The Lake House

Turn off Wixson Road and the lake is right there. The house sits at the waterline with tall trees on both sides, a boardwalk path to the front door, and the fire pit and Adirondack chairs already set up on the beach below. You haven't unloaded the car yet and it already feels like the right call.

Morning coffee while the lake catches the light. By afternoon the trees have shaded the deck and the heat stops being a problem. The dining table fits the whole group and most meals end up out here rather than inside.

Private beach, dock, and fire pit on Waneta Lake, yours for the duration of the stay. Swim off the dock, fish from the shore or the water, or bring a pontoon or similar and tie up for the stay. The fire pit tends to keep people outside well past when they planned to call it a night.

One floor up, the tree canopy comes in close and the view opens over the water. Quieter than the main deck. Good for morning reading, or for stepping away from the group without going far.

The living and dining areas share one open room across the main level. Leather sofa, velvet chairs, board games, and the lake visible through the windows from every seat. The dining table seats six. Nobody really leaves when someone is cooking — the whole space stays connected in a way that makes the group feel like one group.

Cafe range with hood vent, granite countertops and peninsula, open shelving, and a window over the sink that looks out to the lake. Fully stocked for a group that actually wants to cook. Coffee bar with a grinder and whole beans. The cabinet photos below show what's organized and where, so there are no surprises when you arrive.

Deep sectional, wall-mounted TV, and air hockey table in the lower level. Good for a rainy afternoon or the nights when no one wants to make a plan.

Finnish cedar sauna in the lower level, next to a dedicated yoga and wellness studio with mats, a meditation chair, shoji screens, and a sound system. Heat up in the sauna, cool down in the lake, repeat. In winter this is what the trip gets organized around.

The loft runs the length of the upper level with its own sitting area, a teal channeled sofa, gallery wall, and a reading chair in the corner. A good place to wind down at the end of the night or catch a quiet hour when the main floor is busy. There is also a mid-century walnut desk with a proper chair and natural light for anyone who needs to get something done.

Panoramic windows on three sides, a daybed, tree canopy and lake light through the glass. The quietest room in the house. Guests find it and tend to disappear there for a few hours.

The primary bedroom on the main level. King bed in a deep olive green room with two windows, wall sconces, and a vanity nook. Quiet and private, with bathroom access right next door.

Two twin beds in a moody slate blue room on the upper level. Iron bed frames, luggage rack, warm wall sconces. Note: this room uses a window AC unit seasonally. Works well for kids or two guests who want their own space.

Queen bed on the upper level. Warm, intimate, good light. A comfortable room to come back to at the end of the day.

Double vanity with marble countertop, warm lighting, and a deep soaking tub with shower.

Full bath on the upper level, shared by the two upstairs bedrooms.

A proper entry with a staircase to the upper level. Drop your bags, hang your coats, and get your bearings before the lake pulls everyone outside.