winter at the lake Archives

2022 Winter Oasis: Inspiring Roundup of Dreamy Winter Lake Homes

Posted on February 4, 2022March 6, 2023 Jeanne Delathouder

Despite all the staying-at-home we’ve experienced over the past two years, many of us—especially lake lovers—still long for the enchanted snow-filled days of winter spent snuggling up inside and whiling away the hours reading, daydreaming, or spending time with loved ones. And if you love getting out in it, there’s no better setting than a lakeside winter wonderland for cross-country skiing, hiking, ice fishing, or just having fun in the snow. As we move into a more promising 2022, Lake Homes invites you to rekindle those carefree snowbound afternoons by imagining yourself in a blissful lakeside haven surrounded by breathtaking snowscapes that only mother nature can deliver. For some visual inspiration, read on and enjoy.

Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire

Rear View, Lake Winnipesaukee retreat.
Photo courtesy of *Trent Bell* *via* *Whitten Architects*

Imagine yourself looking out onto this extraordinary winter landscape that nestles along the shores of New Hampshire’s beautiful Lake Winnipesaukee. Like a picture postcard, this four-seasons home offers its owners the best vantage point from which to enjoy the breathtaking scenery. Designed by Whitten Architects, this retreat features a central fireplace—the beloved heart of the home—that divides the dining and living rooms. The floorplan and windows were strategically placed to capture the natural light and exemplify the spectacular views outside. The surrounding native vegetation protects the home from the chilly lake winds while also offering shade during the area’s hot summers.

Pend Oreille Lake, Idaho

View from the living area, Pend Oreille Lake retreat.
Photo courtesy of *Marie-Dominique Verdier* *via* *Hendricks Architecture*

Both rustic and refined, this lakefront home boasts amazing views of the water and snow-capped mountains beyond. Designed by Hendricks Architecture in Sandpoint, Idaho, this magnificent retreat is flooded with gorgeous natural light via a newly constructed cupola and pair of dormer windows up top.

The spacious great room, which includes an open kitchen, dining area, and living space, capitalizes on the awe-inspiring views of Pend Oreille Lake’s sparkling blue waters and majestic mountain backdrop. The master bedroom features a cozy fireplace, and the basement, which allows in plenty of sunlight, includes guest bedrooms, an office, and an exercise area. A haven of fun and relaxation, this family refuge undoubtedly feeds the soul day in and day out with its incredible scenery.

Lake Wenatchee, Washington

Photo courtesy of *Benjamin Benschneider* *via* *Deforest Architects*

Sophisticated yet delightfully cozy, this mountain retreat perches above Lake Wenatchee, Washington, amid the Cascade Mountains. Deforest Architects, along with the homeowners, worked to create the perfect family dwelling that would blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. The four-seasons structure combines earthy tile, stone, and composites with the warmth of natural wood—the perfect complement to the modern/rustic regional aesthetic of the Pacific Northwest.

Stand-out features include alternating roof forms, indoor/outdoor spaces, a media room behind a secret bookcase, reading nooks, and a sleeping loft to accommodate kids and guests. The home’s innovative design offers flexibility for almost any occasion and exudes a sense of peace and tranquility throughout every room.

Lake Michigan, Charlevoix, Michigan

Photo courtesy of *William / Kaven Architecture*

This captivating retreat set amid birch and pine trees on the shores of Lake Michigan echoes the pristine, stark winter beauty of the Midwestern region. Located just outside Charlevoix and designed by William / Kaven Architects, the home serves as a beloved retreat for family gatherings and lakeside recreation.

At the homeowners’ request, the dwelling takes on a rustic, low-maintenance demeanor with natural materials and an earthy color palette. A cantilevered living area featuring expansive views of the lake connects to the outdoors, creating an airy, open vibe. Tranquil sunsets and views of Beaver Island are just a few of the perks enjoyed inside this awe-inspiring refuge.

