The Legacy Cabin Reimagined
For decades, a modest lakeside cabin was the backdrop to a growing family’s summers — a place loved first by the grandmother in her childhood and long cherished as the spot where her family and friends reunited year after year. Although it offered only a single bathroom and an outhouse, more than twenty people somehow found comfort within its walls for many summers. Eventually, the cabin could no longer support the growing family or the way they hoped to use the property in the years ahead, prompting a significant transformation.
The new house needed to serve two generations with different needs: the grandparents, who planned to return each summer from South Carolina for as long as possible, and their son and daughter-in-law, who envisioned moving back from South Africa and making the house their permanent home.
Zoning restrictions allowed a footprint of only 36 by 40 feet, shaping the project into a compact 2,500-square-foot house. Within those limits, both generations quickly agreed that the shared living spaces should embrace the lake, while bedrooms and quieter rooms would look toward the woods. They also agreed on creating the largest lakeside deck the ordinance would allow and that the main staircase become a prominent feature of the living spaces, visually and socially linking the two generations on separate floors. The younger couple also introduced the idea of a scullery, allowing the open kitchen to remain the heart of family gatherings while dishes could be quietly cleared and washed out of sight.
The exterior proved more difficult to resolve. The grandparents were drawn to the familiar character of the original cabin, while the younger couple admired the restrained geometry, expansive glazing, and outdoor living spaces of contemporary homes they had come to appreciate in Cape Town. Early attempts to merge the two expressions felt forced, until the design shifted away from stylistic compromise and instead focused on what united everyone: their shared affection for the lake and the surrounding landscape. The resulting rear façade, composed of bold cedar-clad coffers framing generous views of the water, established a contemporary architectural language while remaining warm, welcoming, and deeply rooted in its setting.
That connection to nature continued in the custom railings commissioned for the house. Outside, a tapestry of mountain laurel leaves celebrates the surrounding woodland. Inside, the railings evoke the ecology of the lake itself, weaving together lily pads, dragonflies, butterflies, frogs, fish, and salamanders into a quiet celebration of the place that had brought the family together for generations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
A few things clients often ask when we first meet…
What’s it like to work with an architect for the first time?
We begin by listening. Our goal is to understand how you live, what you value, what you hope to build, and what your construction budget is—before we ever pick up a pencil. If there’s a good fit between us, the design process can be deeply engaging—even enjoyable—as we work through challenges together, including moments when you and your partner may have differing expectations.
Can you design within our budget?
Yes—and we treat that as a core responsibility. Budget conversations begin early and continue throughout the process. We work with you to balance aspiration and practicality, helping ensure that your vision aligns with financial realities.
Can you work with our builder? Or can you recommend a builder?
Absolutely. We’re happy to collaborate with any qualified builder you’ve chosen. If you’re still looking, we can recommend trusted local builders and help you compare options to find a good match for your project.
Do you design modern or traditional homes?
We don’t start with style—we start with you. Whether your leanings are modern, traditional, or somewhere in between, we help you articulate what resonates and then shape a design that reflects both your aesthetic and your spatial needs.
Do you handle zoning challenges?
Yes. Some projects require zoning approvals—especially if you’re working with a tight site, a non-conforming structure, or seeking a Special Exception. We’re experienced in helping clients prepare and present to local Zoning Boards of Adjustment (ZBAs) and navigating that process with clarity and care.
Let’s Have a Conversation
Every home begins with a conversation. Whether you’re gathering ideas or ready to move forward, we welcome the opportunity to listen and help you create a home that truly fits your life.
Paul B. Clark, Architect, is an architect who serves clients throughout New Hampshire, including Dublin, Harrisville, Keene, Jaffrey, Milford, Concord, Peterborough, New Castle, Hancock, Manchester, Hampton, Hampton Falls, Bedford, Merrimack, Nashua, Amherst, and Hudson, as well as all of Cheshire County.