Modern Farmhouse Makeover: Lakefront Outdoor Living

Location:   Laconia, NH 03246
Year Completed:   2020
Subcontractors:  Lauren Milligan Design; Middleton Lumber; Cyr Lumber; Pella Windows and Doors
Commercial Photography:   Ridgelight Studio

The goal of this project was to make the most of the Lake Winnisquam waterfront. The homeowner wanted to fully experience lake life using multiple outdoor gathering spaces. The result is an updated, modern farmhouse style design with a screened porch with cathedral ceiling, a sitting area with fire pit and a third sitting/conversation area complete with smart home light features.

The entire exterior of the home was sided with Boral TruExterior siding and trim. (click the link to learn more about pricing and product details.) It is a low maintenance, moisture resistant wood-alternative that looks just like wood once it is painted. The homeowner chose a smooth white finish in a nickel gap and board and batten design.

All the white windows in the home were replaced with black Pella windows and a front porch was constructed. These were crucial design details that gave this traditional home that sought after, industrial farmhouse look. One last detail on the front of the home, was the addition of a garage overhang with smart, ambient lighting.

On the back of the house, we built a 16’ x 19’ screened in porch with cathedral ceiling. Each fir board was painstakingly chosen to build the tongue and groove design. The screen porch houses a 14-foot outdoor kitchen, fit for a chef with features like 100% weatherproof cabinets, Lynx appliances, a powerful exhaust hood and UV, scratch and stain resistant countertops. On the one wall, framed by insect, moisture-resistant board and batten siding, is a smart television nook. Another great feature for getting the family outdoors!

This outdoor living space also includes a sitting area with fire pit, plumbed into the propane, and a catwalk that leads you to a sitting/conversation area. The deck itself is Azek TimberTech PVC decking in the color cypress. The cocktail rail on the radius railing creates clean lines that lead you from one area to another.

This entire outdoor gathering space is custom designed for all day lake living. At night, the smart ambient lighting can be seen on the deck posts, under the steps and inside the ceiling of the screened in porch. Each light can be controlled via an app on the homeowner’s phone.

This modern farmhouse was part of The Lakes Region 2020 Parade of Homes. A self-guided tour of 8 crafted homes featuring superior designs by premier builders and trade professionals.

1. Best of the Lakes Region Best of Summer 2020 – September 5, 2020

2. The Laker Fall 2020 edition – fall 2020

NH Cornerstone Awards 2020 Winner
Gold – Residential Remodel $300,000 – $500,000
Gold – Best Design for Outdoor Kitchen
Silver – Outdoor Living Space

If you are interested in learning more about the home renovation process, watch our videos. Content includes drone footage of the build during the construction phase and views of the renovation from Lake Winnisquam.