Lakeside Meredith Escape

Location:   Meredith, NH
Year Completed:   2024
Subcontractors: A.Lee Interiors; Jessica Jones Cleaning; EnergySavers, Inc.; Winnipesaukee Roofing & Siding; Pemi Glass and Mirror; John Groesser’s Plastering; McGann Painting and Pressure Washing; Normand Electric; CL Plumbing and Heating; Freer and Sons HVAC; Finer Tile and Masonry.
Photography: Wolfreel and Flylisted

Lighthouse Contracting Group transformed the Lakeside Meredith Escape, a 2-bedroom, 3-bathroom, 1,560 square-foot Saltbox home on Lake Waukewan, into a bright and airy retreat. Purchased by the clients in March 2021 as a secondary residence, the home underwent a complete renovation to align with the homeowners’ desire for a welcoming, functional space perfect for family gatherings.

The project replaced dark pine interiors with lighter finishes, maximizing natural light and creating an open, modern atmosphere. The renovation began in September 2023 and reached substantial completion by March 2024. This home was featured in the 2024 Lakes Region Parade of Homes, showcasing the stunning transformation and craftsmanship.

Design Vision and Style

The homeowners envisioned a mix of minimal, rustic, and modern styles, with heavy inspiration from Scandinavian Modern Design. Their goal was to create a light, bright, warm, and inviting gathering space that was also kid- and pet-friendly. This design vision came to life through thoughtful updates and custom touches, turning the home into a perfect lakeside retreat.

Lakeside Meredith Escape Scope of Work

The comprehensive renovation focused on modernizing both the interior and exterior of the home:

• Interior Renovation: The first and second floors were completely gutted, removing all existing finishes and structures. New framing, insulation, drywall, trim, and doors were installed to modernize the space.
• Insulation and Energy Efficiency: The home was upgraded with closed-cell spray foam insulation and R21 fiberglass. This significantly improved its energy efficiency, making it a more sustainable and cost-effective investment.
• Flooring: Easy-care luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring from Karndean Korlok Select in Texas White Ash was installed throughout, providing durability and low maintenance for a busy family. LVP was also used on the stairs, maintaining a consistent aesthetic across all levels.
• Kitchen: The kitchen was remodeled with new cabinetry, floating shelves, and appliances. The shelves were designed to match the color of the flooring, adding warmth to the minimalist design.
• Bathrooms: Both the first- and second-floor bathrooms were updated with stylish tile work, custom vanities, and floating shelves, while a custom niche in the second-floor shower added a functional yet elegant touch.
• Laundry Room: The laundry room, originally located in a bathroom on the first floor, features side-by-side washer and dryer units with a countertop for folding. For flood protection, a washing pan from Killarney Metals is plumbed into a separate drain line. The room also boasts herringbone-pattern wallpaper, shelving, and a closet rod for added storage and functionality.
• Deck and Outdoor Space: A new deck was constructed with Azek Timbertech Coastline decking, featuring a DEK Drain system to create dry space below, perfect for a future patio and hot tub. This outdoor area offers the ideal spot for entertaining, even during inclement weather. Explore more of our PVC decks in the color Coastline.

Homeowner Contribution and Custom Design

The homeowner, a woodworking enthusiast, added a personal touch to the design, collaborating on custom features such as the floating shelves in the kitchen and a white oak floating desk in the first-floor bedroom. These elements infused the home with unique character and style, enhancing its warmth and individuality.

Exterior Features

• Windows and Siding: The home’s exterior was updated with new Andersen E-Series windows and CertainTeed Clapboard Vinyl Siding with woodgrain finish in Charcoal Gray, improving both aesthetics and energy efficiency.
• Roofing and Skylights: A new GAF Timberline HDZ architectural asphalt roof was installed, along with skylights equipped with solar tinting to reduce glare while maintaining natural light.
• Exterior Trim: The tree-free trim was crafted using Acre by Modern Mill, a sustainable product made from upcycled rice hulls. This trim is highly durable, resisting water, weather, rot, and pests. It won’t splinter or rot and was painted black to complement the home’s modern aesthetic.
• Deck: The new deck, outfitted with hidden fasteners and black cable railings, features a dry space below, offering extended outdoor living options.

Interior Features

• Lighting and Electrical: Recessed LED lighting, dimmers, and well-placed outlets ensure the home is both functional and stylish, with energy-efficient fixtures throughout. A standout piece in the dining room is the Capital Lighting Greyson 12 Light Chandelier. This 40-inch wide fixture, finished in Matte Black, brings a modern yet elegant touch to the space. Its open design and taper candle-style lights provide excellent illumination without overwhelming the room, enhancing the airy and inviting atmosphere of the home while perfectly complementing the minimalist Scandinavian-inspired design.
• Fireplace: The original brick fireplace was completely transformed into a modern centerpiece. The fireplace now features Tilebar Portrait Black Gold Herringbone tile surrounding a Heat & Glo Supreme Insert 35”, giving it a sleek, contemporary look. The once-traditional brick is covered with black nickel gap paneling, adding a clean, modern aesthetic that perfectly complements the room’s design. Topping it off is a reclaimed barn beam mantel from an 1850s barn in Sandwich, NH, blending rustic charm with modern sophistication to create a stunning focal point in the living space.

Energy Efficiency and Long-Term Investment

Upgraded mechanicals, utilities, and insulation made this home more energy-efficient, ensuring long-term savings for the homeowners. The improvements, including new windows and HVAC systems, were designed with both sustainability and comfort in mind, making this lakeside retreat a lasting investment.

Homeowner Remodeling Experience

The Lakeside Meredith Escape homeowners, deeply involved in the design process, were thrilled with the final product. Their goal was to create a home that not only reflected their style but also catered to their active lifestyle. The family enjoys fishing, water sports such as tubing and wakeboarding, swimming, and observing nature, including sightings of bald eagles. The renovated home perfectly complements their lakeside activities, making it the ideal retreat for both relaxation and adventure.

Final Touches

Outdoor landscaping, completed by Stephens Landscaping, includes a firepit, patio, and steps leading to the lake. These additions have further enhanced the home’s appeal as a perfect gathering space for family and friends, seamlessly blending the indoors with the stunning lakeside surroundings.

The renovation of this Saltbox home on Lake Waukewan has created a beautiful, functional, and energy-efficient space, perfect for making family memories for years to come. The 2024 Lakes Region Parade of Homes featured this stunning project, showcasing the craftsmanship and design that went into creating the Lakeside Meredith Escape.

If you have any questions after visiting this home during the Parade of Homes, or if you’re interested in starting your own renovation, feel free to reach out to us! We’d love to help bring your vision to life.