I'm building a lakeside cottage from scratch and have started conversations with local architects. I'll probably select one in the next few weeks. Trying to be as prepared as possible, I've taken a lot of pictures of the style house I have in mind (A-frame) and have put together a long list of things I would like to consider when designing the cottage. It's a fairly steep but deep treed lot in NY. MBR on 1st floor with guest bedroom on 2nd and a full basement - walkout to lakeside. The list is included below. I would appreciate it if any of you who have thought about lakeside residences could help me grow this list:
# Oversized drainage around foundation to allow for hill runoff - not sure what this entails # Single spigot to drain all water lines in the fall (one stop waterline drainage) - thinking this might be seasonal # Showers only in bathrooms - No tubs # Lots of windows on lake side - maybe full wall of glass windows - possibility of too much heat? # Enter the house directly into the kitchen with a wide door - with a pantry off the kitchen # Side yard patio - with retaining wall? # Oversized gutters with leaf guards # Mold Resistant roofing - especially on north side # Master bedroom on main floor, guest bedrooms on 2nd floor # Main lakeside windows must open to allow for a breeze # Allow for expandable utilities for basement bedrooms # Sliding doors with really good screens on lakeside in basement - walk-out # Make sure there is a basement to attic conduit # Lots of outlets - inside and out # Recessed lights in great room - Ceiling lights in bedrooms