
Nato and I had a vision to use our lake home as a place where families can get away from the stresses of everyday life and enjoy some time on the water.
Initially, I confess that I didn’t see the possibilities in the house, cause I am so not a water or lake person. After all, yo, we already had a house. But, when a realtor friend told us (okay, bugged us ) about the lake house, we couldn’t NOT look.
The house is big with four floors, including an elevator. Everything needed to be redone, and we had a ton going on back at, you know, OUR HOUSE. But, not every relationship is love at first sight.

I couldn’t stop thinking about the view, and noticed the sparkle in Nato’s eye when he talked about the house and the potential. Before I knew it, I was lying awake thinking about painting the cabinets and walls. SO ME!

This summer marks our second summer and I wouldn’t miss the retreat and times with our community that it’s provided. Especially during the pandemic of 2020.
RENOVATION BREAK DOWN

We’ve redone the main floor with the kitchen and transformed another floor into the bunk floor. We painted the walls on the main floor white, painted the island emerald teal and installed new countertops.


An eating area with bench tables is one of my favorite place for the kids.


On the bunk floor we replaced the old carpet with hardwood floors.



It sleeps about 24 people comfortably, which gives it the capacity for large-scale hosting. As excited as I am about hosting, you know I’ve shared that it’s been such a gift of retreat for our family as we’ve enjoyed our quarantine community, family and just us. .
No major splurges on furniture because we don’t want anyone to feel bad for really relaxing and using the house. It’s made to be lived in and loved and used.

Homes are made for hosting, not hoarding. Now more than ever, we want people to feel seen and loved and rest when they walk through these doors. It’s an incredible gift.

original article published in City Life Kansas City
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