Custom Lakeside Home

The design of this custom lakeside home was inspired by the dreams and visions of the owners to optimize the spectacular views of the lake and to integrate interior and exterior living spaces. Working in collaboration with local architect, Arnold J. Aho, AIA, the design has a stepped plan which offers views both up the lake as well as across from each living space. Wrap-around decks and balconies open directly from these spaces on all three levels. The form of the roof, while reflecting the intriguing shape of the building, actually has only one ridge and no valleys, which better accommodates the shedding of winter snows. The design features two entrances, one towards the access road, and the other lakefront entrance through the screened-in lower sun room. Groton Timberworks became involved with this project after the clients learned of us through many of the other customers we had worked with on the lake.

As with many of our custom homes, the process began with design, working closely with the clients to design the frame that they envisioned to enhance their unique floor plan. Raising day came in mid december, and through a snow storm which covered the area with over a foot of snow, the crew completed the raising. Groton Timberworks then worked closely with the clients through completion of the home.

The custom designed highlights of this home feature white oak exterior handrails, a custom ship’s ladder as access to a unique loft at the peak of the home, brazilian cherry stair case and interior handrails made of old growth yellow birch. These yellow birch handrails were purchased after being retreived from the bottom of of a local pond, where they sunk during an old time log drive. Another impressive feature is the secret joint added to a post located in the dining room. With a unique arrow shape on all four sides of the post, it is a mystery how the joint is assembled. Groton Timberworks greatly enjoys the challenges involved to create such fun and unique timber joints. This custom lakeside home was a great enjoyment for everyone at Groton Timberworks, one which will be a great landmark on the lake for generations to come.