Set on a dramatically sloped site along the Winnisquam lake, this new-build project replaces an existing home that once required a steep staircase descent just to reach the front door. To improve both accessibility and functionality, the home was pulled farther back up the hill, creating a more seamless connection from the driveway and unlocking usable yard space between the house and waterfront (a shift from the once-common approach of building right up to the water’s edge).

Designed with a classic lake cabin aesthetic in mind, the home balances cozy scale with bright openness. Tailored primarily for two people and occasional visits from their grown children, the floor plan emphasizes first-floor living without sacrificing natural light or panoramic lake views. A walkout basement provides additional storage and functional space, while maximizing the hillside footprint.

The architecture fuses transitional and contemporary styles, featuring a dramatic double-height living room with timber-style beams and custom paneling. Expansive bifold doors open the living space directly onto a tiered patio with multiple gathering spaces, from casual lounge areas to alfresco dining, to create a seamless indoor/outdoor transition.

A built-in Gunite hot tub sits just outside the primary suite, and a revitalized beach beneath the lower deck increases lakeside enjoyment and storage for water activity equipment.

Thoughtful details continue inside, including a four-season porch with a custom bifold window and a unique trapezoidal bay that allows for cross-ventilation and lake breezes (and a prime spot for our client’s dog to relax). A bridge on the second floor of the home connects guest bedrooms while framing picturesque lake views, and a custom film decal of the lake adds a personal touch in the basement’s home gym. Additional amenities include a private office, TV room, and an infrared sauna.