Dear Friends,

I thought you'd like to know that the latest issue of Fine Homebuilding Magazine features an article I wrote with Raleigh architect Tina Govan about the house we collaborated on in Western North Carolina.  The article is called Redefining Retirement, and features the NC Lake House, which some may recall was up for Fine Homebuilding's Readers' Choice Award in early 2013.  We sent out a series of emails seeking your votes, and many of you came through to put us in 2nd place. 

Tina and I designed the house for a truly spectacular lakefront property, with panoramic views of the water and mountains beyond.  The homeowners wanted a place that would work well for just the two of them, but which could also expand to house their extended family when everyone gathered at the lake.  In essence, it needed to function as two houses in one. 

We conceived the house as a series of connected buildings with wide eaves and many outdoor spaces that offer the opportunity to move effortlessly from inside to out.  The house also exemplifies many of the principles I've written about in Home By Design, my fourth book.  You can read more about the house below in the links to the Readers' Choice emails from last year, which include many more interior photos, so that you can see further details.  (Reminder: voting is long since closed, so ignore the links to cast your vote.)

2013 Readers' Choice Newsflash

Part 2: Double Duty Dining

Part 3: A Breezeway for All Seasons



The NC Lake House Project Team:

Architects: 
Sarah Susanka, FAIA, Susanka Studios

Tina Govan, AIA, Tina Govan Architect

General Contractor: 
Ryan McLellan, Copperwood Builders

 

 

Click on the links to the 2013 Readers' Choice Newsflash, above, to see the full list of participants in the project.

 

You can also view more pictures of the NC Lake House on my Houzz.com page.

 

I have long believed that the way to improve the overall quality of house design in this country is to make more architecturally designed homes available via the house plans market.  Before we began designing this home, the homeowners graciously agreed to allow me to make the plans for their new house available so that others might also be able to create their own version of the home.  For anyone who has worked with an architect to create their own unique home, you will know what a gift that is.  So I am happy to announce that the plans are now available at Houseplans.com.  Click here for details.

If you enjoy the photos and past newsletters about this house, I hope you'll pick up a copy of Fine Homebuilding's October issue, (or subscribe to the magazine on line), to read the entire article.


Warmly,