We put all our lakefront backyard ideas in one place!
Perhaps it is the locale that we live in, or maybe it is a sign of the times... We are blessed to live in an area surrounded by natural beauty. Sparta, and Blairstown, New Jersey are surrounded by mountains, outdoor activities, and lakes, a lot of lakes. In a way many of us take it for granted. We travel outside the area frequently looking for adventure, not realizing that we have the same access right in our backyards.
Some other families have already figured this out. We speak with many whom have taken up part time residence in the area to enjoy more of the natural beauty the area holds. Over the last several years, some of them have even converted into full time residents. Lakefront property is in high demand these days.
The challenge with these properties is that many remain time capsules to a simpler time. Though most have been converted to 4 season living, the properties and the homes often do not fit how we live in the modern era. Driveways are small, houses lack flow and technology, and the landscaping is often static and lackluster. With more families looking to create interactive spaces and vacation at home, the outdoor living space is a great opportunity to expand the capability of the property without tearing down homes and adding additions that will only be used part time.
Earlier this year we were contacted by a Lake Mohawk family who had a similar story. They had purchased a home right on the lake with the intent that it would serve as the hub for multigenerational experiences. This house needed a lot of love, like many do. After several years of weekend warrior repairs it became apparent that the family was growing faster than the list of completed improvements. Enough was enough, and they decided to pull out all the stops.
At first the conversation was basic. Fix the problems that have not been resolved. Drainage, access, security, and safety were on the table. During that time though we presented the opportunity to dream. It became obvious that the experiences yet to be created mattered the most, and time was the most important asset we had to protect. Conversations continued and we worked to paint a picture of what was about to transpire. If you could have everything you wanted, what would that look like?
Here were some ideas that we discussed to help turn this lakefront backyard into a highly interactive space.
- Create a dedicated fishing area.
- Layout the paths to create wonder and make a small area seem larger.
- Use responsible drainage to ensure the investment is protected.
- Fire pits extend the usage of the space. Tuck it into a nook.
- Use well-placed rocks and plants to screen utilities, sheds, and the neighbors.
- Be intentional in how people travel through the property. Use surfaces accordingly.
- Think outside the box. Boulder as a seat, tree stump as a table, use what you have.
This week's video is the reveal of the backyard we mentioned above. Most importantly, a journey into the thought that went into creating it. Click on the link below to be inspired.