Text by Hannah Nance
As the Southern heat reaches blistering highs in the summer, there’s no better place for cottage living than right on the edge of the water. That’s what inspired this city-dweller to purchase a lakeside retreat in 2013—a perfect vacation home for entertaining during the hot summer months and the ideal spot to gather for football games in the fall.
With rustic wood ceilings and floors, barn doors, and an expansive two-story back porch, the humble getaway embraces the beauty of its surroundings and brings nature indoors. “We have beautiful mature landscaping with tall trees and lots of shade on this eastern-facing lot,” Andrew explains. “Something is usually in bloom, whether it’s azaleas and dogwoods in the spring, hydrangeas in the summer, or camellias in the fall and winter.” All the fresh greenery only adds to the main feature of this breathtaking oasis: the lake.
The best place to enjoy the scenery is easily the Ducketts’ massive porch. “It’s where we drink coffee in the morning, eat most of our meals, and enjoy cocktails and music at night while enjoying the beautiful view of the lake,” Andrew says. Featuring a charming porch swing and multiple seating areas under a high-ceiling A-frame roof, it’s hard to see why one would ever have reason to leave. But the kitchen beckons hungry guests indoors with a large inviting bar and reclaimed wood cabinetry. Natural light floods the room thanks to a wall of windows, and a unique chandelier hangs above the island.
Right off the kitchen is a cozy bedroom, enclosed by rustic tin-and-wood sliding barn doors. Light pouring in from a window above the bed brings out the rich red hues of the wood floors. Lake memorabilia is artfully tucked into every corner of the house, making it an even more charming retreat. Andrew’s daughter’s bedroom features two handcrafted headboards that are mounted to the wall, and bright bedding is reflective of some of the colors of the outdoors, swirled in shades of blue, green, and yellow.
Though the interior of the home is charming by itself, the Ducketts always find themselves drawn to the water. “When you get here, all your stress melts away and your focus becomes relaxing and enjoyable lake activities,” Andrew says. “Our house is small and cozy, warm and inviting. It’s a place for friends and family to enjoy each other and God’s beautiful creation.”
