Sarah and Hunt’s first collaboration was a lakeside retreat for a wonderful woman who was choosing to downsize her life. Leaving behind her career and her large house in New England, she wanted a modest cottage on the banks of a lake in Appalachia where she could live peacefully throughout the year, and occasionally welcome friends and family for extended visits. We carefully sited the house so that it would blend into the forest that surrounds the lake and be just barely visible from the water. A massive shed dormer, allows natural light to pour in and frames views of the lake for the lofted bedrooms. The screened porch, the favored gathering space in the mild North Carolina climate, claims the prime corner of the site, with stadium steps cascading down toward the water. A clerestory bay on windows allows light from the dormer into the living room, and of course. It was a joy to work as an owner-architect team on every detail - from the kitchen window view to the perfect Christmas tree spot.