Wood Lake, Wisconsin

Photo courtesy of *Corey Gaffer* *via* *SALA Architects*

If you crave being at one with the landscape, then this intriguing little haven is just your style—and it can be rented as well! Set amidst a 140-acre property overlooking Wood Lake on a plot of rural land in Frederic, Wisconsin—just 90 minutes northeast of Minneapolis—this humble yet remarkably energy-efficient retreat was designed by architect David O’Brien Wagner of SALA Architects. Accessed via a gravel drive, the wonderfully secluded property features a pathway leading between the trees to a footbridge that carries guests across to the entry of the home, aptly named Metal Lark.

A corrugated steel wall buffers the dwelling from the prevailing northwest winter winds common to the region. Inside, the line of the bridge continues out the other side, where a cantilevered deck offers extraordinary views of the landscape beyond. The 820-square-foot cabin features living spaces on two levels and sustainable strategies, including solar panels, passive solar orientation, triple-pane windows and operable windows for cross-ventilation, and thick walls for maximum insulation.

Created for a multi-generational family who dreamed of building a vacation rental near their family cabin, Metal Lark Tower is the first retreat to open at Nordlys and is available to book on Airbnb.

If you want to find your own cozy refuge by the lake, visit LakeHomes.com and select your desired lake region. Happy house-hunting!

Lake Home Activities for the Winter Season

Posted on February 21, 2020December 4, 2020 Mary Walters

Cozy winter lake home constructed by Mark Tanner Construction — Photo courtesy of Mark Tanner Construction.

We all love the hustle and bustle around the lake during summertime. The sun and fun seem never-ending, and there’s an abundance of activities to keep busy. Then, as soon as the water cools and the leaves begin to fall, we might suddenly get hit with the winter blues. However, even though summer is gone and winter is here, there are ways to still enjoy your lake home. Keep reading to see our winter lake activities you should try this season!

Pick Up a Book

Enjoy the solitude of your lake home and enjoy one of our favorite winter lake activities by catching up on that pile of books that you’ve been neglecting. It always feels like we have lists of books that we should read, but life gets in the way. Now is the best time to delve into another world, read the biography of your favorite historical figure, or enjoy the romance novel of the year. Whatever you’re inclined to pick up, do it! If it’s not your cup of tea, there are loads more books from which to choose.

Shine a Light

According to a study conducted by Harvard, the leading cause of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a condition in which winter months catalyze depressive symptoms, is the lack of sunlight. Thankfully, there are now lamps and lightbulbs that are designed to emit light like the sun. These are considered to be the best way to combat the low energy that accompanies SAD. For a bit of warmth to accompany this natural light, you can always opt for a classic fire in your lake home den. There’s something so cathartic about snuggling up under a warm blanket and watching the burning logs in the fireplace.

Try a New Hobby

Put your extra time to good use and try something new! It’s always exciting to start a new project or a hobby that has piqued your interest. One our quintessential winter lake activities is knitting. The hardest part of any new project is getting started, so go ahead and pick up the yarn, candle wax and scents, or jewelry making materials and pursue your new hobby!

Clean up Your Home

If you’d like to use these winter months in a practical, productive way, consider rearranging your lake home or cleaning out those pesky junk drawers. Don’t wait for the spring cleaning season. Focus on clean-up and organization now so that when it warms up, you can enjoy all your impressive lake views with a clean home.

Spend a Cozy Weekend with Friends

Three friends casually drinking wine at the lake winter lake activities

Another reason for the winter blues is the solitude of this time of year. To combat those feelings first, remind yourself that the quiet time is only for a season. Literally. Sometimes it’s good for us all to take the time alone and reflect. Although the loneliness of the season can get to you, be encouraged that you can reverse the seasonal woes by doing one of our favorite lake activities: inviting all of your friends over to the lake. Whether that’s for a fun dinner night or quiet, cozy weekend, you can make new memories with your old friends, sitting together and chatting over the quietness of winter with the lake in the background. Through these moments, you can look back at this season as not a time of boredom, but as a time of relationship building.

Whatever activity you may choose, you won’t look back on this season with regret!

