Elliott Fuerniss
For Mary and Gary Page, selecting the serene shores of Georgia’s Lake Lanier for their new venture was not about seeking a new locale, as they had owned their current property for more than two decades. Instead, their desire was to craft a tranquil retreat, a sanctuary far from the clamor of their original residence and the “Fish Cabin” nestled atop the hill.
Mary envisions a family haven, a compound adorned with quaint guesthouses and auxiliary structures, with a central abode where everyone can gather for meals, entertainment, and films. She dreams of it becoming a cherished gathering spot for generations to come. “We’re a large family, and we cherish our family moments,” she declares. Initially, the couple had no intention for their modest, newly constructed retreat, aptly named the “Dockside Cabin” due to its waterfront locale, to become a hub for reunions. However, the inviting indoor-outdoor living spaces and the breathtaking lake vistas soon transformed it into just that.
Elliott Fuerniss
The distinctive surroundings necessitated a touch of imaginative design, leading the Pages to turn to their long-standing friend, Caroline Rolader of Reu Architects. Faced with the steep gradient of the landscape, Caroline ingeniously nestled the home into the hillside, employing an “upside-down” floor plan (bedrooms on the ground floor and communal living spaces on the lower level) and fashioning terraces from the porch to the firepit and boat dock.
The overriding objective was to preserve the panoramic views. “They wanted to have the water visible whether they were in bed, lounging in the living room, or cooking in the kitchen,” explains Caroline, who even took the window selection and mullion spacing into account. To assist with the intimate layout, they enlisted Atlanta-based interior designer Alice Cramer. The outcome is a luminous, two-bedroom sanctuary that seems almost suspended over the lake, with architecture that emphasizes a connection to the water from every room and interiors that draw inspiration from the surroundings.
Elliott Fuerniss
While the house’s silhouette exudes a contemporary vibe, Alice grounded it with organic textures and a palette of hues that mirror the lake’s evocative greens. Light-washed walls and painted-wood finishes temper the concrete floors, while rich cabinetry and unique artworks, many inherited from Mary’s late father, contribute balance and character.
Elliott Fuerniss
Operating within a confined space, Alice ensured there was ample seating downstairs without the room feeling cramped. “The more furniture you introduce, the more confined the room feels,” observes the designer, who opted for a large sectional sofa over several smaller pieces. The sliding glass door enables the indoor seating area and the adjacent outdoor space to blend seamlessly as a unified space when required.
Elliott Fuerniss
Striving to maximize the limited floor plan, they discreetly installed a wet bar beneath the stairs, adorned with Waterworks tiles that hint at the lake’s verdant hues.
Elliott Fuerniss
Elliott Fuerniss
Alice meticulously considered the setting when selecting the porch furnishings. “Large, bulky items not only occupy more physical space but also visually,” the designer explains, opting for lower and slimmer pieces to fit the lengthy, relatively narrow corner. She also manipulated the sizes, shapes, and heights of the light fixtures for a dynamic aesthetic. They serve a practical purpose while also adding visual interest without obstructing sightlines.
Elliott Fuerniss
“The house is quite simple in design. We leaned more on textures than patterns to ensure the view remained the focal point,” Alice states, employing the same strategy in the bedrooms, both of which offer access to the upper balcony. To conserve space on the compact bedside tables in the master bedroom, Alice mounted a pair of Arteriors wall sconces. The doors, painted in Sherwin-Williams’ Tansy Green (SW 6424), harmonize with the front entry.
Elliott Fuerniss
Mary reflects on the contemporary artwork, noting, “My dad was an avid collector. Some pieces are more of a statement and a bit different from my style, but they hold a significant place in my heart as they were my father’s.”
Elliott Fuerniss
A six-panel sliding glass door allows the entire wall to retract, connecting the main living area to a screened porch featuring a fireplace, a lounge area, and a spacious dining table. “I cherish the ability to open everything up,” homeowner Mary Page exclaims. “That’s my favorite part of the house.”
