Lake Geneva Dream Home

Why Lake House Floor Plans Matter on Lake Geneva

Designing a lake home is about more than square footage. It is about the way light moves through rooms, how hallways frame the shoreline, and how your family flows from the kitchen to the dock on a summer morning. Thoughtful lake house floor plans capture views, protect privacy, and make four-season living feel effortless. If you are building or remodeling on Lake Geneva, Fontana, or Delavan, a well planned layout is the key to comfort and luxury in every season.

At Jorndt Fahey, LLC, we create custom homes that celebrate the lake while honoring timelines and budgets. Our team blends craftsmanship with smart design to help you make the most of your site, your vision, and your investment. The result is a home that feels tailor made for your life on the water.

Design Principles That Maximize Views and Light

Start With Site Orientation and View Corridors

Every site tells a story. The angle of the shoreline, the path of the sun, and nearby trees all influence the way your home should be placed. Well designed lake house floor plans begin outside, with a careful study of the lot and its view corridors. The goal is to frame the water from the spaces where you spend the most time, while protecting privacy from the road and neighbors.

Angle the main living areas toward the strongest view lines to the lake.
Use side yards and setbacks to create layered outdoor rooms that feel private.
Preserve mature trees to soften the home and manage summer sun.
Position garages and service areas away from the prime water views.

Use Window Strategy for Views Without Glare

Wall-to-wall glass looks dramatic, but balance is crucial. Mix large picture windows with operable units for cross ventilation. Place transoms above standard windows to lift sightlines to the treetops and sky. Consider clerestory glass where privacy is a concern. In bedrooms, locate windows to capture sunrise or sunset while allowing space for furnishings.

Elevate With Ceiling Heights and Volume

Varying ceiling heights create drama and help define zones. A great room with a vaulted or beamed ceiling feels like a retreat, while adjacent kitchen and dining spaces can be a touch lower for a more intimate feel. Continuous ceiling lines from inside to porch ceilings help blend indoor and outdoor living.

Design Circulation That Frames the Water

Hallways and stairs should not be afterthoughts. Use them as view galleries. A gallery hallway lined with windows can guide guests from the foyer to the great room while revealing the lake in stages. A switchback stair with a landing window can offer a framed view that becomes a daily ritual.

Room-by-Room Ideas for Lake House Floor Plans

Main Level: Open Yet Comfortably Zoned

Open concept living remains a favorite, but savvy zoning keeps large spaces comfortable. The main level should blend connection and intimacy, with clear sightlines to the lake.

Place the great room, kitchen, and dining along the lakeside wall to capture views.
Use a large island and ceiling treatments to subtly define kitchen space.
Locate a fireplace on an interior wall so it does not block windows.
Include a lakeside sitting nook or window bench for quiet moments.
Connect a covered porch or screened room directly from dining.

Kitchen and Dining Built for Easy Entertaining

The kitchen is the hub of lake life. Design it for family breakfasts, weekend gatherings, and holiday dinners. Include generous prep surfaces, a walk-in pantry, and room for multiple cooks. Consider a second dishwasher, a beverage center, and easy access to outdoor grilling. Floating shelves or glass cabinets can showcase serveware without closing in the room. Position the dining area so chairs face the lake and include space to expand the table when guests arrive.

Primary Suite With Sunrise or Sunset

Orient the primary bedroom to your preferred light. Sunrise lovers will enjoy gentle morning light on the east side. If sunsets and evenings by the fire are your style, look to the west. Add a private balcony or patio for peaceful retreats. In the bath, include windows for natural light and a separate water closet for privacy. The closet should be close to the laundry for daily convenience.

Guest Spaces and Bunk Rooms

Lake life brings company. Plan for comfortable guest suites with private baths and room for luggage. Bunk rooms are perfect for kids and grandkids, and they can be refined with built-in bunks, dimmable reading lights, and deep drawers. Place guest rooms on a split plan or on a separate level to provide privacy for both hosts and visitors.

Lower Level Walkout With Purpose

A walkout lower level can be a year-round destination. Design it as more than storage. Add a lounge with a second fireplace, a game area, a wet bar or kitchenette, and a covered patio for shade on hot days. Include a lakeside bath with durable finishes for easy cleanup after a swim. For year-round use, consider radiant floor heat in concrete or tile areas. Direct access to the yard and dock keeps traffic out of main living areas.

