Multigenerational Home on Ossipee Lake
Residential Design-Build in Freedom, NH
Located along the wooded shoreline of Ossipee Lake, this 4,200-square-foot custom home was designed to support multi-generational living and offer seamless access to the outdoors. The design was developed in close collaboration with the homeowners and the architect of record, Richard G. Holt, to ensure a highly tailored and efficient layout that harmonizes with its natural surroundings. From the outset, the homeowners expressed a clear vision: a comfortable, thoughtfully organized retreat where they could easily host their children and grandchildren for carefree summer adventures on the lake.
The house is organized around a walkout lower level, with living space distributed over three floors. Outdoor areas are emphasized through a large elevated deck and a covered patio beneath, both oriented toward the lake and linked by a central exterior stair. Site planning focused on preserving existing trees and incorporating native vegetation, granite outcroppings, and informal stone pathways to create a sense of quiet retreat.
A clean, traditional exterior palette of gray clapboard-style siding, white trim, and subtle gable detailing references local vernacular architecture, while custom elements like a navy blue garage door and pergola entry procession provide individual character. Inside, the home is finished with bright materials and a focus on custom millwork, including window benches, wainscoting, and integrated cabinetry crafted in our in-house shop.
Interior spaces are arranged for both privacy and connection, with an open-concept main living space, custom stone fireplace with a reclaimed wood mantel, and a series of thoughtful built-in elements that maximize functionality. The design balances simplicity and refinement, offering a calm and practical environment for year-round use.
A complementary structure was also completed across the street from the main residence. This auxiliary building serves as both high-capacity boat storage and a fully outfitted guesthouse. A large wooden door, scaled to accommodate the family’s boat, anchors the facade, while decorative timber brackets and composite clapboard siding echo the architectural language of the main house. Behind the structure, a full-size pickleball court has been incorporated into the wooded site.
The lower level includes a climate-controlled wine room featuring custom shelving and a one-of-a-kind entry door clad with panels salvaged from wooden wine crates. The boat bay doubles as a recreation-ready interior space that accommodates a pool table and lounge seating area. Adjoining the boat bay storage area on the lower level is a full kitchen and living area as well as a 3-bay garage. Above, the upper level offers multiple guest bedrooms, a bathroom, dedicated office space, and attic storage, creating a highly functional multi-use structure that complements the family’s lifestyle and seasonal needs.A Multigenerational Lake Home with Seamless Access to the Outdoors
With an open-concept main living area and separate living spaces distributed on three floor levels, this custom lakeside home serves as a multi-generational family retreat with seamless access to the outdoors—exactly what our client dreamed of.