Adirondack architecture

The great camps of the Adirondacks represent a unique episode in American architectural history.  From the end of the Civil War to the beginning of the great depression, a group of industrialists, financiers, and railroad builders came to northern New York to build family vacation retreats.  The Adirondack mountain region provided them with the opportunity to assemble large private holdings enclosing lakes, ponds, rivers, and forests set within a region on the verge of exploitation.

Many of the preserves of lands, the clubs, and the private camps they built were similar in design and construction.   What became known as the  Adirondack Style, characterized by the use of native timber and stone and constructed by locally available labor, emerges in the rustic designs.

Rustic designs compatible to their wilderness environment developed as the regional building style.  Consciously sited in remote locations, characterized by the use of logs and indigenous stone, shingled roofs with broad overhangs and porches, and simple—proportioned window and door openings, these building complexes are among our most original examples of vernacular architecture.  Although efforts have been made to link their style to European precedents, and particularly to Alpine Chalets, the collective work was in fact a logical and inevitable combination of local craft traditions and readily available materials—the Adirondack style.

As a regional architecture, the Adirondack great camps have  value as examples of successful design and sure craftsmanship.  In late-nineteenth-century America, they inspired popular journalists to romanticize about them.  Log-building plans were published in “how-to" books using Adirondack camps as models.  The popularity of these places and their suitability to a wilderness setting stimulated similar  constructions in the foot hills of the Appalachians, the northwoods of the great lakes states, and the western slopes of the rocky mountains.  Later, this same style was translated into the grand lodges at yellowstone and glacier parks; it became synonymous with the early architecture of the national park service.

The chapinwood retreat is one man’s effort to re create an Adirondack camp in the pristine woods of northern Wisconsin.  The re creation is very nearly prefect, intended to become a destination for family and friends for generations.

Chapinwood RETREAT

Diamond Lake

Cable, Wisconsin

The lake region of northwestern wisconsin ranks among the most  BEAUTIFUL areas in the country.  dense forests of pine, aspen and maple     provide the northwoods  flavor, the clear sparkling lakes (of which there are too many to list) OFFER a variety of recreational alternatives from fishing, water skiing, sailing, and CANOEING.  This unspoiled area is much akin to what the Adirondacks must have been at the turn of the century.

large tracts of land providing privacy and SECLUSION have become increasingly DIFFICULT to acquire.  However, this area of Wisconsin is still somewhat “undiscovered” providing an OCCASIONAL opportunity to find the ideal getaway or weekend retreat within a reasonable DRIVE from MINNEAPOLIS and st. paul, Chicago or Milwaukee—Madison.  The PROPERTY detailed, is that rare opportunity offering privacy, a beautiful setting, a crystal clear lake AND A STUNNINGLY beautiful log compound – beautiful without pretension – BEAUTIFUL attributable to excellent DESIGN and finish.

the present owner acquired the property as a result of the death of the original owner who had lived here since the late 1930’s.  presently consisting of 25 acres of BRILLIANT maples and aspen, towering evergreens border the lake for the QUINTESSENTIAL northwoods feel.

the ORIGINAL 1940’s log cabin very much in keeping with the Adirondack style, has become an integral part of the “new” log home.  the additions have been sensitive to the scale of the ORIGINAL structure maintaining a link to the past but incorporating style and amenities that are in keeping with tastes and conveniences of the MILLENNIUM.

the “ORIGINAL” cabin consists of a living room with stone fireplace, ¾ bath, two bedrooms and a sun room that runs the length of the structure on the lakeside. The “cabin” has been completely renovated and establishes the theme and character of the expansion and additional structures forThe compound that have recently been completed.  When undertaking the renovation, retaining as much authenticity as possible was the goal.  For example as windows were replaced, marvin windows of warroad, Minnesota was asked to replicate the windows complete with mullions thus establishing the style and character of all windows throughout all of the buildings.  Now, of course, insulated e glass has been used and all screening is of copper.

the original maple flooring has been refinished and the knotty pine interior walls have been cleaned and varnished.

the renovation of the original structure has set the tone for the expansion that includes a new KITCHEN featuring:

