Lakefront living truly makes building a home in the middle of nature worthwhile. Imagine looking outside your bedroom window in the morning and seeing a cloud of mist dissipating over the nearby lake. Or glancing towards the landscape to see tall pines framing stunning lake views. Admiring the sunset over the water as the sun turns the sky orange, giving a rosy hue to distant mountain peaks. Within the protective walls of a dwelling, nature makes its way into living spaces, connecting the modern lifestyle with the fundamental element of water.

Built on the waterfront or overlooking an expanse of water from a higher vantage point, these houses celebrate nature in different ways. Lakefront living transforms the traditional shelter concept into a home anchored in its natural setting. Some designs have the benefit of a private plot of land. As a result, they can openly embrace the landscape through open living spaces and floor-to-ceiling windows. Outdoor areas also become a part of the interior via sliding doors. Other structures curate the views through strategically placed openings that bring nature inside along with natural light.

Architects and designers use various languages to translate the idea of lakefront living into a functional as well as distinctive houses. Ultra-modern and sleek or charming and rustic. Brutalist or inspired by asymmetric organic shapes. Wood, stone, steel, concrete, and glass brought together in various combinations to create comfortable homes. Regardless of their aesthetic, these structures all have something in common: the lakeside location that defines them. Their surroundings gives them the context that strongly influences their design and their character.