Composing A Masterpiece
IT’S A VISION OF PERFECT HARMONY. INDIVIDUAL NOTES — SHOU SUGI BAN SIDING, A MINIMALIST ELEVATION, FEATHERY BUNCH GRASSES, AND A SPLIT SERPENTINE DRIVEWAY AGAINST A SHEATH OF MANICURED EMERALD LAWN — COMBINE TO CREATE AN ELEGANT REFRAIN.
Like a crescendo, Canandaigua Lake’s presence along this shoreline home is modest at first, but when the front door opens, the lake’s sapphire beauty bursts into prominence.
Design Resources
Design Works Architecture
Parkway Windows Works
Rochester Colonial
Original Framework
During the COVID-19 shutdowns, the abode’s Manhattan homeowners stayed with their parents on Canandaigua Lake, solidifying their desire to have a Finger Lakes shoreline escape of their own. They found an ideal property for their vision, a haven for a serene and peaceful experience through the clean and modern spirit of Scandinavian design.
The property’s original house was a rustic post and beam with a massive stone fireplace suitable for a ski lodge, a far cry from the sophisticated place of the homeowners’ dreams. However, teaming up with architect, Chuck Smith of Design Works Architecture, and Devon Wegman, interior designer with Devon Grace Interiors, they were able to integrate the original structure into a unique and flawless expression of cosmopolitan style.
Initially, the homeowners envisioned converting the original home into the great room portion of the new build. While assessing the property, Chuck recognized the southern, unbuilt side had better access to light and views, especially if the home was tilted to the northwest view.
“I thought, ‘The primary living space should be here,’” Chuck recalls.
Chuck’s plan used the original structure as a wing for the primary bedroom suite. He then added a twin southern wing constructed with similar scale and volume. A connector between the two wings forms the entryway and sheltered outdoor courtyard. The interior is quite open, even in the original structure, which is now completely disguised. “The home doesn’t really have an architectural style, and it doesn’t stand out,” Chuck says. “It has a quiet appearance.”
The new build features a double-height great room layout with the kitchen, living and dining areas. A gorgeous library cantilevered over the living room and kitchen is a favorite space for homeowners and guests alike. The newer portion of the home also features a Tesla roof system.
Not Like The Others
Like true Manhattanites, the homeowners loved the chic contrast of black and white, but not in the modern farmhouse approach of white siding and black windows. They wanted a black exterior and white interior, despite it feeling a little bold for Canandaigua Lake. Still, they leaned into the schematic, and at times even worried that the contrast would feel sterile.
“Once it came to life with the landscape, lake, views, and sunlight pouring in, it feels really soft, warm, and welcoming,” Devon says.
Devon’s designer touch brought the polish. Textured furniture softens the white-on-white interior. Highlights include the Venetian plaster fireplace wall, which carries a natural glow during the sunset hours when the sun’s long-angle rays hit it. A sculpture bubble sofa curving around a stone coffee table establishes a cozy spot in the voluminous living room. Natural wood chairs with graceful lines bring organic warmth.
The dining space is a dream. Floor-to-ceiling white drapes frame the massive windows in elegance while 32 porcelain pendant lights cascade from the ceiling, filling the volume.
“Every pendant is direct wired into the ceiling,” Devon says. “It took two days of standing there with the electrician telling him when to stop for the right height!”
If the kitchen appears to disappear into the white, the illusion was intentional. Knife-edge pulls, flat-panel cabinets, and no hardware keep the appearance sleek and uncluttered. In the kitchen, all eyes go to the iceberg quartzite waterfall island. LED lights integrated into the crystalline stone transform it into a glowing, sculptural gem.
Outdoor Flow
Chuck integrated a porch on the lake side of the home on both sides while the courtyard is partially covered. Porch ceilings are white, carrying the black and white contrast to the outside. The landscaping, by Bayer Landscape Architecture, masterfully uses a series of cascading terraces down to the lake.
Ultimately, the house sets the stage for spectacular days and nights at the lake.
“In lake properties, visitors are going to the lake,” Chuck observes “This house lets you bypass everything else and get to why you’re there.