House Tour: Lakefront Summit

The serene surroundings of this vacation cottage offer enchanting views and a host of possibilities for outdoor activities. The home takes advantage of the setting; all the main gathering rooms, as well as three bedrooms, have lake vistas. 

The large spaces and open design of the home can comfortably accommodate the homeowners, their three grown children and the children's families. 

An enclosed porch off the living room ensures the homeowners can enjoy the outdoors even during bad weather. This space beckons on quiet mornings or rainy afternoons. 

Locally gathered stone make up the facade of the fireplace. Movement between the kitchen, dining and living rooms is fluid because of the open floor plan. 

A mix of finishes gives the interior a rustic, relaxed tone. The homeowners chose furniture with distressed finishes or natural color variations that camouflage dings, nicks and other wear. The 10-inch-wide pine-plank flooring adds to the inviting feel of the living area. 

The kitchen caters to large gatherings and convenience with features such as a pot-filler above the stove. 

The weathered look of the rest of the surfaces continues onto the kitchen island. A raised counter gives guests a place to relax away from the main work area. 

During the summer, the French doors in the family room are always open-connecting the home to the outdoors. To make the lakeside cottage feel secluded, the north and south windows are arranged to obscure views of neighbors. 

The master suite is adjacent to the main living area but buffered by a private office and a pair of closets. High south-facing windows let in light while maintaining privacy. On the upper level, three suite-style bedrooms enable family members or visitors to have hotellike quarters. 

Lake Michigan is only a few steps from the back porch.