Project Spotlight: Happy Space on the Lake, A Lake Sunapee Home Renovation

When our client imagined their ideal lake house, they envisioned a modern retreat with traditional charm — a home where family and friends could gather, relax, and connect. The property on Lake Sunapee offered beautiful views and a stunning natural setting, but the home needed major updates to better fit our client’s lifestyle. 

Renovating along the shoreline in New Hampshire requires careful planning. Lakefront properties fall under the NH DES Shoreland Protection Program, which regulates what can be built within 250 feet of the waterline. Our team worked closely with town officials and carefully studied the zoning requirements early in the design process. While these regulations can seem restrictive at first, expert planning and open communication often make it possible to design a home that both satisfies the rules and achieves the client’s vision. 

The home itself also presented an interesting challenge. Over the years, it had evolved from a small camp into a much larger residence through multiple remodels of varying quality. “That meant the existing conditions were layered and sometimes unpredictable, requiring careful investigation during the design phase and thoughtful adjustments by our build team to ensure everything tied together properly,” reflects Kelsey Haigh, Design Manager at Foremost Builders. 

With those constraints in mind, the renovation included two additions at the back of the home — a living room expansion on the main floor with office underneath and a spacious primary suite — creating open, comfortable spaces that feel more connected to the beautiful Lake Sunapee views. while still respecting the shoreline. 

A Bright and Inviting Kitchen 

The kitchen was updated to feel both fresh and timeless while taking advantage of the home’s unique architecture White wood paneling lines the walls and sloped ceiling, creating a bright and airy space. 

White cabinetry pairs beautifully with leathered black granite, while stainless steel appliances and narrow shaker doors add a sleek, modern touch. A large textured white subway tile backsplash provides visual interest.  

A small breakfast bar with seating for two offers the perfect spot for a quick morning coffee or casual conversation while cooking. Hardwood flooring in a warm mid-tone grounds the space and carries throughout the main living areas. 

A Relaxing Living Space with a View 

Just off the kitchen, the living area creates a natural place to gather while still feeling like its own distinct space within the open floor plan — an important element in this lake house renovation designed for family gatherings and entertaining. The wood-paneled ceiling continues here, featuring slightly smaller panels that add subtle texture. 

The focal point of the room is a massive window that floods the space with natural light and frames an incredible view of the lake. The opposing end of the living room is a stone fireplace that adds rustic charm and coziness to the space. Whether enjoying a quiet morning coffee, curling up with a good book, or sharing a nightcap with family, this space was designed for relaxation and connection. 

A Stylish Powder Room 

Even the smaller spaces in the home received thoughtful design attention. The hallway leading to the powder room features large-format rectangular tile flooring that continues into the half bath. 

Inside, a brushed brass open vanity stands out against crisp white walls. A patterned wallpaper lines the other walls, incorporating gold, white, and gray tones adds personality and warmth, making this compact space both elegant and memorable.

A Primary Suite Designed for the View 

One of the home’s new additions created a serene primary suite that fully embraces the beauty of the Lake Sunapee lakefront setting. 

White wood paneling continues along the walls and ceiling, while dark wood beams stretch across the ceiling, adding warmth and architectural character. 

Large French doors open to a deck overlooking the water. Glass railings were used to frame the deck so nothing interrupts the stunning lake views. Additional windows throughout the room bring in abundant natural light and offer sweeping views in multiple directions. 

The primary bathroom introduces a slightly bolder design. A sleek black floating vanity stretches along one wall beneath a large mirror with smart-touch lighting. The enclosed walk-in shower features dramatic vertical black tiles on the walls paired with small mosaic floor tiles in mixed dark and light tones. 

A recessed shelf inside the shower, illuminated with soft lighting and lined with gold mosaic tile, adds both function and a touch of luxury that ties beautifully to the room’s hardware.

Comfortable Guest Accommodations 

The guest bedroom offers a cozy, welcoming space for visiting family. A Windows frames beautiful views of the lake while allowing plenty of natural light. 

The guest bathroom continues the calm, spa-like atmosphere. A corner vanity with off-white drawers and a dark countertop maximizes the layout, while two large mirrors with smart-touch lighting provide both style and functionality. 

A doorless walk-in shower sits beside a square soaking tub, creating a relaxing retreat within the suite. Beige vertical rectangular tiles frame the tub and shower, accented with black tile details.

A Work-From-Home Space with Fresh Air Nearby 

On the lower level, the home office was designed to make working from home feel just a little more like being on vacation. NanaWall Bifold doors open directly to a patio outfitted with Adirondack chairs, an ideal place to step away from the desk and enjoy a quick break outdoors and walking phone calls. 

Inside, white wood paneling continues along the walls and ceiling. Built-in shelving provides storage while framing a functional desk area. A wide-open doorway connects the office to a nearby sitting area, and decorative interior openings with gentle arched tops add character while maintaining an open feel between spaces. Traditional drop ceiling tiles were replaced with a custom coffered ceiling grid to create a custom look while keeping the ceiling accessible.  

Outdoor Living at Every Level 

Outdoor living is an essential part of lake house life, and this home offers multiple spaces to enjoy the scenery. The lower patio outside the office creates a quiet retreat, while the porch off the primary suite provides an elevated vantage point for morning coffee or evening relaxation. 

A screened three-season room allows the family to enjoy fresh air while staying protected from the elements. Beyond the home, a beautifully crafted stone staircase leads down to a lakeside patio with a lounge area, an ideal gathering spot for cool evenings by the water. 

Tiered landscaping guides the path to the dock and enhances the natural beauty of the shoreline. 

Designed for Comfort in Every Season 

To ensure the home could be enjoyed year-round, the renovation also included a major upgrade to the heating and cooling system. The team installed a Unico small-duct, high-velocity system, which delivers efficient heating and cooling without the large ductwork traditional systems require — an ideal solution for older homes where space for mechanical systems is limited. 

The system can operate with either oil or an electric heat pump, offering flexibility, improved efficiency, and reliable comfort in every season. 

Projects like this require extensive coordination behind the scenes. Foremost Builders worked closely with interior designer Noemi Ottowitz, a friend of the homeowner, using a detailed 3D model throughout the design process so everyone involved could visualize the final result. That collaboration helps ensure the architectural, structural, and interior elements come together seamlessly. 

Every element of this Lake Sunapee renovation was designed with intention. The result is a stylish custom home that blends comfort, functionality and thoughtful detailing — a New Hampshire lakeside dream home.  

If you’re dreaming about transforming your home into a space that’s beautiful, functional, and designed around the way your family lives, the team at Foremost Builders is here to help. From thoughtful design to expert craftsmanship, we guide homeowners through every step of the remodeling process. Contact Foremost Builders today to start the conversation.