White Oak

Mar 12

A new construction vacation home on Lake Oconee was built and designed with retirement in mind.

Working remotely from Virginia with our clients, their builder and architect in Georgia was already the plan in 2019, so when COVID hit, we stayed the course and the final results prove that a good process can overcome many obstacles.

Joining the project at the drafting stage was extremely helpful in being able to customize every aspect of this home. Though currently used as a second home, our clients intend to move here permanently when their teenage children are grown, which greatly influenced the long-term functionality of certain design decisions.

The proximity to the lake, of course, and the family’s love of being outdoors focused our efforts as much outside as inside. Three distinct outdoor living spaces serve different purposes: the upper level off the primary bedroom is a place to relax and take in the view, the covered porch off the downstairs lounge is a great spot to retreat from the sun and have a meal while the lower lounge area is built for relaxing around a fire pit late into the night.

The primary suite was designed with eventual permanent residency in mind. To that end, large built-in closets were installed in the bathroom, which has a spa, zen-like quality. The room was oriented to take in the best view of the lake, which its adjacent balcony takes full advantage of.

Although modestly sized, the home feels quite grand thanks to the elongated arched foyer, an open floor plan, large floor-to-ceiling windows and vaulted ceilings in the great room. Throughout the home, bright whites and light blues are punctuated with black furniture, lighting and trim.

Every aspect of the home, from the exterior color to the bed linens and bathrobes, were carefully selected and in place prior to the owners’ moving in for the summer season.