go for the right lake house design, and you’ll feel right at home.

Aweekend at the lakecan make all the difference for the rest of your week.

Perhaps it’s the laidback “schedule” that aids most in making the lake house your special retreat.

Captain’s Watch, Plan #1426

Credit: Southern Living

See how this couple built theirdream lake homewith the plan.

The outdoors beckon with a porch that is simply to die for.

See howthis homeowner built the planto suit her needs.

New Carolina Island house plan

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Imagine a full day on the lake, followed by a peaceful snooze.

River Place Cottage, Plan #1959

This plan feels fresh, especially for lakeside living.

The open-plan great room andoutdoor fireplaceare positioned perfectly for entertaining.

Tideland Haven

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Classic comfort is found throughout the dwelling.

A wraparound porch provides full lake views for those beautiful sunsets.

Is this a weekend getaway or a plan for seasonal living all summer long?

Loblolly Cottage SL-2002

Credit:Southern Living House Plans

This is the best combination of classicCape Codand Southern coastal architecture that we’ve seen.

The welcoming porch deserves a fleet of rocking chairs for each member of your family.

We dare you to unplug as often as possible at this charming lake house.

Tucker Bayou Plan #1408

Credit: Designed by LRK Architects

Nautical Cottage, Plan #224

This home is warm, spacious, relaxed, and friendly.

Although it was inspired by the East Coast, this summer cottage can fit in anywhere.

Whisper Creek, Plan #1653

This cottage is allabout the porches.

Lake Wylie Front of House not cropped

Credit:Brie Williams Styling: Jennifer Berno Decleene

Outfitted with a fireplace and vaulted ceilings, the 1,500-square-foot interior lives large.

The two fireplaces verify you’ll feel cozy all year round.

Designated space for activity includes the playroom and the game room.

Pine Island Retreat

Credit:Southern Living House Plans

Vaulted ceilings make everything feel airy and bright.

Large windows and French doors strive to let as much of the natural sunlight in as possible.

It’s inherently Southern but still out of the box.

River Place Cottage

Credit: Jessica Ashley

The primary bedroom opens to a screened porch, allowing for the perfect mix of indoor-outdoor living.

This quaint cottage is just right for a lake getaway.

The second story shares three bedrooms and includes a balcony adjacent to the primary bedroom.

Harborside Hideaway

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Bayou Cottage, Plan #1976

This Lowcountry design speaks to Southern roots and lakeside living.

Featuring both a main porch and a rearscreened porch, there are no excuses good enough to stay inside.

Unless, of course, you are snuggling down by the fire after a long day of water play.

Captain’s Watch house plan

Credit:Southern Living House Plans

Aporch swing or hammockwill be a necessity.

Privacy is all yours.

Lake Haven, Plan #609

Not every lake getaway needs to be large.

Tidewater Cottage SL-1420

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For some, a retreat means a cabin-sized dwelling that still features just the right amount of amenities.

Once you and your guests have settled in, it will feel like a never-ending vacation.

Brunswick Cottage, Plan #595

Windows let in lots of light in this cozy cottage.

Nautical Cottage

Credit: Southern Living

Astone chimney, cedar shingles, and a metal roof give it a rustic charm.

Inside, a two-story family room and spacious bedrooms create an inviting space for guests.

Outdoor spaces extend the homes flow.

Rustic Lake Cabin house plan

Credit:Southern Living House Plans

Enjoy indoor and outdoor living with a great room fireplace thats shared with one of two covered porches.

Foxglove Cottage, Plan #943

You wont want to leave this weekend retreat.

Take advantage of views in every direction with side and rear porches.

This Old House Cottage, Plan #1873

Credit: Southern Living

Welcome guests with two private bedrooms and a bath on the terrace level.

The entire second level is dedicated to a private primary suite.

Whisper Creek Plan #1653

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Shad Shack

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New Tideland Have House Plan

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White Plains

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Silverhill, Plan #749

Credit: Designed by Sullivan Design Company

Deer Run

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Brune house plan SL-2019

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Brunswick Cottage, Plan #595

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Allegheny, Plan #1552

Credit: Designed by Frank Betz Associates, Inc.

Hilltop Lake House Plan 1897

Foxglove Cottage

Credit: Southern Living House Plans