Welcome to the behind the scenes of this full lakehouse remodel.  We can’t wait to share all of the details with you! .

 

A Vision for a Full Lakehouse Remodel

I remember the first time we spoke to our client. We had scheduled a discovery call through our website, which usually lasts about 15 minutes. Let me stop here.  We never know who is actually going to be on the other end of those calls.  We also don’tknow what to expect when we pull into the physical property for the initial consult. However,  I knew this client was going to be something else.

We hit it off right away. Mrs. has this big laugh that is contagious and makes you feel happy. When she spoke of her grandchildren and family, you could hear her light up. She has an enviable way of turning a phrase that only genuine southerners can do. Fifteen minutes became an hour, and we couldn’t wait to get started!

When she described the project, I was uncertain of the actual scope for a few reasons. First off, she never really belied how large her home was or the depth of work to be completed. Mrs was more focused on knowing me, about my own kids and my own family details. Don’t get me wrong, this is a lady that is sharp as a razor and successful professionally. She just didn’t lead with that—people mattered first. Secondarily, everyone’s home is the most important place to them. It’s like hearing your own name. I hung up with a date on a calendar and knowledge of her family, including 7 (now 8!) grand babies. But,  she never let on how grand the history of this house was or the journey that was in front of us.

The Historical Significance of this Full Lakehouse Remodel

This home was constructed for a legendary figure in Charlotte, a prominent individual within the racing community.  Its significance is further highlighted by its appearance in 2011 with Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz during the Nascar episode of the popular TV show “American Pickers” on the History Channel,  Showcasing some of the home’s legendary stories, the episode showed great perspective.  The original owner took great care to use materials representing the gorgeous surroundings.  Instead of destroying the natural environment the home sits in, he highlighted it.  The home contains materials sourced from across the Southeast and country: heart of pine flooring from Greenville, South Carolina; a large TV cabinet made of cypress from the Carolina coast; beams made of Douglas firs from the Pacific Northwest; fireplace stone quarried in Morganton; and bookshelves made of birdseye maple from Greensboro.

The property  has two garages—one to work on cars and one to keep them.  Both played host to many racing legends during the nearly 20 years the original owner lived on the property. We understood that any additions or modifications made to this home’s existing stories had to be executed with the utmost care and purpose not only because of the history of the home but for the stories that would be made in the future by our clients.

The Beginning of a Full Lakehouse Remodel

We started this project when the world was on its head, which allowed us a fair amount of time to plan but a slow start for the actual changes to begin. It took three years for it to be completed and there were days where we felt big—days where we felt it would never be completed. And then there were days that we felt incredibly victorious and lost our professionalism by squealing like 12-year-olds when we walked in and saw an element come together.

Let us give you a tour as we show you the before and afters. Here are some highlights and a bit of our inside point of view from the project.

An Idyllic Location

First of all, the location is spellbinding. When you pull up the drive, everything falls behind. The land is reminiscent of a true getaway—no traffic sounds, no horns or sirens, and very seldom do you hear even a jet ski on the water. The home is on a peninsula reaching out into the waters of North Carolina’s many lakes, adding to its charm and exclusivity. Surrounded by wooded acres, it provides a serene and private retreat for the homeowners. The legacy of the home is preserved through the integration of the homeowners’ personal style and the incorporation of meaningful details. The lake it sits on, nestled privately among woods that still dominate the lands, is a clean lake and well preserved as most is a nature preserve and undeveloped.

 

 

An Enchanting Entrance

As you walk up to the front door, you know the house inside will be as charming and warm as the entryway itself, as if something out of a fairytale. An arched door, made of solid wood and panes of leaded glass, eludes to what is behind without giving the secrets away. Set into an arch of stonework, one can imagine entering a cottage from a walk in the English countryside.

Stepping into a stone portico, you are able to escape the chill of winter or scorch of a summer sun and cross through a larger doorway, also a solid door of mahogany, to step into a welcoming foyer. I am not sure that our clients ever met a stranger and will be there to take your coat and guide you inside for a drink and a chat.

 

 Dining Room Elegance meets Lakehouse Style

Next up would be the dining room. This dining room is a special space for Sutton Place as we were able to keep some of the cottage charm while bringing more functionality in to give our clients a space to entertain with ease, even if it was just takeout or ice cream sundaes with their grandbabies. The room showcases a custom dining table from our own furniture line, HomeMade by Sutton Place. Mr. and Mrs. light up when they speak of their family, and the additions to the space were created with that in mind.

The ceilings are not incredibly high in here, so removing the heavy beams and adding strategically selected light fixtures minimized the blocking of any views and gave the room a sense of grandeur without the ostentatiousness that can come in formal dining rooms. Keeping the original stone columns was a must, though. Not only because they were needed structurally but also as a nod to the history of the home and to tie into the cottage style also shown off on the massive stone fireplace in the next room.