“Hygge”: Bringing this Cozy Concept into your Lake Home

Posted on February 7, 2020August 14, 2020 Maggie Keith Gerakos

Soft blankets, hot tea, time spent relaxing around a fire, and scented candles– what do all these things have in common? Besides sounding like wonderful, relaxing ways to spend time (especially in chilly February), a comfy, cozy, state of being can be summed up by one Danish word: “hygge.” In Danish culture, hygge (pronounced “hoo-gah”) is an integral part of thriving and staying happy throughout the winter months. During a time when fewer hours of sunlight can get us all down, take a queue from the Danish. Your lake home is the perfect place to incorporate this Scandinavian art of being cozy, happy, and feeling your best self for the rest of the winter — because all seasons at the lake should be enjoyed. Read on for small ways you can adopt hygge into your lakeside lifestyle this winter.

Create Your Own Nook

hygge nook in Incline Village, Nevada lake home — Photo courtesy of Mountain Living.

Nothing quite says comfort like creating your own cozy lakeside nook – for reading, journaling, knitting – whatever it is that you enjoy doing to relax. Find some throw blankets and extra soft pillows to set an idyllic scene that makes you want to curl up and find your slice of heaven. Create your hygge-inspired space near a window in your home, and enjoy all the natural beauty the lake has to offer. Having a space that makes you appreciate the simple act of getting deep into a good book is what hygge is all about. Make a soothing cup of your favorite herbal tea, coffee, or hot chocolate, and let yourself fall into a happy, healthy rhythm. If you’d like to go the extra mile and keep the cozy energy going all year round, consider installing a window seat near your favorite look-out spot!

Include Some Friends

You can live out your hygge aspirations while being social with your lakeside community, too. In fact, to the Danish, the community is key to keeping spirits high throughout the winter – and seeing as Scandinavian countries are consistently voted the happiest in the world, we’re all ears! Host a game night with friends and family, cook a delicious meal together with locally produced ingredients, or spend time connecting with far-away loved ones over the phone. Conversation and togetherness are valuable tenets of hygge that keep us vibrating at a healthy frequency throughout the cold months. Hosting nights-in during the winter also gives you a great excuse to show off your indoor winter decor, and even start planning for fun activities out on the lake, come spring.

Friends and family toasting at dinner party

The best thing is, hygge is meant to be enjoyed indoors. While outdoor activity plans can be thrown off course due to unpredictable winter weather, you can bet a snow storm will make your plans to journal by candlelight that much more delightful. The joys of having a lake home are season-less, and you should enjoy all your home has to offer you – outside, and inside.

Your lake home is the perfect place to get into the spirit of hygge this winter. By leaning into being cozy and taking a breather, you can allow yourself to appreciate the art of doing less and enjoy your magnificent surroundings all year long. The only thing standing between “cabin fever” and joyful, healthy home life this winter is perspective. So put on some wool socks, bring some aromatherapy to the mix with your most-loved scented candles, and enjoy every minute.

Freezin’ for a Reason: Upcoming Polar Plunges in Our Lake Areas

Posted on February 4, 2020January 27, 2020 Camille Smith

participants running into San Pedro beach on new year's day

At this time of year, you may look out the window of your lake house and see a freezing body of water, perhaps partially covered in ice, and can imagine that jumping in would be downright unpleasant. Even standing outside in the cold is hardly bearable, much less being submerged in frigid lake water. However, thousands of people do this every year. Whether it’s raising money for a cause or just for the thrill of it, groups of people come together and jump into a cold body of water, such as a lake or beach, during January, February, and March. Appropriately, it’s called a Polar Plunge (could also be referred to as Polar Bear Plunge or Polar Bear Swim).

The History

massive crowd at Annual polar bear swim in Vancouver, Canada — *Annual Polar Bear Swim in Vancouver. Photo courtesy of Red Leaf.*

Although it may seem odd, these events aren’t new. In fact, people have been participating in Polar Plunges for over 100 years (a plunge in Boston in 1904 was the first one recorded) and they’re practiced around the world. In Canada, the UK, and the Netherlands, Polar Plunges are typically held to celebrate the new year. In South Korea, there’s an annual polar swimming contest that takes place on Haeundae Beach. There’s even a Polar Plunge in Antarctica, which is a rite of passage for scientists conducting research on this southernmost continent. Regardless of where you are, there’s certain to be a nearby Plunge to satisfy your search for an adrenaline rush. Here in the U.S., you can attend a polar plunge in 2020 at many of our lakes.

