Lochmere Lake Primary Suite & Cabana Addition
“Lakefront Luxury, Built for a Lifetime”
A Brief Overview
This remodel was driven by the homeowners’ desire for long-term livability, elevated comfort, and a design that would make better use of their incredible lakefront lot while fully capturing its views. Central to the plan was a new first-floor primary suite—positioned to overlook the infinity pool and lake, and featuring a private balcony for peaceful outdoor living. A traditional paneled elevator was seamlessly integrated to support aging in place, delivering style, accessibility, and convenience without compromise.
Just as important were several functional upgrades: relocating the laundry room to the first floor, creating a highly practical drop zone, and reimagining the outdoor living areas to enhance comfort, shade, and sightlines to the surrounding landscape. Travertine pavers and natural stone veneer bring timeless texture to the redesigned exterior, uniting form and function.
To maximize everyday enjoyment and effortless entertainment, the addition also includes a poolside cabana with a kitchenette, dual Phantom screen systems for protection from the elements, and a multi-zone entertainment system—all thoughtfully designed to complement the home’s extraordinary setting.
Year
Design Style
Design Timeline
Timeline to Build
Budget
Location
2024
Traditional, Classical
8 months
9-10 months
$779,000
Lochmere Lake / Cary, NC
Year
2024
Design Style
Traditional, Classical
Design Timeline
8 months
Timeline to Build
9-10 months
Budget
$779,000
Location
Lochmere Lake / Cary, NC
Key Features
| . | |
|---|---|
| - Cabana with Kitchenette & Multi-zone Entertainment | - Cabana with Kitchenette & Multi-zone Entertainment |
| - Natural Stone Veneer & Travertine Pavers | - Natural Stone Veneer & Travertine Pavers |
| - Secondary Prep Kitchen | - Secondary Prep Kitchen |
| - Vaulted Ceilings in Primary Suite | - Vaulted Ceilings in Primary Suite |
| - Traditional Paneled Elevator | - Traditional Paneled Elevator |
Key Selections
| . | . | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Flooring: | 4” Red Oak Hardwoods in Duraseal Fruitwood, Satin | {{selection_title}} | 4” Red Oak Hardwoods in Duraseal Fruitwood, Satin |
| Wall Paint: | Sherwin Williams 7681 Tea Light | {{selection_title}} | Sherwin Williams 7681 Tea Light |
| Trim Paint: | Sherwin Williams 7004 Snowbound | {{selection_title}} | Sherwin Williams 7004 Snowbound |
| Cabinet Vendor: | 3C Cabinetry | {{selection_title}} | 3C Cabinetry |
| Scullery Countertops: | Taj Mahal Quartzite | {{selection_title}} | Taj Mahal Quartzite |
Challenge
The backyard’s steep elevation along with an existing pool house and almost no impervious surfaces left required working with Architect. Dawn Christine Architect and her team created a thoughtful design to ensure the new exterior architecture flowed seamlessly with the existing home. We added a first-floor primary suite with a balcony overlooking the pool and lake and incorporated an elevator to support aging in place. Creating a smooth and natural transition to the new addition was a key focus throughout the project.
Solution
The home now offers enhanced shade and breathtaking views of the pool and lake — both inside and out. The new first-floor primary suite adds comfort and convenience, complemented by a secondary laundry room, a stylish new powder bath, and a well-designed drop zone off the garage entry. A traditional paneled elevator provides seamless access to all levels of the home, supporting the clients’ goal of aging in place. These thoughtful upgrades were a true home run for the homeowners, who shared, “This is the last house for us.”
Design
- Remodel focused on long-term livability, style, and maximizing lakefront views
- First-floor primary suite overlooking the infinity pool and lake, with private balcony for a resort-like feel
- Traditional paneled elevator integrated into the floor plan for style, accessibility, and aging in place, replacing the secondary staircase
- First-floor laundry/scullery with extra storage, prep space, and custom cabinetry
- Drop zone at garage entry for daily organization
- Redesigned outdoor living with improved comfort, shade, and unobstructed sightlines
- Travertine pavers and natural stone veneer for timeless, upscale texture
- Poolside cabana with kitchenette, dual Phantom screens, and multi-zone entertainment system
- Collaboration with Dawn Christine Architect to ensure cohesive exterior architecture and seamless flow
Build
- Removed an existing bedroom, bathroom, powder room, closet, and secondary staircase to create space for scullery, laundry, drop zone, and elevator
- Managed construction on a steep backyard elevation with limited impervious surface allowance
- Integrated new architecture with existing structure for a natural transition
- Custom finishes for primary suite, powder bath, laundry/scullery, and cabana
- Phantom screen systems installed for year-round enjoyment
- Travertine paver installation and natural stone veneer application
- Change order: Installed all new travertine around the pool for a unified, high-end look
- Close coordination with architect and trades for precise design alignment
Love it!
The homeowners feel their new spaces not only met but exceeded every need, want, and long-term goal for the home. An unused pool house has been transformed into a resort-like getaway, perfect for relaxing or entertaining while taking in the breathtaking lakefront setting. From the infinity pool to the expansive outdoor living areas, every detail was designed to capture the beauty of sunsets glistening across the lake—a true home run for this property.
Full-floor access via the traditional paneled elevator adds convenience and supports aging in place. The first-floor laundry/scullery offers valuable storage and prep space, while the drop zone keeps daily life organized. Shaded outdoor spaces, a fully appointed cabana with kitchenette, and the multi-zone entertainment system make hosting effortless. Elegant travertine and natural stone finishes complete the transformation, giving the homeowners a forever home they truly cherish.
