Dramatic Lakefront Remodel & Addition: Cambray

Visbeen Architects’ remodel of this lakefront home makes it easy to forget its recent past as an outdated structure in need of a major update. What was once a low-profile 1980’s ranch has been transformed into a three-story cottage with more than enough character to go around.

Street-facing dormers and a quaint garage entrance welcome visitors into the updated interior, which features beautiful custom woodwork and built-ins throughout. In addition to drastic improvements in every existing room, a brand new master suite was added to the space above the garage, providing a private and luxurious retreat for homeowners. A home office, full bath, laundry facilities, a walk-in closet, and a spacious bedroom and sitting area complete this upstairs haven.

Architecture and interior architecture by Visbeen Architects
Remodel by Jeff Segard Builder
Interiors by Julie Holmes Design

Pine Valley

Pine Valley is not your ordinary lake cabin. This craftsman-inspired design offers everything you love about summer vacation within the comfort of a beautiful year-round home. Metal roofing and custom wood trim accent the shake and stone exterior, while a cupola and flower boxes add quaintness to sophistication.

The main level offers an open floor plan, with multiple porches and sitting areas overlooking the water. The master suite is located on the upper level, along with two additional guest rooms. A custom-designed craft room sits just a few steps down from the upstairs study.

Billiards, a bar and kitchenette, a sitting room and game table combine to make the walkout lower level all about entertainment. In keeping with the rest of the home, this floor opens to lake views and outdoor living areas.

Built by Tim Schollaart Builders

A Garden Dedicated to Prayer

Prayer.  It's a powerful thing.

Sandy Lowery agrees.  She had a vision for an empty lot at 659 Bridge Street, not for a place of commerce or business, she envisioned a beautiful green space ideal for prayer and gathering.  We were just happy to be a part of bringing that vision to life.  Wayne did initial drawings for the design of the garden as a starting point for the many other volunteers who impacted this project.  Yesterday, the Garden of Life was dedicated as a place of peace, healing and hope.  The garden's centerpiece is a bronze statue of Mary entitled, "Madonna of the Streets," created by local artist Mic Carlson, surrounded by a paved pathway with "beads" marking the prayers of the Rosary.  The location of the garden is no coincidence, next door to HELP Pregnancy Crisis Aid.  And it is Sandy's hope that anyone from any faith will wander, sit, stroll, and contemplate.  In her own words, this place is "a little garden for the whole community.  Something pretty.  A place to pray."

For more information on the Garden of Life, please visit their website - www.gardenoflife-gr.com.

Here is just some of the press covering the unveiling of the garden...

Garden of Life construction in Grand Rapids

Thursday, November 01, 2012 5:02 PM

 By Cory Morse | cmorse1@mlive.com 
Follow

MLive.com.  "Southeast Side Woman's Vision to Share Creates Prayer Garden for All."
http://www.mlive.com/living/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2012/11/west_side_womans_vision_to_sha.html

HELP Pregnancy Crisis Aid. "Garden of Life Dedicated as a Place of Peace, Healing and Hope."
http://helppregnancy.org/2012/11/05/garden-of-life-dedicated-as-a-place-of-peace-healing-hope/

Cosmopolitan Home Grand Rapids: Lakefront Luxury & The Test of Time

The late Fall issue of Cosmopolitan Home Magazine - Grand Rapids is chock full of Visbeen Architects' designs!  The cover story titled, "Lakefront Luxury," gives a pictorial tour and the story behind the extensive renovation of an award-winning summer cottage on Whitefish Lake we call the Meadowview.  We were brought into the project by Creeekside Construction to turn the exterior areas into premium outdoor living spaces.

You will also find one of our oldie-but-goodie designs standing "The Test of Time."  Although it was built eleven years ago, the exterior and interior details as well as handcrafted features of Torrey Pines still have the timeless appeal as the day it was built.  And we agree with the writer - "well crafted" is an understatement for this home!

Check out both articles in the publication on our website here.