Nestled in Lindenwood Cove, located in the Finger Lakes region of New York, is a quaint home exuding a mystical nature. Tucked in the trees with large water view, the cottage brings to mind the idyllic lands of the Shire and the “smials,” where the Hobbits reside in J.R.R Tolkien’s The Hobbit.
Our New Energy Works design team referenced these long-told tales of middle earth to assist with their inspiration. While the English-style cottage is small in stature, it’s big in soul. The lakeside cottage features an open floorplan and a custom finished timber frame structure. A multitude of whimsical details can be found in its woodland style decor, including well placed cobble stonework and tasteful timber adornments.
“The structure is a 925 square foot Tudor inspired cottage on Owasco Lake,” explains New Energy Works timber frame engineer Melissa Schmidt. “The front entry is sheltered by a swooping eyebrow timber that compliments the curved front door, beyond which opens to a beautiful, vaulted living space featuring four rustic timber trusses and a wall of windows bringing in lakeside views. The one bedroom/one bathroom cottage includes a cozy loft above the main living area to maximize the use of its small footprint.”
Thematically consistent with the curved front door are port hole windows, also installed on the main floor, that soften the home’s aesthetic while contributing distinctive viewing platforms to reference the nearby shoreline landscape.
The aforementioned richly finished king post trusses in the central great room open the space, making it feel large with volume, while structurally supporting the cottage’s cathedral ceilings. In the main living spaces, wood, stone, and steel collaborate into a rustic elegance that culminates in a tall centrally located fireplace.
The remainder of the downstairs area makes the most out of the space available, featuring a small bedroom, bathroom, and pantry/laundry room. A rolling ladder on one wall provides old charm access to the loft where a private reading area is tucked away.
Combining esoteric elements with contemporary design, this shire-sized cottage provides both an intimate living space and a magical place to get away from it all. A little bit lake house, a little bit of fantasy, is the recipe for this home that straddles both fiction and function.
Architect: New Energy Works
Builder: Albrecht Construction
Engineer: Fire Tower Engineered Timber,
Photographer: Don Cochran Photo