 

Thoughtful Design in a Full Lakehouse Remodel

We knew the furniture needed to be quiet luxury but versatile enough to handle everything from pizza night to Thanksgiving dinner. We had a custom design that Kimberly envisioned brought to reality right down to the details. The table is a remarkable 8 feet across and made from a single solid piece of wood. It features a removable lazy Susan, allowing everyone to reach condiments or toppings during meals without any hassle. We added storage, both under the arched view into the kitchen with a narrow cabinet space and then another piece from our HomeMade by Sutton Place furniture line, customized to hold all the entertaining needs—china to chinette.

A few timelessly placed sconces and mirrors to reflect the stunning views brought one of our favorite vignettes in the home. Notice the details on top of the sideboard, inlaid chevron pattern to tie into the dining table. Our large dining room table and the shape of the space required a custom-made rug, created exclusively for the project for Sutton Place. Now, the dining room is a place where the family can gather, share meals, and create lasting memories.

 

 

Homage to the original design

The living room is the highest paid tribute to the original home. Keeping the original beams handmade of Douglas firs from the Pacific Northwest and a fireplace faced with stone quarried in Morganton, we wanted to bring Mr. into this space a bit more. As a man who enjoys the outdoors and who prefers the  bolder selections that the high ceilings and large space would allow, we knew we had to listen to our client and design with his input and style in mind.

The beams were staying, so we had to embrace them. Instead of painting them white and heading toward the coastal lake feel we originally proposed, it ended up in the opposite direction with shiplap in natural tones being inset between the beams. We went back and forth on this element, but at the end of the day, the client was right. First off, our main goal is for every client to love their home. Secondarily, I will concede that the look is completely spot on to the space and reflects the home’s original personality perfectly.

A Fun Collaboration during the remodeling process.

It was a lot of fun sparring with Mr. on this ceiling though. It is not every project that comes with a client that can take a little ribbing.  Since Mr. gave as good as he got, it made the ceiling one that has a new story to add to the rest. And, happily, Mr. is able to tell it as the victor. We did keep the windows all around the space and only added simple window treatments to draw attention to the windows versus covering up the view and light.

With custom furniture from our HomeMade by Sutton Place line, and every detail selected for this space by our design team, the large scaled space feels cozy and inviting to curl up and watch a movie or enjoy a cold night entertaining friends and family.

Kitchen Transformation was High Priority for this Full Lakehouse Remodel

The kitchen is a true centerpiece of the home. Surprisingly, this was the most underwhelming space in the home when we first walked the property. The juxtaposition of the large stone-surrounded range and oven were the only anchored pieces in the space, giving pause when the home was clearly intended to be a family retreat. The layout was also overly complicated, and better function meant more time for baking or Sunday breakfast with the grandkids. We spent the majority of our design process on this space, and the changes made a huge difference. It was carefully designed to be both functional and visually stunning.

With a bathroom and pantry now added in place of the awkward laundry space, bigger windows, and storage as far as the eye can see, Mr. and Mrs. are now ready to host the parties and have space for any and every occasion. The large kitchen island provides plenty of workspace for cooking and entertaining. It also serves as a gathering place for family and friends. The island features a built-in sink and seating, making it a versatile space for meal preparation, casual dining, and socializing.

 

Enhanced Functionality

Storage was a key consideration for the kitchen as was enough space to spread out and bake or entertain. We added some windows, removed some walls, and relocated the workhorses of any kitchen by reimagining the layout. The oversized range area was removed, resulting in a wide open space with a lot of room to move and work. Now there is seating for everyone, and a modern feel with a slightly cottage flair. Details include  vintage texture on the backsplash, lighting for every task in the home, and dualing oversized sinks. All rest under a one-of-a-kind ceiling. Not to mention the biggest kitchen island we have ever placed inside a home. Everything is organized and easily accessible. With components such as soft close cabinets, deep drawers, and specialty cabinets built for specific tasks such as spice organization or a wrapping area in the pantry, no detail was left untouched.

 

 

A Must Have Laundry Room Upgrade

The laundry room, now located in a more convenient area, offers additional storage options for cleaning supplies and household items. Relocating the laundry room from the kitchen to a dedicated space significantly enhanced both functionality and aesthetic appeal. For this project, we moved a kitchen laundry room that was somewhat of an awkward layout into a space that was a bathroom. It is now a spacious, upscale laundry room with a rustic charm and a great view.

