit the trails! We hope you enjoy your next lake vacation at one of these top destinations for outdoor enthusiasts.
A couple’s request for a sizable lake home poised along the shores of Deep Creek Lake in Oakland, Maryland, materialized into a dream come true for themselves and their extended family. Designed by Pennsylvania architect Chad Chalmers, a principal at Wildman Chalmers Design in Pittsburgh, this ground-up residential project features a spectacular double-height living area that opens up to a deck overlooking the lake. Considered a traditional home with modern interior detailing, the house boasts seven bedrooms and eight and a half bathrooms. Luxurious amenities include a hot tub, a full gym with a sauna, a golf simulator room, four massive fireplaces, and a spacious covered porch.
“Nestled lakeside in the woods, this house truly becomes one with nature because of its expansive windows, natural materials, and earthy tones,” says Chad. “Four large stone fireplaces provide additional warmth during the cool mountain nights—one in the great room that is mirrored by a fireplace at the opposite end of the house by the pool table, one in the basement seating area, and one on the porch,” he adds.
Deep Creek Lake is the largest inland body of water in Maryland, offering 69 miles of shoreline and covering approximately 3,900 acres. The lake is well known for its seasonal outdoor recreation, including boating, swimming, tubing, biking, rafting, snow skiing, and snowboarding. It’s also home to a wide variety of freshwater fish and aquatic birds. This four-season getaway has it all, from blissful summers in the sun on the lake to brilliant autumn foliage to lots of fluffy snow for downhill skiing.
Lavish Lake Views
Chad intentionally designed the home with a sloped roof to accommodate the region’s heavy snow during the winter season. The extra-long deck is perfect for soaking in the sun and taking in gorgeous views of the lake.
“The size of the lot was one of the biggest challenges we faced due to the architectural program the owner requested,” Chad explains. “We were working near a lake that has a buffer zone governed by the Department of Natural Resources that you cannot build on. We managed to site the home accordingly yet capture the best views and enable easy access to the lake for the homeowners,” he notes.
Optional Open-Air
A large expanse of sliding glass doors opens up to the balcony overlooking the lake, lending a seamless flow and a breezy alfresco feel to the living spaces when the weather permits. The soaring double-height living area provides magnificent views from top to bottom.
“The owners’ friends and family gather at the house often for holidays, weekends, and extended stays to ski at the local resort,” says Chad. “The family gravitates here for water sports on the lake, to work remotely, and simply enjoy each other’s company.”
Free-Flowing Floorplan
The remarkable absence of walls creates an effortless flow and offers beautiful sightlines from any vantage point. Perfect for entertaining, guests can mingle and move about with ease while constantly feeling part of the group. Swivel seating near all the windows allows intimate fireside gatherings and sunrise gazing across the lake with a cup of coffee by a simple twist of the chair.
“The soft seating in all areas of the home balances the solidity of the wooden beams and stone fireplaces, producing a relaxing effect,” says the architect. “The simple lines and patterns throughout the house keep distraction from the architecture and views to a minimum,” he notes.
Design Drama
The living area flows gracefully into the dining area, allowing unobstructed views of the grand floor-to-ceiling stacked-stone fireplace and the landscape outside. A striking circular chandelier with a double ring of candelabras creates a soft glow and accentuates the dramatic beamed ceiling. The airy open staircase brings yet another visually appealing architectural element to the space.
“The home was elegantly designed in a transitional architectural style—not modern, not contemporary,” says Chad. “Natural, authentic materials and a palette of browns, grays, and soft whites create visual continuity between the interior of the house and the cloud-dotted sky and oak-studded hillside,” he sums.
Gather & Game
Adjacent to the game room area, a wonderfully roomy kitchen with a central island and generous counter space offers multiple options for convenient food prep, group cooking, and family gatherings. This hotspot is the home’s entertaining hub and connects visually to the scenic surroundings of Deep Creek Lake. Beamed ceilings align with the home’s rustic yet refined aesthetic, and a lowered ceiling height lends a cozy feel to the space.
