Featuring cozy spots for gathering both inside and outside, this makes for the perfect summer retreat.
Cay and Craig Stevenson, together with their 13-year-old son and 4-year-old daughter, were searching for a location where their entire family could have fun when they came across this lakeside property close to their hometown of
Charlotte, North Carolina
We adored the house, but what truly captivated us was the property,” explains Cay regarding its spacious, level yard and tranquil cove featuring a sandy shore. “Our main objective was finding something that would allow our whole family to enjoy quality time during summertime despite our varied ages, and swimming happens to be this universal pleasure for all of us!
The couple was drawn to the existing home, constructed in 2007 as an exact copy of a Georgian-style house from the 1700s, primarily because of its rich architectural details; however, what really captivated them was the generous space.
outdoor living spaces
— including layered porches that span the entire house and offer views of the lake — which truly enhanced the charm of the property. “This is an unconventional construction, and it’s rare to come across such a beautiful home with a elegance that modern houses lack,” remarks Cay. Despite this, the house didn’t fully meet their family’s needs.
“If someone wishes to join me, they are welcome as long as I have an available bed,” said Cay Stevenson.
To cater to their four-member team (along with their black Labrador, Max) and the constant stream of guests, the Stevensons enlisted an interior designer.
Ryann Swan
To assist in turning the distinctive two-bedroom, 3,500-square-foot house into a unified, calming sanctuary appropriate for both indoor and outdoor entertainment, she focused her efforts. “The initial thing Cay mentioned to me was, ‘This will be where we spend our entire lives; we’ll keep coming back,’ ” remembers Ryann. Adopting a future-oriented mindset, she questioned, “What changes could make this house adapt alongside their needs as time progresses?”
Above, an uncomfortable arrangement required significant attention. The extensive main bedroom spanning the entire level was divided into a sizable master area and a children’s room—meanwhile, a separate section over the garage was converted into
bunk room
The gaming area connects to the main house’s second floor through an extended roofline. Redesigning the lower level proved more straightforward for Ryann, who handled it using fresh paint, new floors, and updated lighting fixtures. Additionally, she transformed two closets into a temporary space.
mudroom
As a landing spot for Lake Gear and also a specialized area for wines (a delightful surprise for Craig), here’s how they transformed an empty nester’s construction into a cozy family retreat.
Create a Quiet Hideaway
Reachable exclusively via the main bedroom, the upper deck provides a serene beginning to the day. “It feels like it’s among the treetops, and you get a view of the water. It’s simply delightful,” notes homeowner Cay Stevenson. “Each morning, we enjoy our coffee out here, and occasionally in the evening, once the children are asleep, we relax with a glass of wine.”
Bring It to the Terrace
Although the house features an indoor dining area, the family tends to congregate on the terrace instead.
entertaining
“We enjoy spending time outdoors, which is why I insisted on having a large living space (that’s what our backyard porch offers) and also needed an area where we can accommodate around 10 to 12 guests,” explains Cay.
Lean on Natural Materials
The existing rustic
kitchen
, featuring walls from floor to ceiling adorned with four kinds of wood and five different finishes, required an update. “The space was entirely brown and dimly lit,” according to Cay. To make the area brighter while keeping parts of the initial wooden details intact (such as the knotty pine beams), the designer opted to replace half of the wood with tiles and paint.
Farrow & Ball Slipper Satin (No. 2004)
On the walls, ceiling, and molding
Mole’s Breath (No. 276)
On the island, she swapped the hastily assembled wooden floor with limestone instead, which was a more suitable option considering all the damp footwear traipsing through.
Pick the Right Sofa
“People invariably end up congregating in this spot near the kitchen,” explains Cay. For the compact zone, the owners insisted on just one thing: “a spacious and cozy sofa.” To meet their criteria while
maximizing seating
Ryann combined a curved-edge sofa with uneven club chairs and chose a nesting coffee table accompanied by stools for additional seating options.
Related:
9 Living Room Arrangement Concepts That Will Inspire You to Redesign Your Area
Everything Is Focused on the Landscape
“We made an effort to ensure the house strongly reflects the outdoor theme consistently,” explains Ryann, who also installed the chandelier in the space.
breakfast nook
A bit higher to ensure unobstructed lake views.
Spring For Comfort
Ryann preserved the indoor-outdoor link even as she filled the
primary bedroom
Featuring cozy textures and hues—the Elizabeth Eakins Alur wallpaper in Blush, a bespoke purplish paint shade for the edges, along with a classic four-poster bed.
Room To Grow
“Cay mentions that they waited nine years to have their little girl, making sure everything would be perfect,” notes the parent, whose daughter’s room was crafted to remain charming as she grows up. To achieve this, Ryann adorned the space with Sanderson’s Annandale wallpaper, Chelsea Textiles’ Small Check Seamist fabric on the Lee Industries bed, and
Farrow & Ball’s Cromarty (Number 285)
on the millwork.
Everyone Pile In
Since there aren’t specific rooms for guests, their son’s room serves multiple purposes. “The setup includes two bunk beds opposite a king-sized bed,” explains Cay about the sleep area reminiscent of a summer camp, right next to the children’s recreation room. “Everybody enjoys fitting into this single large space and finds it very soothing. I believe what everyone truly appreciates is the lakeside lifestyle.”
The Prime Locations in the Building
“We pretty much reside out here, and Max is often spotted perched atop the staircase, basking in the sunlight,” explains Cay with a chuckle. “The house sits well away from the lake, offering a more tranquil atmosphere.” To accommodate a larger group, Ryann equipped the capacious space with additional amenities.
covered porch
Featuring an impressive 112-inch sofa with durable fabric cushions designed to handle “Max,” she additionally chose a couple of coffee tables to enhance movement during gatherings.
Read the initial article on
Southern Living
