Built overlooking a lake on a hundred-year-old concrete pier in the Upper Midwest, architects Murphy & Co Design renovated this old boathouse into a charming summer retreat.
In the middle of the main living area are double-glass doors that open to the hillside garden pathway that winds its way up to the driveway.
The entire cabin is designed with a rustic-chic vibe. The hand-hewn log walls, leather furniture, and rough stone fireplace create a cozy but stylish living space.
The living room's main focal point is a dry-stack fireplace with an amazing log mantel that was cut to include its massive burl. The rough plank shelves in the kitchen add to the rustic charm that flows through the space.
The front of the cabin has a screened-in porch that overlooks the lake. It’s the perfect spot for daytime views or nighttime stargazing.
The outside of the cabin is covered with diamond and scalloped shingles, giving the exterior a more natural appeal. To enter the main doors, you have to cross a stone slab bridge that crosses over a practical and visually appealing drainage moat.
The hillside garden creates natural green space behind the cabin, and the small walkway lights illuminate the path for late-night walks.
Having a boat is a wonderful way to enjoy the lake, but is a boathouse entirely necessary? Get a boat cover, find a little extra space in the nearly storage shed, and transform your boathouse into a gorgeous guest cabin like this one.
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