Flex Rooms for Work and Wellness

Modern lake homes benefit from spaces that adapt. A quiet office with lake views makes work feel lighter. A fitness room near the primary suite improves daily routines. A studio space can flex for crafts or yoga. Pocket doors and acoustic treatments help these rooms function well without isolating them.

Indoor-Outdoor Living for All Four Seasons

Porches, Patios, and Decks That Extend Living Space

Great lake house floor plans create outdoor rooms that feel like natural extensions of the home. Blend multiple options to handle sun, shade, wind, and bugs across the seasons.

Screened porch for mosquito season evenings with ceiling fans and optional heaters.
Covered porch for shade and rain protection with outdoor fireplace.
Open deck for sun and star watching.
Terraced patios with planting beds to reduce the feel of a tall foundation.

All-Season Rooms and Sunrooms

A four-season room with insulated glass, a fireplace, and radiant floors delivers light even on winter days. Position it to capture low winter sun and include operable windows for summer breezes. A sunroom can double as a reading room or breakfast spot with panoramic views.

Entry and Mudroom Strategy

Lake life comes with gear. Design a gracious front entry for guests and a hardworking side entry for daily use. Place a mudroom near the garage with lockers, benches, and a utility sink. Include seasonal storage for boots and coats and a spot for towels near exterior doors. Durable floors like tile or sealed concrete keep maintenance low.

Built for Wisconsin Winters and Summer Comfort

Energy and Comfort Essentials

Four-season living demands strong building science. Better insulation, tight air sealing, and high-performance windows make the home comfortable and quiet. Zoned HVAC with smart thermostats allows different temperatures for bedrooms, living spaces, and basements. Consider radiant floor heating in the lower level and baths for winter coziness. Proper overhangs and exterior shades help control summer heat gain while preserving views.

Materials That Stand Up to the Lake

Choose materials that resist moisture, wind, and UV exposure. Fiber cement or engineered wood siding, composite decking, and aluminum or fiberglass railings are smart long-term investments. Inside, select finishes that are beautiful and resilient, like quartz counters, engineered flooring for stability, and tile in entries. Good ventilation in baths and laundry helps manage humidity.

Multi-Generational and Aging-in-Place Planning

Universal Design Details That Make Life Easier

Plan subtle features that add comfort at any age. A no-step entry and wider hallways make moving in furniture easier and future proof the home. On the main level, include a full bath and a guest suite that can become a caretaker or primary suite later. Blocking in shower walls prepares for grab bars if needed. Lever handles, minimal thresholds, and good lighting improve daily life for everyone.

Privacy Without Isolation

For extended family, create separate bedroom zones with their own baths and closets. Pocket doors can close off a loft or den for quiet time. A kitchenette in the lower level supports independent living during longer stays while keeping the main kitchen uncluttered.

Smart Home Planning and Storage for Lake Living

Technology Integration

Smart controls add ease without clutter. Plan wiring early for strong Wi-Fi coverage, audio zones, and security cameras. Lighting control scenes create mood and improve safety. Automated shades protect furnishings and control glare. Heated driveway or snow-melt systems can be considered for steep approaches.

Storage That Works Hard

From fishing gear to paddle boards, storage is essential. Include a lake-level storage room with exterior access. Add tall closets for life vests, a dedicated cleaning closet, and a utility room with space for future equipment. A workshop bay in the garage with a sink keeps maintenance tasks tidy and away from main living areas.

Three Sample Lake House Floor Plan Concepts

Lakefront Classic: Main level features a lakeside great room, dining, and kitchen in a continuous line for maximum views. Primary suite is on the main floor with a private porch. Upper level includes two guest suites and a loft overlooking the lake. Walkout lower level offers a lounge, bar, bunk room, and covered patio. A screened porch sits between the dining room and deck for flexible entertaining.
Modern Courtyard Retreat: U-shaped plan with the great room and kitchen facing the lake, guest wing to one side, and garage wing forming a sheltered courtyard. The courtyard creates wind protection and privacy for outdoor dining. The primary suite faces the lake with a corner window wall. A four-season room anchors one end of the U. The walkout level includes a fitness studio, media room, and lake gear storage with direct path to the dock.
Hillside Terrace Home: Split-level design for steep lots. Entry and garage sit at street level with a short stair down to the main living floor, which runs along a terrace facing the water. A central stair connects to a half-floor down bunk suite and a half-floor up primary suite for layered privacy. Multiple terraces step down the hillside with built-in planters, creating outdoor rooms at every level.