Polar Plunges in the U.S.

Participants take to the icy waters at Canandaigua Lake, NY — *Polar Plunge participants take to the icy waters at Canandaigua Lake, NY. Photo courtesy of Daily Messenger.*

Across the country, Polar Plunges primarily work to raise money for the Special Olympics, a global organization that provides athletic opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Chances are, you’ll find a Plunge this season that benefits the Special Olympics in your specific state. In New York, you’ll find Polar Plunges on Cayuga Lake on March 21st and Canandaigua Lake on March 28th, both raising money for the Special Olympics of New York. In Missouri, check out the Polar Plunge at Lake of the Ozarks on February 29th, or if you’re in Texas, there’s an event at Lake Gladewater on February 8th, both benefiting the Special Olympics of their respective states. Of course, there’s a Plunge on the great Lake Michigan in Chicago. If you attend this particular plunge on March 1st, you might even run in to Lady Gaga or Vince Vaughn who have attended in the past.

Besides the Special Olympics, there are several Polar Plunges that benefit other charities as well. For example, a Polar Plunge at Lake Anna State Park in Virginia raises money for the EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) Warrior Foundation that provides financial support for both retired and active-duty EOD war veterans. We encourage you to take a look at upcoming Polar Plunges in your own communities — you never know who you might meet or what great local causes you’ll be able to support.

Why Take the Plunge?

Man raising rock on symbols in air running into lake with large crowd behind him — *Polar bear plunge participants splash their way into the new year on Sanders Beach in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Photo courtesy of The Spokesman-Review.*

For those of us who steer on the side of caution, Polar Plunges might seem too intense, unpleasant, or even unsafe. While there’s certainly a debate over whether jumping into icy water is dangerous, most every organized Polar Plunge has a trained safety team on staff to make sure that conditions are appropriate. As long as your heart is healthy, a few seconds in the water would only give you a good shock — enough to leave you with a jolt of energy as you run back to your awaiting warm towel. At the end of the day, it’s about doing something different with a group of people to celebrate a new year or a good cause. That sense of community and spontaneity is what lake living is all about.

Interested in the lakes mentioned in this article? Learn more here: Cayuga Lake, Canandaigua Lake, Lake of the Ozarks, Lake Gladewater, Lake Michigan, and Lake Anna.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Wood Fireplace This Winter

Posted on January 24, 2020December 4, 2020 Luke Hanshaw

Pile of chopped firewood leaning against lit wood fireplace

Although winter is well underway and spring is just around the corner, the January nights still feel cold and the days feel short. But just because the snow is taking forever to melt away doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of fun activities to do before the weather heats up. Picture a quiet evening spent cuddled on the sofa, your favorite drink in hand, with soft music punctuated by the crackling of a sweet-smelling fire. In the throes of winter, there’s nothing better than that cozy fireside feeling. Before you start that flame, though, here are some tips that will help you get the most out of your wood fireplace this year.

Always Safety First

Lake house with stone fireplace How to Get the Most Out of Your Wood Fireplace This Winter — *Photo courtesy of Cargill Construction.*

Everyone loves a wood fireplace. Not only do they set the scene for pictures, memories, and quiet contemplation while at the lake, but they can save you a pretty penny on your energy bill this winter. However, if misused, a wood fireplace can be dangerous. So, before you do anything else, it’s helpful to know how you can keep your family both warm and safe.

The National Fire Protection Association has published guidelines for the safe use and maintenance of your fireplace and chimney here. In general, it’s important to make sure that your chimney and vents remain unobstructed, as anything clogging the airways—including sticks, birds’ nests, or creosote deposits—can catch fire or send smoke and harmful CO2 back into your home. As a precaution, you should aim to have your fireplace, chimney, and vents inspected once a year and cleaned once buildup in your chimney reaches 1/8-inch. Ventilation is key not only for your fireplace and chimney, but also your whole house— the more insulated and ventilated your home, the more efficient your hearth, and the happier you’ll be with it.

Not All Wood Burns the Same

After having your fireplace and chimney professionally inspected and cleaned, you’re already well on your way to settling in for the winter in front of that big, roaring fire. But wait—you need something to burn. What kinds of wood should you choose, and is there even a difference?

