When a tornado damaged this family’s home, they decided to demolish the remains of the structure and work with us to create a new custom build. While losing a home can be heartbreaking, we were excited to work with this client to build anew and highlight the beautiful lakefront views.
We started by cleaning up the foundation site and were able to reuse the existing well and septic tank after appropriate testing to ensure the tornado didn’t affect the utilities.
Our skilled team created a vaulted wood ceiling in the combined kitchen and great room to allow for tall windows highlighting the gorgeous lake outside. We worked with the client to design unique angled paneling on either side of the mantle to draw attention to this beautiful feature.
The light kitchen walls and dark cabinetry, combined with the open concept, make for a spacious feel. Additional windows and a glass door onto the deck bring in plenty of light. The clients went with a large island countertop for preparing food and entertaining guests! The homeowners are now loving spending the chillier months in front of the fireplace with the stunning feature mantlepiece and lakefront views. What better way to honor your Wisconsin home?
The clients wanted an attached garage to protect their vehicle and outdoor gear, plus provide a warm space to unload groceries in the colder months. We worked with the clients to decide on a zero entry into the house, meaning there is no step up or down from the garage to the home. Many homeowners choose this option with aging in mind, minimizing potential difficulties with mobility and making it possible for the client to live at home for many years to come.
The location of this home is rare because of its proximity to the lake. New homes cannot be built this close to a waterway, but since we were building on an existing foundation, the new house could be grandfathered in with the DNR.
The large walk-out basement is the perfect place for entertaining and running in and out from the lake. Plus, smart storage throughout the home — including a large pantry — ensures swimsuits, towels, and everything else has a shelf or place to hang.
At the completion of this project, our homeowners were overjoyed that we were able to not only bring back to life their lakefront retreat that was damaged by a tornado, but was strategies with our plans to ensure this property would be loved and accessible for years to come. While adding many updates, such as zero-step entry, additional storage, and a beautiful walk-out entraining space this property had proved that when a storm knocks you down, you can come back better than ever!
