After-Our clients grew up going to resort cabins every summer, so they were looking for a fun entertainment hub with rustic touches in wood and stone - an escape. They wanted a long driveway lined with trees that opened to (fanfare) their lake country home – something that would take their breath away each time they came to stay.

Before-They bought a campground property that originally had tents. Back in the 40s/50s, the previous owner built several cabins and other outbuildings. With a large family and frequent entertaining, it was cramped quarters every time. The campground wasn’t exactly what they were looking for, but they could see the potential.

After-Mr. Client wanted a large fire pit with perfectly stacked wood nearby. The fire pit needed to be big enough to burn pallets. He also wanted resort-like night lighting, and a hot tub with a panoramic view of the lake. Mrs. Client insisted on an outdoor kitchen that included a wood-fired oven, grill, refrigerator, sink, storage, and seating for 18 people.

Before-To start, repairing the erosion damage at the shoreline was a priority. It was 417.5’ of spongy combination of grass and mud. The once straight shoreline had been carved out by winter ice and summer boat wakes. We worked with the state’s DNR and Army Corps of Engineers for the appropriate permits.

InProgress-Rip rap reached 6’ into the water “below” the ordinary high-water line at 3:1 slope. We used approximately 2500 SF of clean fieldstone. To abide by BMP, a floating silt fence stayed in place during the work and silt logs were left in place on the upland side. Excavated materials were left on site to be used as fill for the new home.

InProgress-The setback from the lake is 75’ and so is that retaining wall. Local sand was brought in for leveling out low spots between the shoreline and the retaining wall to prevent flooding.

After-Home on the left; game house/garage on the far right; and outdoor kitchen in the middle, centrally located between the house and the game house/garage. Landscape designer designed the kitchen and worked with the new home builder to get it done.

InProgress-This fire pit is 6’ in diameter, lined with firebrick. The veneered stone on the fire pit is the same as the stone on the fireplaces and the front entry columns for continuity. The clients chose the irregular flagstone (Iron Mountain) for the patios.

After-The clients selected retaining wall stone from Oklahoma. The mantel and the hearth of the outside fireplace are the same stone as the retaining walls. The pavers are Belgard tumbled Charleston.

InProgress-Putting on the finishing touches and adding appliances. The kitchen has a masonry oven and a large island for the party buffets. At the opposite end from the oven is a large grill area.

After-The family compound – the resort of their dreams.

After-Front entry approach

After-View from the lake…resort-like night lighting as Mr. Client wanted. The lights are on dimmers and controlled through a phone or tablet. Plus, the lights are on isolated zones to control the amount of light in different areas.

After-Trees were planted to replace the ones that were either dying or cleared because of construction. The plant bed across the front between the front entry of the home and the game house/garage has a variety of trees. Uplighting makes the trees standout at night. It provides a nice screen now but, with time, will block the view of the kitchen from the driveway. Mrs. Client didn’t want to see any headlights from the kitchen. Also note: the hot tub was designed with one side open for potential future replacement or to access the pumps and motors.