A retired couple, who winter in Florida, bought a cottage on a lake in Lunenburg so they could spend time with their grandchildren in the summer. The first floor contained one bathroom, bedroom and a small living room. A very steep stair lead to a master bedroom with limited head height at the second floor. The couple wanted more space to entertain their large family. We proposed a second story addition since the site was tight.

With no proposed excavation, we received Wetlands approval. A special permit allowed the additional proposed height. The “A” frame look and scale of the house was preserved while adding a second story, framed using conventional trusses. The first floor bedroom moved upstairs, along with a second bathroom. The head height and closet space of the Master Bedroom improved. A new, safer stair was added.  The family room expanded into the demolished bedroom space creating a large “great room” for TV and games. New wood flooring to match the second floor tied the addition to the first floor. The owners now have a home that is comfortable enough to host their family year-round.