Transitional Boathouse Renovation, Chenequa (Pine Lake), WI
Architecture, Interior Design & Furnishings
From swim wear to formal wear, this Boathouse renovation offers modern conveniences that are relaxed and welcoming to support luxury lake living. As an essential element to this legacy estate, the nostalgia of Wisconsin’s lake country was prioritized to reimagine the Boathouse to look as if it had always been there, but with its own personality.
The existing 2-story structure previously served as the main residence; it had been added on to over the years in, which emitted a dated vibe. The existing wet Boathouse from the early 1900s was restored in the new design, as this desirable drive-in feature is no longer permitted with new construction. The building was reconstructed into a functional complement to the new main Craftsman House.
Design Theme
The transitional style is elevated yet has a softened edge that is stylishly timeless. A multi-generational approach was embraced for the lifestyle needs of the client, to create a comfortability to enjoy family time with the functionality for hosting corporate events.
A sophisticated design scheme of mahogany and chrome spotlights the abundance of amenities for the ultimate lake living lifestyle. A color palette of blues and lighter woods provide a variation in warmth and texture. The theming holds nautical undertones in the wood beams, oar shaped balusters, high-gloss white millwork, gunmetal window sashes, tension cable, zinc countertops, and polished chrome to produce a refreshed swanky vibe. Materials and finishes were selected with durable elegance in mind that stand up to lake-splashed children and pets, or smartly dressed business colleagues and guests.
Personalized Floor Plan
With an easy connection from the main house Pavilion, across the grilling terrace, the dedicated Boathouse entry unveils the first lake views. The Lake Beverage, Lounge, and Lake Room all share equally spectacular sights of the water from the large format windows and doors that run the length of the building. LED lighting throughout is color changing and tunable to achieve the desired atmosphere.
The Lake Beverage area includes a cozy corner for gaming and socializing. A full-service hospitality bar, complete with beer tap, has the functionality for easy entertaining and dining. The open connection of the floorplan creates an easy flow. The Lounge offers a swanky duet before the gas fireplace that is layered with a black granite surround. The Lake Room provides additional seating options, and a pop-up TV is concealed inside a custom console. The Lake Deck is cantilevered, an essential design element that reaches out over the water. Views are maximized as multi-slide doors open and extend the room outside. Centrally located, a nautical Powder Room is concealed in the accent wall’s horizontal wood panel. The wood panel continues within, and the circular mirror and lantern sconces relate to a ship’s porthole.
The lower level includes a full Bath and changing area to refresh after a day on the water. Shelving for towels and built in Laundry are conveniently accessed in the hallway. The Lake Storage Garage includes full size appliances for refreshments, a stainless steel fishing prep and sink area, and a roll-up garage door for convenient access to water sport equipment. The drive-in Boat Slip allows boats to drive right in and the underwater boat lift raises the boat out of the water to the deck level when not in use.
Conservation is addressed through strategies and materials that provide a 100-year solution. A focus was on high efficiency products and quality materials that resist decay, including zinc gutters, recycled fly ash exterior trim, locally sourced stone, and renewable woods. Preserving the site’s many mature trees required planning and care.
The casual yacht theming is classy with all elements meant to evoke relaxing cruises on the water – the epitome of lake life.
“The collective nature of their work, and all the styles we saw, gave us confirmation that they would not build something cookie cutter.”