The Jorndt Fahey, LLC Approach to Lake House Floor Plans

Who We Are

Jorndt Fahey, LLC is a premier custom home builder based in Williams Bay. We serve Lake Geneva, Fontana, Delavan, and surrounding communities. Founded by Douglas and Bryan Jorndt of Jorndt Builders, LLC, and Dan Fahey, our company blends decades of building experience with inventive design. We focus on high-quality craftsmanship, timely execution, and steady communication from start to finish. Our clients value our attention to detail and warm, professional service.

Leadership matters in complex lake builds. Bryan Jorndt excels at construction and subcontractor coordination and has a strong eye for visualization. Douglas Jorndt leads with business management expertise and a client-first mindset. Dan Fahey brings deep remodeling and design skill with a flexible, quality-driven approach. Together we guide you through a clear, enjoyable process.

Our Services

Custom Home Design tailored to your site, view goals, and lifestyle.
New Home Construction with disciplined project management and trusted trades.
Luxury Remodels that refresh and transform existing lake homes.
Home Additions that blend seamlessly with your current architecture.

Our Process From Vision to Keys

Discovery: We listen to your goals, budget, and timeline, and walk your site.
Concept and Budget: We develop initial lake house floor plans and align scope and cost.
Design Development: We refine layouts, details, and selections for a cohesive home.
Permitting and Preconstruction: We schedule, order long-lead items, and prepare the site.
Construction: We coordinate trades, manage quality, and keep you informed at every step.
Delivery and Care: We complete a smooth handoff and stand behind our work.

Where We Build

We proudly serve Lake Geneva, Williams Bay, Fontana, Delavan, and nearby communities. Lakeside lots, wooded parcels, and hillside properties each demand a custom approach. Our team knows how to design and build for the local climate and the special requirements of waterfront homes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lake House Floor Plans

How do I choose the best orientation for my home?

Study the view lines and sun path from your lot. Place main living spaces along the strongest water views. Factor in shoreline setbacks, tree locations, and privacy. Jorndt Fahey, LLC creates massing studies to test options and confirm the best orientation before finalizing plans.

What size should windows be to capture views without overheating the home?

Balance is key. Use large fixed windows to frame views and operable windows for ventilation. Add overhangs and consider low solar gain glass on west and south exposures. We tailor glass types and shading to your specific site and comfort goals.

How can I plan for four-season use?

Prioritize insulation, air sealing, and high-performance windows. Consider radiant heat in lower levels and baths. Include a four-season room, a screened porch with heaters, and smart HVAC zoning. Durable materials and good drainage keep maintenance low in all weather.

What spaces are most important for guests?

Provide at least one private guest suite with its own bath and include a flexible bunk room for kids. Plan storage for luggage, add blackout shades, and give guests easy access to snacks and coffee without crossing the main kitchen during busy mornings.

How do I manage storage for lake gear?

Include a lake-level storage room with exterior access, tall closets for life vests and rods, and hooks for wet items near outdoor doors. A secondary laundry or utility sink by the lower level entry helps with cleanup after lake time.

Start Your Lake Geneva Dream Home With Jorndt Fahey, LLC

Inspired to create a home that lives beautifully in every season? Jorndt Fahey, LLC designs and builds custom lake house floor plans that showcase the best of Lake Geneva while fitting your lifestyle. Whether you are starting fresh or transforming an existing home, our team is ready to guide you with care and precision.

Contact Jorndt Fahey, LLC to begin:

Address: 168 Elkhorn Road, Williams Bay, WI 53191
Phone: (262) 607-6121
Email: office@jorndtfaheyllc.com
Hours: Mon-Fri 7 am to 7 pm, Sat 10 am to 5 pm, Sun 12 pm to 4 pm

Your lake home should welcome sunlight, frame the water, and feel effortless all year. With Jorndt Fahey, LLC, you get a partner devoted to craftsmanship, communication, and elegant, livable design. Let us help you turn your vision into a Lake Geneva home that your family will love for generations.