Set within New Hampshire’s storied Lakes Region, Cove House by Marcus Gleysteen Architects (MGa) reinterprets the traditional lake home through a modern architectural lens. Designed as a year-round retirement residence for a long-time summering family, the house balances contemporary living with a deep respect for its natural surroundings.
Rather than constructing a dominant waterfront landmark, the clients envisioned an intimate family compound that would coexist quietly with the landscape. The 4,820-square-foot home sits on a 0.6-acre waterfront parcel, complemented by an adjacent guest cottage, shared garage, and boathouse. “They didn’t want the house to dominate the land,” explains Marcus Gleysteen, AIA, managing partner at MGa.
Architecture Rooted in Place
Designed by Marcus Gleysteen and project architect Robyn Bell Gentile, AIA, Cove House is composed as a carefully layered assembly of stone, steel, and wood—materials chosen for both durability and regional relevance. The lower levels are clad in six-inch-thick granite sourced from three local quarries, echoing the site’s historic stone seawall. Above, nickel-gap siding painted in muted tones references the browns, greens, and greys of the surrounding forest.
Exposed Douglas fir glulam rafters extend continuously from exterior to interior, reinforcing visual continuity while celebrating New England craftsmanship. Technical detailing—including zinc-treated cut ends, thermal breaks, and carefully placed insulation—supports the firm’s objective of creating a home that would endure naturally through quality construction rather than overt stylistic expression.
A Sequential Spatial Experience
Inside, the house unfolds through a choreographed sequence of compression and release. A low, stone-lined entry corridor—evoking Southwestern slot canyons—leads visitors into a soaring atrium where light and space expand dramatically. A black steel beam frames the transition, heightening the sense of arrival.
At the heart of the plan, a double-height kitchen faces the neighboring guest cottage, reinforcing visual and social connection within the family compound. Ceiling heights then compress again over the dining and great room before lifting at the rear glazed façade, where a 24-foot steel moment frame opens uninterrupted views to the lake.
Gleysteen cites Frank Lloyd Wright’s Robie House as an influence, particularly its controlled spatial rhythm and experiential movement.
Craft, Light, and Material Precision
The reflective qualities of lake light informed every interior decision. Rather than relying on drywall, the architects selected natural materials—granite, wood, and steel—that respond gracefully to low-angle sunlight. During construction, materials were tested on-site to ensure their texture and finish performed as intended.
Granite walls throughout the lower level appear monolithic but are constructed from thin veneer panels expertly arranged to capture shadow and depth. Douglas fir ceiling slats and beams warm the interior, complemented by white oak flooring and custom rift-sawn walnut furnishings.
Transitions between materials are meticulously detailed, reinforcing the project’s emphasis on craftsmanship and longevity.
Lifestyle-Driven Design
A glazed stairwell with floating granite treads draws soft northern light through the home, while glass railings and open risers enhance transparency between levels. Practical considerations—such as slip-resistant stone treads—reflect the realities of lake living.
The foundation level includes a cabana zone with sauna, showers, laundry facilities, and direct lake access, supporting an active waterfront lifestyle. A wine storage and tasting room—drawing inspiration from The French Laundry’s renowned cellar—opens onto an east-facing patio, filling the space with morning light.
A Home for the Long Term
Completed in fall 2023, Cove House embodies a philosophy of restraint, craftsmanship, and emotional longevity. For Marcus Gleysteen, the project reflects a broader architectural ambition: creating spaces that reward their occupants over time.
The house, he notes, was designed as a “beautiful reward”—a place shaped not to impress, but to endure and be deeply lived in.
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