In planning their retirement home on Big Cedar Lake, architect Wade
Weissmann’s clients presented him with three pieces of information:
a picture from a magazine, the word Nantucket and the DVD
"Something’s Gotta Give."
The couple liked the relaxed, sophisticated feel of the Hamptons
beach house featured in the 2003 Diane Keaton-Jack Nicholson movie.
"We wanted it terribly well done without showing off," says
the homeowner of the house. "We didn’t want it over the
top."
Weissmann of Wade Weissmann Architecture set to work creating a
special place that could transition from hosting family gatherings —
including the couple’s eight grandchildren — to feeling cozy when
the couple were there alone.
In the master suite Weissmann designed a peaceful sanctuary for the
owners that embraced the natural setting and lake views. "The
fireplaces and a beautiful painted wood ceiling are the most dramatic
elements of the architecture," Weissmann says of the space.
"We worked to make the house very warm and summery, but with our
changeable climate incorporated fireplaces for a cozy fire on cool
nights," he says.
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An outdoor
fireplace is located just on the other side of the bedroom
fireplace, part of an outdoor room off the master suite in this
home on Big Cedar Lake. A spa/hot tub area is accessible
directly from the master bathroom. The master suite also
features a wardrobe room with laundry and a secret door to the
library.
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The homeowner says the master bedroom is just the place to enjoy a
fire and listen to winter storms go by. "It has a sequestered,
tucked-in feeling," he says.
In designing the house, Weissmann says he had license from the
homeowners to "not leave an opportunity unexplored." That
translated into elegant, thoughtful and even playful design. A secret
door connects the master bedroom to the walnut-paneled library. A
laundry room, which was originally to be located in the mud room, was
incorporated into the wardrobe room and has proven to be very
convenient, the homeowner says.
He jokes that aside from having to walk to the kitchen to get his
coffee in the morning, the master suite offers every amenity. These
rooms, along with the rest of the home, exude the homey charm the
couple were seeking without being ostentatious. "It’s just
really neat how much it looks like it belongs on a lake," the
owner says.
