LAKESIDE LIVING
When Jeff and Laurie Twombly purchased their neighbor’s waterfront property on Canandaigua Lake, their intent was to simply renovate the existing cottage to suit their needs. When they learned that converting the summer cottage into a year-round home wasn’t practical, the challenge became building a new home that had the same appeal. James Fahy Design accepted that challenge, and contracted Danrich Homes to see it through.
Making a Good First Impression
The old cottage is gone (for the most part) and in its place is a classic New England Shingle Style home. Hallmark features include the ledge stone foundation and coastal gray shingle siding façade; the exaggerated, stark white trim around the double-hung windows with top muntins; and the irregular roofline interrupted by a mix of gabled and eyebrow dormers.
The small covered porch in front and the larger covered porch in back, facing the lake, are indicative to Shingle Style, and one reason why this architectural style is so popular in the Finger Lakes Region. A stone fireplace on the back porch allows the homeowners to enjoy their outdoor space and the view practically year-round.
Building to Suit a Lifestyle
The homeowners wanted their main living space to be on the first floor, saving the upstairs for their two grown sons and guests. “The original idea was to downsize,” Mr. Twombly said, “but by the time we got done, it was marginally smaller than our other house. … I think what we did more was segment it so we could live in a smaller part of it most of the time.” The finished home is 3,350 square feet.
Taking a Step Inside
Across the front threshold, a foyer opens to a 16 by 22-foot great room. On the far wall, a set of four-panel glass doors provides a clear view of Canandaigua Lake. To the left is the kitchen, demarcated by shaker style cherry cabinetry and a large island painted smoky gray and topped with polished granite. The adjacent dining area juts out to create a smooth transition onto the back porch.
The first-floor master suite is off the right side of the great room. There is also a den, a second full bathroom, and a laundry room on the first floor.
The open floor plan provides an informal space that accommodates large gatherings and yet still feels intimate. Hardwood birch floors tie the rooms together.
The second floor features three bedrooms and two full baths. A veranda off the back of the home is accessible through a full-panel glass door at the end of the hallway.
Making a Smooth Transition
Although this home is new construction, the architect and builder were able to incorporate elements of the former cottage, adding to its charm. The original one-bay garage was spared and is cleverly connected to the new two-bay attached garage through a breezeway. Part of the Mission oak banister leading up to the second story is also from the old cottage. Danrich Homes replicated the design to create a seamless transition from old to new.
Creating a New Outlook on Life
After years of living on top of a hill, the Twomblys couldn’t be happier with their lake-level home. “Being right on the lake has changed the way we live here,” Mr. Twombly said. “When we come home, it’s more like being on vacation than just a place to live.”