Just steps from the water, a southern Adirondack home welcomes three generations aboard.

 After more than 30 years of family gatherings, in 2016, construction of a distinguished 5,600 sq. ft. New England-style home was completed, replacing two main houses and a guest cottage on a lakeside parcel little more than an acre in size.

To protect the water quality of the lake, award-winning Saratoga architect Michael Tuck, partner at Balzer and Tuck Architecture, situated the new home further away from the shoreline but retained the ground-floor master suite’s original location by rotating the structure’s orientation, allowing the homeowners to remain seeped in the sentimentality that makes this spot so special to them.

From the water’s edge, a bluestone walkway leads to the grandeur of the home’s walls of Marvin Windows. The house, anchored by the lakeside terrace, was built with roof soffits that flare out four feet to provide shelter to those below.

Comfortable sophistication exudes from the connected copper-peaked veranda which features a barbeque grill, and a wonderful outdoor fireplace finished in irregular-shaped granite harvested from nearby Whitehall, NY. 

In a nod to the nautical, details like the sailboat weathervane, iron ship’s bell, and the light grey hue of the exterior cedar siding, keeps this large house feeling approachable, bright, and beachy.

All Hands On Deck

In the laid-back family room, Elizabeth Tanny, award-winning Principal Designer at E Tanny Design, LLC, creates a neutral background with White Dove by Benjamin Moore trim paint in a glossy sheen that reflects the plentiful natural light pouring in from the windows across the hearth and trim - letting the barrel vault ceiling take flight.

To soften the space so it doesn’t feel too stark, the walls have been painted in Benjamin Moore’s timeless Revere Pewter. Layering in watery blue hues, from the curved sectional sofa to the deep blue patterned rug and adding pops of yellow energize this space. 

Lending an air of rustic elegance to this high-traffic home, knotty, stained, wide plank white oak flooring provides plenty of character, while the second-floor balcony above the main entrance offers a crow’s nest view of the lake and distant mountains beyond.

Shiver Me Timbers

Reclaimed wood shows off its dual nature in the dining room, where the aged ceiling and doorframe beams contrast the custom dining table and bar top’s mahogany finish. Layering in texture with a jovial rope chandelier, leather stools, and brushed nickel finishes creates depth and interest in the bar area, where a mirrored backdrop reflects the water.

Carrying the wall color through the dining room and into the kitchen, well thought-out features including inset cabinetry, open shelving, and comfy swivel stools in performance fabrics retain their beauty while resisting wear and tear.

Recessed ambient perimeter lighting and ribbed glass pendants accentuate the kitchen’s natural light, while white beadboard paneling adds a clean, crisp, cohesiveness to the space. The Costa Esmeralda granite countertops bring in a stunningly subtle hint of green and a warm ambiance.

Anchors Away

Inspired by the maritime vibes of Elizabeth’s Nantucket summers, the dormitory-style bunkroom at the top of the stair tower is bursting with bold, saturated color. The fun addition of rope pulls on the back of the Serena and Lily sack chairs make them extremely versatile.

Mimicking the porthole windows, a circular rope mirror, porthole lights, and a cutout between the bunks give little voyagers’ dreams a chance to set sail.

At the top of the two-story stair tower, a lantern acts like a lighthouse beacon, illuminating the way home after a day out on the lake.

On an Even Keel

In the guest bedroom, everything is above board with walls painted a soothing Britney Blue by Benjamin Moore. The window seat, neatly tucked off to the side and upholstered in a fun nautical print, provides plenty of storage for bedding below deck.

White dressers and built-in shelving flank the French doors, which open for favorable winds and leisurely lounging on the balcony while enjoying the views of the yard and lake. Eco-conscious landscaping, including permeable pavers and rain gardens, designed by Environmental Design Partnership in Clifton Park, look beautiful while also controlling stormwater runoff.

Punching up the maritime theme in the powder room, floor-to-ceiling shiplap sets the stage for a steel grey leathered granite countertop and bowl sink atop a custom-built wooden stand. Vintage hot and cold porcelain knobs, dock cleat drawer pulls, and sea-faring light fixtures highlight a rope towel holder and mirror, making this room an ode to the wayfaring life, with authenticity.