Lake House (Year-Round Living on Freshwater Shores)

The acclaimed author of Patterns of Portugal and Patterns of India invites you to soak up the allure of waterfront living through stunning photography and profiles of fifteen iconic lake houses across North America.

From relaxing evenings by the firepit to fun-filled days on the water and quiet afternoons in the shade, lake houses offer everything you could want: hiking, fishing, canoeing, swimming, waterskiing, or relaxing. Where antiques decorate rooms, waterlogged books and board games stand ready to be plucked off shelves, and yards lead to docks tied with rowboats.

Lake House takes you on a lush tour through private homes and getaways in the U.S. and Canada while celebrating the deep-rooted connections the families have to the residence, the land, and the surrounding community. Discover The Boathouse in Northern Michigan, which was designed to look like a ship’s hull with interiors that take advantage of every square foot. On Lake Superior sits Yond Cottage, an all-season home with a color palette reminiscent of the rugged shoreline. And on Loon Lake in New Hampshire, where no speedboats are allowed, you’ll find a previously abandoned home, saved by its current owners and renovated to be a minimalist retreat for family and friends.

Throughout, Christine Chitnis features a diversity of architecture, including cozy cottages, wood-clad cabins, and rustic summer camps. These serene retreats have enchanting stories to tell—making Lake House a beautiful tribute to the waterfronts that shape our own lives and the enduring love and nostalgia we hold for them.