Landscaping!

I’m no fan of red except on barns so a paint job would be first. I like houses like this to recede so I would paint all black, iron ore, black fox, that sort of thing. What do you like?

It doesn't need a thing except perhaps some chairs to use to enjoy the view.

It will be a lot easier to comment on the lakeside when the house is not in shade and you dock is in the water. Is pic #2 the road side? What I see is a red cottage with white trim and a lot of unpainted bits. I'd paint them. I like the wagon wheel, but it doesn't show up against the dark foundation. I might paint it red and white and hang it on the wall. I'd add some flowering native shrubs.

How important is to "update" a camp or weekend home? It would be very low on my list of priorities given its setting and usage as not the primary residence.

I'm with floral on this - it looks fine the way it is, well-suited to its setting. I even like the red color :-)) Some outdoor furniture and maybe a couple of seasonal containers is all it's asking for,.

Thank you for your comments. The unpainted bits are new repairs. Since I had to paint those, I was considering changing the red color to something else. My husband will appreciate gardengal48's comment about liking the red color! I'm considering a flagstone walkway to the beach. Where the stairs are is the driveway side. The side you see when you pull up... if you're not looking at the lake ;)

I was thinking of a blue or blue-green color but couldn't decide/ convince my husband.

It looks pretty perfect to me.

I will definitely get more native flowering shrubs/ plants and add a few planters. The deer have been eating the leaves off our hostas.

It's charming. The only thing I might do is change out the railing for a wood and wire option:

Swampscott Waterfront Residence · More Info

I wouldn't fight the deer by attempting to garden the surroundings. Just allow natives adapted to the conditions to grow. Hostas and planters don't belong there imo.

So lovely reminds me of our family cottage at the lake except we had a loft for all us kids to sleep in. I think green would be great a nice sage with the white trim would be good I do like the idea of a more see through railing for sure Big tubs of flowers on the deck might work if you put a gate at the top wfor when you are not there .

I agree an earthy green/sage would be lovely. Not a fan of blue in any form on a house, but that is me. Agree that a less obtrusive deck railing like the one facing the lake would be nice. match the deck (if you don't change it) and stairs to the house color.

I agree with cyn427, an ”earthy” color would be my choice ( I’m not a fan of blue on houses ) , but I do have a question. What is that open storage ? area under the deck? I would do something to improve that look plus rethink the railing. Nice setting.

Lovely place. Finish painting the new wood boards before winter. I always like to recommend planting a few dozen bright yellow daffodil bulbs while people are considering longer term landscaping plans.

Straightening up the things in the sheltered area under the porch would make it look well kept.

If you need a fresh load of gravel to add to gravel that has sunk in or wandered off, you could add that in spring.

A Gentleman's Estate · More Info

I think blue or green would look great on a lakeside house, but I like it as is, too.

The area under the camp has a concrete pad for storage or entertaining. There's a fire place on fast wall that you can't see. We generally use the address for storage because we love the upper deck with better view. The railing gives us a little privacy from the neighbors so we only changed the front. Someone mentioned painting it the same color of camp which I would consider. You can't tell by the picture but the railing tilts out slightly giving the illusion of a wider walkway.

I'd go with a muted green but the red isn't bad (once you finish the unpainted parts).

The red is nice enough that I wouldn't bother to repaint at this point unless it actually needed new paint everywhere instead of just on those repairs.

It looks like a classic midcentury lakeside cabin, except in better condition. The angled railings are too perfect to replace.

Great house…love it! I wouldn’t do a thing other than paint the stairs to match the deck railing. Unless, of course, the whole house needs repainting, then there are lots of color options.

I have to wait for the pressure treated wood to cure before painting/ staining.

Thank you ALL for your thoughts. I truly appreciate your input!

I added one of my favorite pics to share. It's our home away from home in the summer!

It's beautiful but the cluttered storage area is not attractive.

You say you use it for entertaining, so make it inviting with some nice furniture and a cozy rug. It would be nice not to have to climb the stairs. And to sit down in comfortable seating like if it's raining.

Contain the clutter to one corner and put up some lattice panels or something.

Can you see the lake from down there with that bush in the way?

I would keep the red. It looks nice just like it is. I do agree to declutter a bit and add furniture and rugs, to make it look inviting to guests.

l‘d start with painting cottage/trim/door and strip/stain deck (for looks and longevity). To help decide on color(s) pour over on line pictures and in the spring, test a few shades and stand back.

https://www.diybunker.com/green-home-exteriors/

Suggest some type of deer resistant landscaping/a lattice under deck (leaving side open).

Creating a pathway will look nice, as I’m sure the grass takes a toll, and it might be safer for the elderly to navigate.

Grounds/beachfront/deck - lots of on line ideas and comfortable seating is always a good investment.

This flagstone walkway is just what I was thinking!