Island Lake Cottage

Lake Winnipesaukee, NH

Located on Little Mark Island in Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire, this project reconstructs a modest early-20th-century lake cottage, bunkhouse, and boathouse on a remote island site. After decades of exposure to the elements left the original cottage in significant disrepair, the buildings were carefully rebuilt in-kind to preserve the informal character, scale, and material language of a traditional New England lake cottage.

Architectural Firm
G.P. Schafer Architects

Builder
Beckwith Builders

Photography
James Reed & Eric Piasecki

Year Completed
2025

Project Type
Residential Rebuild

West Elevation

The bare bones structure showcases true lake living with minimal modern conveniences but instead focuses on the magnificent lake surrounding. With two porches flanking the north and south facades of the cottage, nature is where the focus remains.

Bunk House

West Elevation

Site

The cottage, bunkhouse, and boathouse form a small architectural ensemble organized around the existing character of the island. Rather than reorganizing the site around contemporary conveniences, the project retains the historic relationship between the three structures and the surrounding landscape. New site infrastructure was carefully integrated to support modern use while maintaining the informal character of the original camp.

Boat House

North Elevation

1913 postcard depicting original Little Mark Island cottage

The deteriorated cottage was carefully documented before being dismantled and reconstructed, retaining the proportions, material character, and informal detailing of the original camp.

First Floor Plan

The compact plan organizes the primary living spaces around the central circulation spine, with screened porches extending the cottage toward the lake on opposing elevations.

South Elevation

Island Lake Cottage

Site

Andrew J. Almeida

Contact