Award Winning Style On Nagawicka Lake

By: Julie Feldman

The exterior of the home makes a statement; its steep-gabled roofline, crisp white exterior, and smart black shudders in the sophisticated style of the early American elite. Inside, the magnificence of Mother Nature follows you from room to room. Wood-beamed ceilings coupled with sweeping lake views create a calming effect. You can’t help but slow down.

The kitchen, recently remodeled, earned gold medal awards at the 2023 NARI convention. There is a substantial honed, black granite island with slight cream veining, and a gray and cream tile back splash above the Viking stove. The color palette creates a peaceful ambiance. Just behind the island there is a seating area made cozy with a fireplace and traditional, white stone surround.   

The ceiling in the main kitchen is pine wood, with scraped pine beams, and contrasts beautifully with a light and bright dining area adjacent to the kitchen. The casual dining space, updated from a three-season room, is a centerpiece. The cathedral ceiling and panoramic windows give you a sun-drenched, front row seat to the changing seasons over Nagawicka Lake.  A French farmhouse chandelier, handmade of wrought iron by Bevelo Lighting in New Orleans, adds East Coast Colonial authenticity to the space. 

A Butler’s pantry leads to the formal dining room at the front of the home, which could easily be repurposed as a family, or music room given the spectacular dining area off the kitchen. On the other side in front, there is a large and stately office with a fireplace.

The great room, or living room, can be accessed from both the formal dining room and kitchen. You could say it feels like a ski lodge, with its pine coffered ceiling. But here, you have beautiful lake views instead of mountains. A red brick fireplace provides warmth on cold winter days, and there is an eye-catching, authentic colonial cage bar; a standard of 18th century East Coast taverns, where shop keepers would pull down wooden slats over a small space to lock up their glasses and liquor. An elevated deck can be accessed from both the great room and kitchen.  

The large, first-floor master suite is a true refuge, given the lake views, fireplace and updated ensuite spa bathroom. White bead board wainscotting along the bathroom wall and a ceiling of slim, white plank wood set the tone for a mellow experience. A stand-alone tub has a corner of its own, and the oversized shower boasts two wall showerheads and an overhead rain shower. A large double vanity separates his and her countertops with storage in the middle. 

Upstairs, kids and guests have their own private place to relax. There are two bedrooms, both with lake views, a bonus room, and a beautiful full bath. If it’s recreation you want, head to the exposed lower level with expansive room for lounging, a game of billiards, or exercise.  A fireplace and kitchenette make the lower level a real living space, and a full bathroom is perfect for cleaning up after a day on the lake.

Speaking of the lake, the backyard is spectacular.  Professionally hardscaped, a stone staircase leads to a hillside landing, and Lake Geneva pier at the water’s edge. Equipped with a solar boat lift and room for sunning, the end of the pier is summer central. Swim in the crystal-clear water or cast a line. It’s a great spot for catching muskies. Watch sailboat races from the nearby Yacht club, and fourth of July fireworks set off from St. John’s Island.

 This one-of-a-kind home is in one of the best school districts in the state. You can walk to Naga-Waukee Park. It’s a few minutes from downtown Delafield and 20 minutes from downtown Milwaukee. Authentic design, refinement, comfort and a fabulous lakefront. This unique, refined, and comfortable residence is just the right place to build a treasured life in Lake Country.  n