Rustic Charm on the Waterfront

As dusk settles, this timber frame home glows warmly against its wooded backdrop. Expansive glass walls invite the beauty of nature indoors, while the wrap around deck provides breathtaking views of the landscape. A gently lit pathway leads to a private dock, perfect for enjoying peaceful waterfront moments.

Woodhouse first designed and built a timber frame home on the east side of Seneca Lake for David and Faye in 1992. They loved their home, and so, when the opportunity arose to build a new home on the property a few miles south, they contacted Woodhouse and arranged a meeting.

Inside, the home’s ceilings and exposed timber trusses create a spacious yet intimate ambiance. Soft natural light pours in through large windows. As the light shifts throughout the day, it highlights the warmth of the wood interiors and brings out rich textures and subtle tones, enhancing the home’s natural beauty.

“Woodhouse owner Pat Seaman met us on the building site with the company architect and a potential builder,” recalled David. “It was a perfect collaborative listening session which they turned into a rendering within two weeks. Two timely revisions later, we had our design and budget.”

That meeting introduced design concepts like Asian influences, 19th century train stations and a focus on how light moves through a building. The result is a contemporary timber frame aesthetic surrounded by terraced gardens and dominated by Seneca Lake views.

This inviting kitchen balances functionality and charm with rich wood cabinetry, exposed beams and a cozy atmosphere. The large island provides ample space for cooking and gathering, while expansive windows frame stunning outdoor views. A handcrafted chandelier adds a unique artistic touch and enhances the rustic yet refined aesthetic.

“We wanted to see the lake from every room and get as much light inside as we could. The design team accomplished that and added a large clerestory that created dancing shadows which brought the rooms to life all afternoon long.”

The Woodhouse building system consists of the timber frame (southern yellow pine interior timbers and white oak on the exterior), polyurethane structural insulated panels (SIPs) for the walls and roof and Andersen 400 series windows and doors. Finishes include low-maintenance fiber cement siding and high-definition architectural shingles on the roof.

“The natural beauty of the posts, rafters and beams created a warmth to the open spaces during every season of the year. And, we admire the architectural framework of our supporting timbers every day.”