When it comes to burning, not all woods are the same. Some have shorter burn times, while others burn longer and at hotter temperatures. As a rule of thumb, hardwoods like elm, oak and ash are great woods to burn in your fireplace; they grow at a slower rate than softwoods like cedar, firs and pine, and they’re also denser, slower to burn and providers of maximum heat. Still, it’s not a bad idea to include some softwoods in your woodpile—they often make the best fire starters!

If you’re planning on self-producing wood for burning, you’ll want to cut it well in advance—for some hardwoods, 12 to 18 months—and store it properly in a dry and sheltered space, off the ground where it can be dried by the sun and air. Remember, the harder the wood, the longer it takes to season. Check out these tips for properly storing and seasoning your firewood.

And here’s a bonus— a wood moisture meter is an inexpensive way of measuring the moisture level of your firewood. Buy it once and use it year after year!

Consider Locally Sourced Wood

locally sourced chopped firewood in basket

Once you know what to burn and how to store it, you’ll need to find it. And if you can’t produce your firewood, you’ll need to buy it. These days, you can buy firewood online and have it shipped directly to your home, but there are loads of reasons why locally sourcing your firewood is the best option for you this winter and next. For starters, when you buy locally, not only are you supporting local sellers—your friends and neighbors—you’re also doing right by the environment.

In recent years, invasive species of insects like the Asian Longhorned Beetle and the Emerald Ash Borer have decimated forests in the US. The EPA notes that “once established in new areas, these pests can quickly kill trees in our favorite forests, parks, communities, and campgrounds”—and no one wants that. So, no matter where you buy, before you buy, check the source of your wood. The USDA’s quarantine map is also a great resource that will alert you to any special considerations regarding the importation of firewood.

We hope you find these tips useful, but remember, when you’re dealing with fire, you can never be too safe. As a rule, never leave a fire unattended, keep any and all flammable materials out of the flames’ reach, and make sure you have working CO2 monitors in your home. Last but not least, enjoy the calming warmth emanating from your wood fireplace—you’ve earned it!

Ways to Stay Active at the Lake this Winter

Posted on January 10, 2020August 14, 2020 Maggie Keith Gerakos

With winter comes shorter, darker days that make you want to spend your days cozying up and laying low. These cooler days also make fitting in exercise a little more complicated, and as a result, less desirable. However, it can be possible (and fun!) to keep up with your fitness goals even in the colder months, thanks to simple workouts you can opt to do inside – or out. Here are some ways to keep moving when the temperatures drop:

Take a Morning Walk

Couple holding hands morning fitness exercise at the lake

The bright side (literally and figuratively) of shorter days is the beautiful sunrises that winter brings. Give yourself a pick-me-up before the rest of the world opens its eyes by taking in the natural surroundings of your lakeside abode in the morning light. Not only do you fit in some exercise early-on in the day, but this is also a great time to set your intentions for the entire day with a clear mind while appreciating your gorgeous surroundings. Early morning exercise also leads to increased productivity in the hours that follow. Just remember to pile on your winter layers first and wear shoes with hearty traction should you come upon any slippery patches of ice or wet leaves.

If the temperatures dip too low or the weather is too nasty to walk outside comfortably, an indoor treadmill is a great alternative. Setting your treadmill to an incline can help increase the burn for an even more effective indoor walk. Either way, you’ll be achieving your goal of keeping your body moving and healthy!

Take a Spin on a Stationary Bike

A major incentive of having a lake home is the ability to enjoy the outdoors, but when the temperature drops a little too low for comfort, you can still find opportunities to break a sweat in the great indoors. Setting up a stationary cycle near a window with a scenic view is the perfect way to appreciate the surrounding beauty of your property while staying comfortable on cooler days. There are wide variety of stationary bikes available that are designed to fold up for easy storage when not in use. These are great options when you know you’ll only be using the bike a few months out of the year, or if you simply want the option to create more space when entertaining.

