Set on the shores of Lac du Flambeau in Wisconsin, this modern guest house by Vetter Architects in collaboration with Amy Carman Design brings together rugged materials and expansive views. Perched on a bluff and surrounded by oak and white pine forest, the home looks out over a pristine lake that has been part of the family’s story for generations.
From its elevated position, the house feels both open and sheltered, with a design that makes the most of its lakefront setting.
Let’s take a look around…
Fieldstone, Glass, and a Front-Row Seat to the Lake
From the outside, the house immediately reflects the textures of Wisconsin’s Northwoods. Glass, wood, and stone work together in a way that feels natural to the setting. Rough-cut fieldstone, set in thick mortar, stretches across the southern facade and continues inside to form a two-story fireplace.
On the lake-facing side, large expanses of glass open the home to uninterrupted views. The windows run across the entire exterior, drawing in light throughout the day while framing the lake and the boathouse below.
A Covered Arrival and a Statement Pivot Door
Arrival begins with a covered entry off the driveway, offering a sheltered transition into the home. A custom pivoting wood front door creates a strong first impression, leading into a simple, welcoming foyer.
A Light-Filled Space That Opens Straight to the Outdoors
The living room opens up to the landscape with a full wall of windows and glass doors. An L-shaped gray sofa anchors the space, positioned to take in both the lake views and the warmth of the interior.
Glass doors connect directly to the patio and outdoor kitchen, making it easy to move between indoor and outdoor spaces. Above, the loft adds another layer, with a balcony overlooking the room below.
A Sculptural Dining Setting Framed by Stone and Fire
Positioned between the living room and kitchen, the dining area acts as a natural divider. A custom wood table by Michael Dreeben sits beneath a sculptural chandelier by David Weeks.
From here, there’s a clear view of the fireplace, where hand-applied masonry and fieldstone add texture and depth to the space.
Warm Wood, Dark Metal, and a Social Kitchen Island
The kitchen continues the material palette with rift-sawn white oak cabinetry and a stone backsplash. A custom black metal hood adds contrast, while the long island provides seating for five.
It’s a space designed for both everyday use and gathering, with clean lines balanced by natural materials.
A Clean Connection Between Levels in Wood and Steel
Metal railings paired with white oak treads create a consistent look that ties back to the kitchen cabinetry. The staircase connects the main floor to both the loft above and the lower level below.
A Window-Lined Walk Through the Trees
Along the hallway, black-framed windows bring in views of the surrounding trees. As you move through the space, the forest becomes part of the experience.
Textured Walls and Calm, Comfortable Sleeping Spaces
Each bedroom continues the warm, natural palette. In one room, a floor-to-ceiling wood accent wall is decorated with woven baskets, creating a textured backdrop for an upholstered gray bed.
The rooms balance comfort with a clean, modern look, offering a quiet place to unwind after a day by the lake.
A Lower Level Built for Bowling, Games, and Gatherings
The lower level introduces a completely different atmosphere. Here, the focus shifts to entertainment, with a bowling alley, bar, arcade, and sauna. Outside, a bocce court adds another option for gathering and play.
Steps Down to the Water, a Dock, and a Rooftop Deck
Steps from the main house lead down to the boathouse, which includes a rooftop deck and a dock extending into the lake. It’s a direct connection to the water, making it easy to spend time on or by the lake.
Every space in this home, from the main living areas to the lower-level game zone, is designed to make the most of time spent by the lake, whether that means quiet mornings or full house gatherings.