New Home Build Gull Lake
The homeowners originally owned a lake home on Gull Lake and later purchased the neighboring property when it became available. Rather than maintaining two separate cottages on adjacent lots, they saw the opportunity to create a single thoughtfully designed home that would better utilize the property while enhancing the overall lakefront setting.
Working with the architect, the new home was carefully positioned across the combined lots to create a more open and balanced feel along the shoreline.
Instead of maximizing building size, the design focused on proportion, scale, and breathing room, allowing the home to feel substantial and welcoming without overwhelming the site or neighboring properties.
An important advantage during construction was that the homeowners already owned auxiliary living space and garages on the property, allowing them to remain nearby and closely connected to the project while the new home was being built.
The finished home was designed around comfortable lake living and entertaining. A main-floor primary suite provides easy access to the expansive lakeside deck that stretches the full length of the home, strengthening the connection between the interior spaces and the waterfront.
Inside, the living room is anchored by a dramatic two-story ceiling and prominent fireplace, creating a warm and inviting central gathering space. The kitchen design also reflects the homeowners’ active lake lifestyle, incorporating a secondary preparation kitchen with a dedicated side entrance that allows fish cleaning and outdoor cooking activities to remain separate from the main living and entertaining areas. A grilling space directly adjacent to this sub-kitchen further supports easy indoor-outdoor use.
The project transformed two neighboring lake properties into a single cohesive home designed specifically for the homeowners’ lifestyle and the character of the site. By prioritizing thoughtful placement, balanced scale, and functional planning over sheer size, the home feels connected to both the lake and the surrounding neighborhood.
Carefully integrated indoor and outdoor living spaces, specialized utility areas, and strong architectural features combine to create a lake home that is both highly functional and timeless in character.
Sera is outstanding. She takes pride in her work and helped us improve on our architects’ outlines. Jody is also great and keeps things on track. I feel like we have the most beautiful house on Gull Lake, which has been our dream for 30 years. It’s upscale but warm and cozy, just like I asked for. It was done in a year, which was also important to us. Pretty amazing considering the building climate. Thanks to all of you at Hawks Hollow. You rock!