Set up a Yoga Retreat in Your Home

3 women doing yoga lake fitness active exercise at the lake

In addition to being an effective method to becoming more mindful, yoga is a great way to increase blood flow, flexibility and keep your body strong. Best of all, you’ll need very little equipment to have your yoga sessions at home. All you need is a yoga mat (or a padded surface with some grip), and a guide or video to follow. Whether you can set aside 15 minutes or an entire hour, you’ll feel the difference and your body will thank you. Spend the winter fine-tuning your yoga practice and by the time the weather warms up you’ll be ready to take your mat outside… and it doesn’t get much better than yoga in the fresh lakeside air!

Whatever it is you choose to do to stay healthy and active at your lake home this winter, you should be sure to have fun with it and celebrate your commitment to taking care of yourself. Keep yourself accountable by finding a friend, partner, or family member – near or far – who has similar exercise goals as your own. Whether it be going on walks, practicing yoga together, or simply discussing what you’ve been doing to stay fit, having someone to share in your efforts and accomplishments can make all the difference.

Here’s to a fun, active and healthy 2020!

Hearing from Homeowners: Winter Traditions for Lake Living

Posted on December 13, 2019December 12, 2019 Camille Smith

Decorated Christmas tree on boat on lake winter tradition — *Photo courtesy of* *Home is Where the Boat is*.

At Lake Homes, we believe that investing in a lake house is about more than the cabin itself– it’s about the relationships and memories that you create in your dream home. By purchasing, renovating, and personalizing your house, you’re setting the stage for countless fun memories with family and friends that will last for years to come.

As the years pass by, you’re likely to cultivate traditions. Whether you embark on canoeing adventures in the Spring, drive a few towns over to watch the leaves change in the Fall, or cook your famous burgers that your kids love in the Summer, these traditions evoke a sense of togetherness and warmth that is at the heart of lake living. At this time of year, with winter in full swing, shared family traditions are often the backbone of this holiday season.

To gain insight into how lake homeowners celebrate the holidays with their family traditions, we spoke with two women who live on the lake full time. Tiffany Hernandez, author of the lifestyle blog Lake Life State of Mind lives with her husband and teenage son on a lake in Florida. Jenny Block, writer and author of Be that Unicorn, lives with her wife on Lake Livingston in Texas. Both Hernandez and Block understand the unique joys of lake life and were happy to share a glimpse into their personal winter traditions.

Q: What is your favorite thing to do over the winter holidays at your lake house?

Family sitting around fire pit roasting marshmellows

Hernandez: One of our favorite things to do on the lake over the winter holidays is to make a bonfire! Living in Florida, we have pretty moderate temperatures during the winter and no snow. This allows us to have fun bonfires with hot cocoa and s’ mores. We also pull out our movie screen and projector and watch holiday movies together as a family around the fire. It’s a blast for sure! Our teenage son also takes advantage of this time of the year and will have his own bonfire with band friends. All the kids love coming here to celebrate the holidays!

Block: The most “lake life” thing we do is go to the town’s little Christmas Parade every year, and they have a chili and gumbo cook-off at our home afterward with the neighbors. I bake all sorts of holiday goodies, and my wife mixes up festive drinks. We celebrate the holidays, and the lake and the kind of friends one makes when living on a lake. We call it “the lake family” and it’s probably the best part of lake living!

Q: How do you use decorations in your lake home this time of year?

Jenny Block Be That Unicorn Winter Traditions — *Photo courtesy of Jenny Block.*

Hernandez: I love decorating our outdoor table with festive decor so people know we want them to utilize both indoor and outdoor spaces. Oh, and decorating our dock makes everything extra festive!

Block: We have two Christmas trees in our home at the lake. One is filled with glass ornaments, mostly my longtime collection of Christopher Radio Ornaments, and the other is filled with a marvelously eclectic collection. We love having a more formal tree and a more casual one. And since we have two family rooms, it’s perfect! It makes the house feel festive. As for the outdoors, we have a new display this year. Since we live at the lake, in a very laid back community, it’s anything goes when it comes to holiday decorations. Because I have a new book coming out called Be That Unicorn, my wife bought me a giant magical unicorn and put it in the yard with light-up presents, a white tree, and these magic balls filled with light that she made. It’s outrageous and perfect and so much fun!

Q: Do you have hosting traditions for the holidays?