Soothing & Serene
Framing an idyllic view of the lake, one of the primary bedrooms offers a relaxing retreat for anyone lucky enough to sleep here. Fling open the French doors at night to enjoy a glimpse of the moon and stars, and you’ll quickly be lulled to sleep by the gentle sounds of water lapping against the shore. Simple and understated furniture and décor let the lake landscape take center stage.
Party on the Porch
Perfect for game day celebrations or evening cocktails at sunset, this blissful covered porch features a vaulted ceiling with a rich red patina and an inviting outdoor fireplace. Oversize seating with plump cushioning welcomes guests to kick back, relax, and enjoy the moment. A ceiling fan keeps it cool in the summer, and stylish hanging lanterns create a cozy ambiance at night.
“The key objective for this project was making sure all the spaces in the home have a great view of either the lake or the woods,” says Chad. “It was an absolute pleasure working with these homeowners to bring their vision to life.”
If you enjoy listening to music while driving your car to work, you know that a high-quality sound system can enhance your daily commute. The same goes for boats. A well-made built-in speaker can turn an average, pleasant boat ride into a fun-filled afternoon on the water, blasting Jimmy Buffett.
However, unlike cars, speakers for your boat require different standards. With their proximity to the lake, boat speakers need to be water-resistant and powerful enough to carry sound over the noise of a boat engine. In short, you’re looking for something that’s built to last.
As a quick caveat, these boat sound systems are not to be confused with VHF radio — a necessity for boat safety. Instead, we’re talking about luxury items that will enhance your boating experience on the lake. While some of these recommendations are speakers, some are radio systems, and others are the whole package, they’re all excellent recommendations to add to your boat this season.
This small, yet sleek radio for your boat is an excellent choice. Made with a water-resistant front panel that offers a solid layer of protection from the elements of nature, this product is also durable against salt, fog, temperature, vibration, and UV and has an IPX7 and IPX7 rating. With its modern design, touchscreen, stereo grouping capabilities, advanced sound technology, Wi-Fi capabilities, and more, this product is at the top of the game when it comes to the newest advancements in boat stereos. If you’re not into the new technology, there are also USB and Aux plug-in options. There is even a smaller version of this product offered on the website if you’re looking for a similar product, but more compact.
If you’re looking for something a little less pricey than the Fusion, this product from Sony is a good, budget-friendly option. With the Sony brand name, you’re assured of high quality as well. This product has an LCD screen with a contrast 5x higher than conventional screens and is equipped with a USB port that can be used for charging your phone. Made from water-resistant materials that also offer UV protection, these speakers are made to withstand potential contact with water. Additionally, the integrated Bluetooth technology connects to your devices and allows for wireless operation. It comes with both radio and speakers — a package deal that won’t hurt your wallet.
This sound system from Pyle is all you need and more for your boat. With 300 watts of power and EQ configuration, so you can customize the sound to your preferences, this receiver is a great option. Additionally, it offers several options for playing your music. Choose between Bluetooth, USB cord, AM-FM radio, and aux cord to blast your favorite tunes. Besides these features, this system also comes with a hands-free calling device with a microphone built-in. This way, you won’t miss a single call while driving your boat. Another perk to this product is that it is very affordable at just under $50.
JBL PRV-175 Marine Digital Media Bluetooth Receiver
Since JBL is a popular manufacturer of speakers, you know this one is going to be high quality. With clear audio and an easy-to-use LED display interface, you’ll always know what song you’re listening to or what radio station you’re on. This sound system comes with several plugin options from USB to aux to radio, providing versatility. As a bonus, this JBL product is easy to install with a small weight of just a few pounds.
This sound system from BOSS has been rated across multiple sources as one of the top sound systems for your boat in 2022. Small yet powerful, this product allows you to control and play music through your smartphone via wireless Bluetooth or a USB port. Complete with state-of-the-art weatherproofing and UV coatings, this system is built to withstand water and sun damage for years to come.
When choosing a speaker system for your boat, there are several factors to consider. Does it have UV and water resistance necessary for close water proximity? Are there multiple plugin options for listening to music? Does it have enough power to carry sound across the water? For all the products listed above, the answer seems to be a resounding yes. We hope these sound systems help you enjoy your best boat life!
