Cabins and Lake Homes share a lot in common as places of retreat we all enjoy. They both are often found in natural environments such as lake shores or river’s edge. They both feature great rooms where kitchen, dining and living share a common space central the structure. Either can be found to be rustic, sheathed inside with wood, or modern, with painted sheet rock. Each desire lots of windows focused on views, and fresh air spaces of screen porch, terrace or deck.
They do have differences, however, and here are a few notable to me:
RETIREMENT
Lake Homes are often designed with retirement in mind and thus take on some of the characteristics of homes in the city. This is expressed as larger bedrooms, more bathrooms, a rec room, and specialty rooms such as a pantry, wine cellar, sauna and office. They can be more spread out, and cost more. Cabins are purposely casual, focused on bonding, expecting shorter stays and have smaller bedrooms and lofts. They may be expected to be handed down through generations with family art work, photos and trophy fish on the walls.
GARAGE
Lake Homes are likely to have attached garages, where entry for owners is out of rain or snow. Cabin owners enjoy the fresh air of their walk from car to cabin, and detached garages are more likely filled with kayaks, canoes, or handy-person projects.
ENTRIES
Since Lake Homes have garages, mud rooms are between them and the kitchen, usually with a side entry. This accommodates a more formal main entry usually detached from the mud room. By contrast Cabins have one entry through the mudroom or in very close proximity to it.
FIRE
Lake Homes have fireplaces which burn either wood or gas. They can be rather elaborate, featuring stone, wood storage or even a TV and the focus of living room furniture. Cabins almost always have a wood burning device, either modest fireplace or wood stove. Stoves are not as likely to be the central focus of a seating area.
BEDROOMS
Lake Homes are likely to have a couple’s suite, where a bath is attached to a bedroom, large enough to have a sitting area. All bedrooms are larger and likely to contain king size beds. Bathrooms are also more plentiful. Cabins have smaller bedrooms and often loft sleeping where privacy is less of an issue. Bathrooms in cabins are usually fewer and shared.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Whether Lake Home or Cabin, you’ll find the place of serenity, where family and friends can bond for a weekend or several weeks. Enjoy the camaraderie, the bass fillet, and the call of the loon.