Christmas table setting during night with candles next to Christmas tree — *Photo courtesy of* *Annie Campbell*.

Hernandez: We are actually having a holiday party tomorrow, and it’s one of my favorite times of the year to host gatherings with family and friends. Summers in Florida are brutal in terms of the heat and the number of bugs flying around. During the winter, the temperatures drop, making it comfortable outdoors and too cold for the bugs! It’s an absolutely perfect combination. I love having a bonfire set-up outside to utilize both the indoor and outdoor areas of our lake home.

Block: Living on the lake is a different lifestyle because it’s slower-paced, and our neighbors have friends and relatives who come into town and want to join us for dinner. It’s fun to have odd, eclectic groups of people over for a holiday meal. I love setting up a layered table with placements on top of table runners that evoke a happy sense of abundance.

Whether it’s setting up a bonfire for the family or embellishing your front yard with unique decorations, there are countless ways to spend the winter holidays with your friends and family at your Lake House. Thank you to these two women for sharing their traditions — we hope you create your own!

For more ideas on how to celebrate the holiday season at the lake, read “5 Tips on Hosting for the Holidays“.

Let it Snow (But Don’t Let it Stay): Tips for Managing Cold Weather at Your Lake House

Posted on December 6, 2019December 11, 2019 Camille Smith

For those who live in southern states, winter may come and go with a minimal impact on your lake house. Perhaps it’s sunny most of the year and no new maintenance is necessary. However, if you live on one of the lakes in a colder region of the country, then you’re no stranger to the snow. As temperatures drop, a myriad of concerns increases. How can you protect your indoor pipes? How can you remove snow from your lake house and ice from your dock? While we’d all rather be focusing on decorating our lake house for the holidays, it’s crucial for any lake home owner to have tools to address these practical winter problems. At Lake Homes, we’re here to help with tips for managing cold weather concerns at your lake house. Whether you live on the lake year round or it’s your second home, we know first-hand the importance of a little maintenance when the weather outside is frightful.

Outdoor De-Icing

Boathouse deicer tips for managing cold weather — *Photo courtesy of* *LakeIce*.

Naturally, the most fundamental concern for the outdoor areas of your lake house is snow. Peter Elsenbach, the Director of Marketing of Raynor Garage Doors, speaks to the importance of managing it: “Adequately removing snow and ice from your driveway at your lake home not only provides an increased measure of safety for the foot traffic entering a home through the garage but can also help prolong the life of your garage door, where boats are typically stored.” Unlike snow that falls on the open areas of your property, snow by the garage door on your dock doesn’t have the ability to melt and refreeze which can cause the door to get stuck and become more difficult to open.

Boathouse deicer with warning sign — *Photo courtesy of* *LakeIce*.

To remedy this, Elsenbach suggests using a snowblower, as well as ice melt and salt to remove heavy snow from your lake house. You may also want to invest in a dock de-icer. First designed to allow you to store your boat in water during the winter months, you can use de-icers for a variety of outdoor snow maintenance tasks at your lake house. Be sure not to forget about your patio furniture too! Especially when it comes to outdoor cushions, these pieces can be sensitive to the snow. Make sure to clean and dry them, and either store them inside or cover them with a tarp for protection.

Indoor Dilemmas

Indoor lake home living room with snow outside — Photo courtesy of Mountain Living.

To make sure that your lake house interior is ready for winter, it’s crucial to maintain your heating systems. From stoves to chimney drafts, it may be a good idea to have a technician help inspect your heating systems so that you’ll be able to keep your place warm. Windows and doors are also a major culprit of letting the cold in, so it’s important to insulate your windows for the winter. Even small window cracks can make a big difference in the indoor temperature.

Lake house on a frozen lake — *Photo courtesy of* *CabinLife*.

