French Country Lake House by VanBrouck & Associates

ByJon Dykstra Houses

French Country Lake House by VanBrouck & Associates

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Designed by: VanBrouck & Associates

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Inspired by the French manor homes of Normandy, this exquisitely understated 5,500 square foot stone lake house is quietly, classically elegant, with an enduring solid stature. While the footprint stretches nearly 95’ along the shoreline of the lake, elongating the plan for this French country custom home design to take advantage of the magnificent lake views, it is designed to be intentionally restrained and unimposing, without monumentality or ostentation. ​

In keeping with the design characteristics of French country homes, Connecticut fieldstone selected for the exterior has a quiet presence, while the steeply-hipped rooflines, with flared eaves, control the scale. These are consistent with the French eclectic architectural style of the home, as are the turrets, which are the unifying dominant architectural feature on both the front and rear façades.

​The design concept for this French country home was to create an open plan, enabling expansive views of the lake from all the primary rooms, with a stone veranda stretching more than 50’ along the lakeside of the home to provide a sheltered, shady haven to relax and entertain. Pairs of French doors and an abundance of windows allow a profusion of natural light and lake breezes into the house. ​

A soothing monochromatic color palette is used throughout the interior to unify the spaces, and create a quietly elegant ambiance. ​Unifying design elements, such as the stately French-cut limestone range hood in the kitchen that complements the French-cut limestone fireplace surround in the adjoining living room, are mindfully orchestrated to create cohesion in the open plan. Furnishings are refined, comfortable and carefully edited to allow views of the lake to take command.

A view of the house from the backyard showcasing its charming turret and an expansive covered porch framed with stone archways.
A view of the house from the backyard showcasing its charming turret and an expansive covered porch framed with stone archways.
Living room with gray seats, a fireplace, and patio access through glazed doors.
Living room with gray seats, a fireplace, and patio access through glazed doors.
The living room includes stunning views of the nearby lake.
The living room includes stunning views of the nearby lake.
The living room opens completely to the dining area and kitchen.
The living room opens completely to the dining area and kitchen.
Outdoor living with skirted seats and a wood-top table over the stone-tiled floor.
Outdoor living with skirted seats and a wood-top table over the stone-tiled floor.
The dining area sits across the kitchen and against the bow window. It has a round dining set well-lit by a chrome chandelier.
The dining area sits across the kitchen and against the bow window. It has a round dining set well-lit by a chrome chandelier.
The kitchen features a cooking alcove and a breakfast island equipped with double sinks and built-in cabinets.
The kitchen features a cooking alcove and a breakfast island equipped with double sinks and built-in cabinets.
A french front door opens into the foyer. It is furnished with a round center table and a leather cushioned stool.
A french front door opens into the foyer. It is furnished with a round center table and a leather cushioned stool.
The foyer includes a winding staircase illuminated with wrought iron sconces and an elegant crystal chandelier.
The foyer includes a winding staircase illuminated with wrought iron sconces and an elegant crystal chandelier.
The covered porch offers cushioned loungers perfect for relaxing and enjoying the views.
The covered porch offers cushioned loungers perfect for relaxing and enjoying the views.
Outdoor dining with wicker armchairs and a glass-top table completes the covered porch.Outdoor dining with wicker armchairs and a glass-top table completes the covered porch.
Outdoor dining with wicker armchairs and a glass-top table completes the covered porch.
The home also features a storage shed with a stone exterior and an arched door.
The home also features a storage shed with a stone exterior and an arched door.
The storage shed is filled with garden tools and a built-in desk.
The storage shed is filled with garden tools and a built-in desk.

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One last look at the home's exterior complemented by the warm glow from the outdoor lamps.
One last look at the home’s exterior complemented by the warm glow from the outdoor lamps.

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Jon Dykstra
Jon Dykstra

Jon practiced law before launching his online publishing career, bringing analytical rigor to everything he builds. Home Stratosphere combines that precision with a lifelong obsession with residential design — architecture, interiors, landscape, and furniture.

His current focus is AI-driven design analysis, using artificial intelligence to study patterns in color, layout, and material choice across thousands of homes. His Personality Type Home Design Guide applies personality frameworks to interior aesthetics, helping readers design spaces that reflect how they actually think and live.

His favorite piece on the site is the 25 Most Popular Designs, is a daily-updated ranking of the top designs over the last 30 days, driven entirely by visitor activity. The feedback is invaluable for understanding what resonates most with readers. LinkedIn

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