Lake House: Year-Round Living on Freshwater Shores

The acclaimed author of Patterns of Portugal and Patterns of India invites you to soak up the allure and charm of lakeside living through stunning photography and mesmerizing profiles of fifteen iconic lake houses across North America.

From relaxing evenings by the fire to fun-filled days on the water and quiet afternoons in the shade, lake houses have everything you could want in a vacation home: hiking, fishing, canoeing, swimming, or napping. Where locally sourced antiques decorate rooms, well-worn books and board games stand ready to be plucked off shelves, and yards lead to docks tied with rowboats.

Lake House takes you on a lush tour through fifteen private homes in the U.S. and Canada while celebrating the deep-rooted connections the families have to the residence and the surrounding community. Discover The Boat House in Northern Michigan, which was designed to look like a ship's hull with interiors that take advantage of every square foot. On Lake Superior sits Yond Cottage, an all-season home with a color palette reminiscent of the rugged shoreline. And on Loon Lake in New Hampshire, where no speedboats are allowed, you’ll find a previously abandoned house, saved and refurbished by its current owners with a minimalist design to be a peaceful retreat for family and friends.

Throughout, Christine Chitnis features enchanting stories and a diversity of architectural styles, including cozy cottages, wood-clad cabins, and modern farmhouses. These homes are serene retreats for the families that enjoy them—making Lake House a beautiful tribute to the waterfronts that shape our own lives and the enduring love and nostalgia we hold for them.