Alex Berezowski, Owner and General Manager of The Foundation Experts Inc, a foundation repair and home waterproofing company, urges lake homeowners to not forget about insulating their pipes. He comments, “It’s fairly common for pipes to burst during the winter since there is water freezing inside of them if they’re not in use. The water expands, which increases the pressure on the pipes, resulting in a burst.” If your lake house is your second home, and you’re planning to be absent for a while during the winter, Berezowski suggests bleeding all water lines and drains before they freeze. If your lake house is older and pipes have never been replaced, he also recommends properly insulating them with pipe sleeves or electrical heating tape. Elsenbach also chimes in with advice on prepping pipes for the winter. Specifically, when it comes to pipes in your garage or around your house, he advises “putting Styrofoam covers on spigots and turning off water to the outside once the weather starts to turn cold.” And don’t forget to break off large icicles so you don’t experience a falling hazard.

Living in a cold lake region certainly has its benefits, like providing your own personal winter wonderland. You can build snowmen with the family, go skating, and go ice fishing all in your own backyard. Although these fun attributes come with certain challenges like ensuring proper heating and de-icing strategies, taking good care of your lake home is worth the trouble for all the joy you experience.

Don’t forget about your boat! Read “How to Winterize Your Boat for the Off Season” for more tips on preparing for the upcoming winter season.

Lake Wallenpaupack, Lake of Big Fun in the Poconos

Posted on November 1, 2019February 28, 2020 Cary Estes

The area in the Pocono Mountains that Native Americans called “the stream of swift and slow water” is now more like “the lake of big fun.” But no matter how you wish to translate it, Lake Wallenpaupack is the focal point of a charming community that offers plenty of recreation and entertainment options for tourists and residents alike.

The expansive 5,700-acre lake has 52 miles of uninterrupted shoreline, providing easy access to the water. Boats abound during the warmer months, and fishing is popular throughout the year. And all this takes place deep within the breathtaking beauty of the tree-filled Poconos.

“One of the great things about this lake is the natural beauty of the shoreline,” says Steve Gelderman, co-owner of Wallenpaupack Scenic Boat Tours. “Everywhere you look you can see these landscapes along with wildlife like bald eagles and ducks. You can really enjoy the natural beauty of the lake.”

Wally Lake Fest with tens of boats during the summer — Wally Lake Fest, Lake Wallenpaupack, PA

Area residents add a little buzz to this beauty with a series of festivals extolling life in Wally World. The big event is Wally Lake Fest, held each August with the support of numerous local businesses and mountain resorts. Vendors take over the shoreline around the town of Hawley, while bands play on a floating stage surrounded by a flotilla of boats and kayaks, creating a sort of Wallypalooza.

“It’s a call to the local community to showcase lake life,” says Rory O’Fee director of marketing for Woodlach Resort and one of the event’s founders. “The music on the lake is a cool spectacle to see. And that’s just one part of what’s developed into a very popular festival.”

The fun doesn’t stop once the temperature drops, either. The city of Hawley hosts a pre-Christmas Winterfest, which honors the season the old-fashioned way with campfires and horse-drawn carriage rides. “It harkens back to the town’s historic, Victorian-era roots,” O’Fee says. “The town beams for this weekend of nostalgic fanfare.”

Happy family on horse drawn sleigh ride during the winter — Photo courtesy of The French Manor.

Then a month later in January, once winter truly arrives and the lake freezes over, the area celebrates with Wally Ice Fest. Eight hockey rinks, 12 curling rinks, and a 9-hole golf course are created on top of the lake, along with spaces for vendors and music.

“It’s another event that shows the strong community we have around the lake,” O’Fee says. “Everybody comes together to support one another. It’s small-town America on a big lake.”

Of course, Lake Wallenpaupack also has plenty of places where you can simply get away from it all. There are six public recreation areas featuring hundreds of acres of forest lands, wildlife, trails, campsites, and boat slips. The area also is home to the Lacawac Sanctuary, a pristine 556-acre nature preserve with 8 miles of hiking trails.

“It’s still not heavily developed around the lake, so it feels like being out in the country,” says James Hamill, director of public relations at the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau. “But you also have a lot of opportunities to enjoy culture, music, arts, antique shops, art galleries. Everything compliments each other.“

So many people have fond memories of coming back year after year to this huge lake. It’s just a beautiful place to recreate and fish and hike, with no shortage of things to see and do. If you want to live in an area where you can enjoy it all, Lake Wallenpaupack is one of the top places.”

To see more about Lake Wallenpaupack, visit our home listings here.