The new laundry room features custom wood cabinetry and slate tiled floors that evoke a sense of timeless rustic elegance. For practicality, we selected a deep sink, ample counter space for folding, and built-in drying racks to keep everything organized. Additionally, the room now offers  state-of-the-art appliances and plenty of storage, including open shelves for easy access to everyday essentials. This upgrade not only improved the kitchen’s flow but also created a beautiful, functional space tailored to the needs of modern living.

 

Master Suite Elegance

Our master suite design for this lakehouse is a perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and personalized style. By adding more square footage and installing additional windows, a space was created that was bright and airy. A master suite filled with natural light. The new fireplace serves as a cozy focal point, while the custom coffered ceiling adds an element of architectural elegance. To harmonize the differing tastes of the homeowners, we selected furnishings that seamlessly tie their styles together.

This included custom bedding and plush swivel chairs that offer both functionality and sophistication. The room is a mix of blues to pay tribute to the natural world surrounding the estate. A stunning chrome chandelier provides a modern contrast to the original pine plank flooring, preserving the room’s rustic charm. This master suite now epitomizes a harmonious balance of upscale design and personal comfort as well as both clients’ styles to create a retreat that both can enjoy.

A luxurious bathroom upgrade.

The master suite is a true sanctuary within the home. The opulent bathroom was crafted with relaxation in mind. Expansive windows offer a panoramic 270-degree view, letting homeowners soak in the picturesque landscape while enjoying a soothing bath or getting ready for the day. The bathroom also features a spacious shower, double vanities, and plenty of storage to keep things clutter-free. The star of the show is the soaker tub, which offers stunning views from every angle. An unexpected yet beautiful chandelier hangs from a ceiling detailed in pine planks. This extra square footage was added to take full advantage of the views. The mix of materials blends modern luxury with rustic charm, creating the perfect space for our clients to start their busy days or unwind in style.

 

When remodeling a lakehouse, an outdoor haven is essential.

Where there was once an unused space,  now sits have an outdoor haven ready for any occassion. This outdoor room seamlessly connects the indoors with the natural beauty of its surroundings. The previously uncovered area has been transformed into an enclosed outdoor living room. We meticulously planned it to provide a comfortable and inviting atmosphere for gatherings. The climate-controlled area features cozy seating areas and a fireplace with a spot for firewood. A custom ceiling that ties the interior style to the outdoors, all with stunning lake views. A custom-made walnut console table, carved with an integrated blue light from our HomeMade by Sutton Place, adds evening ambiance and is perfect for setting up snacks on movie nights or mimicking moonlight on the lake.

Pool and Patio Perfection

Homeowners can now enjoy the fresh air and beautiful scenery while staying protected from the elements.  They can watch family splash in the pool while staying cool in the custom-built space. The pool was added for days when the family prefers not to swim in the lake.  It features a shelf for chairs to sit in shallow water . There is also an integrated hot tub to enjoy on cool days or evenings under the stars. Adding an outdoor dining space completed the outdoor area.  We added a custom walnut table that was built from our furniture maker just for this client.  Outside of the kitchen doors, we added additional functionality while providing the perfect spot to have a private patio dining spot with a table as unique as the home.

A full lakehouse remodel calls for added versatility.

The overall design of the home strikes a balance between comfort and functionality. It is intentionally designed to accommodate large gatherings and intimate moments. The layout allows for flexibility and creates a welcoming environment for family and friends. Whether it’s hosting a grand celebration or enjoying a quiet evening with loved ones, the home offers spaces that cater to both occasions. The attention to detail in the home is evident throughout.

Personalized touches make the home truly one-of-a-kind and reflect the homeowners’ personality and values. I know we can always eliminate something that doesn’t feel “magazine chic.”  However, that would mean we eliminated a piece of who these clients are.  That is not how we see a home at Sutton Place Design and Build. We design to our clients and the special touches are what bridge the gap from house to home.

Our Pride in a Full Lakehouse Remodel

We  enjoyed every step in this process. Working through the challenge of keeping the charm while bringing the new homeowners’ personality and lifestyle in was satisfying. Each room tells a unique story, and we are grateful to have played a small role in bringing those stories to life.

The end of this journey, the next chapter for their story.

This full lakehouse remodel was a labor of love, transforming an already beautiful home into a luxurious retreat.  It perfectly blends modern amenities with rustic charm. From the cozy outdoor living room to the elegant master suite, every detail was carefully considered.  Our top priority was to ensure that our clients have a space that is both functional and breathtakingly beautiful. With a full team making this team a reality, years of memory making and a new chapter in the legacy of this home begins.

Visit us HERE to see before and after and more! 

 

We are so pleased to share this one, thanks for reading!

 

Creatively yours,

 

Kimberly and Andrea