·        granite SURFACES and full back splash

·        center island with butcher block surface

·        beautiful pine cabinetry finished to a warm honey color – bertch MANUFACTURING

·        two separate double ss sinks

·        double door side by side subzero refrigerator

·        scottsman ice maker – ss

·        braun trash compactor – ss

·        dcs 6 burner gas range with double ovens

·        thermador wall oven with separate wall microwave

·        thermador double grill/griddle

·        commercial hood/vent/with warming lights

·        Bosch dishwasher

a separate pantry/laundry adjacent to the kitchen is EQUIPPED with yards of counter SURFACES and extensive storage – ideal for food preparation for large parties.

the FORMER living room of the log cabin is now the dining room with a hand crafted table POSITIONED in front of the stone fireplace with AN antler chandelier for illumination.  french doors open from the dining room onto the sun porch – the lake sparkles thru the evergreens and is easily visible. 

on the other side of the original dining room fireplace the “new” home begins.  entering a magnificent entrance that reaches through the center of the house, once again framing the lake through the pines, a stair is immediately to the right leading to a upper loft that presently serves as the owner’s at – home office and sitting room.

to the left of the entry is the heart of the home – a large 2 story gathering room dominated by a two-story split granite stone fireplace and massive beams that both help support the structure and provide   visually exciting STRENGTH.  across the entire length of this room is a wall of glass doors custom designed by marvin windows replicating the same authentic DIVIDERS found in the original cabin.  the doors lead out to a full deck on the lake side.

at the opposite end of the gathering room is a full wall ENTERTAINMENT center.  the flooring throughout this area including the kitchen, entrance and all second LEVEL bedrooms, sitting and bath areas is australian cypress PROVIDING a beautiful compliment to the already existing maple flooring in the “old cabin”.

the OWNER’S suite located in its own private wing of the house, accessed through double doors off one side of the gathering room, offers the same lovely views of the lake and has access to a sun deck.  with its wood burning   fireplace and seating areas, this spacious area offers the owners a quiet retreat when required.  a stunning bathroom with steam shower, oversized whirlpool tub and double vanity is the near perfect spa.  an immense walk-in closet with SKYLIGHT completes this adult retreat.

at the other wing of the house is a two story series of guest bedrooms.  somewhat separated from the main portion of the house for privacy the guest wing is simply charming.  dormer windows creating sloping ceilings, deep window seats, and cozy seating areas are REMINISCENT of lodges of another era.  a place where kids love to hang out on a rainy afternoon. 

a large bedroom with PRIVATE bath, a library area, another sleeping area and a second bath are all ideal for PROVIDING guests their PRIVATE SANCTUARY.

the lower level includes a large BiLLiARD room – bar and television viewing area dominated by a fourth fireplace.  the bar area is very functional with a verde colored marble SURFACE, and excellent bar EQUIPMENT that includes a SECOND ice maker, dish washer, perlick double door cooler, and slate flooring behind the bar.  the carpeting in the main room is green an ideal compliment for the antique pool TABLE INLAID with MOTHER of pearl.

this level also includes a sauna with 3/4 bath, a smaller exercise or recreation room, additional storage CONSTRUCTED of aromatic cedar is intended for outerwear. a separate sport room is intended for fishing gear and gun equipment.  there is a gun safe that will REMAIN in this room for the new owner.

the home is EQUIPPED with five furnaces, five air conditioning units, AND TWO central dehumidication units with APRILAIRE humidifiers on each    furnace.  Fuel source is off peak eclectic and propane (buried tank).  these heating and cooling units are strategically placed throughout the house in fully finished rooms that also include hot water heaters, water SOFTENERS, and pressure tanks for the two SEPARATE wells that are the source for water.  there are also 2 septic systems – one a conventional system; the other, a mound system.

a full house SECURITY system designed to detect heat, moisture, smoke and intrusion PROVIDE a high level of COMFORT for the owner who spends long absences away from the home.

a concept of a bi-gone era is that of a boat house.  no self respecting lake home at the turn of the century through the 50’s and 60’s could do without a boat house!  due to lake shore zoning they are no longer PERMITTED and even if there is a standing structure, it is difficult to convince the dnr to let it remain.

this PROPERTY has one!  the owner has persuaded the local OFFICIALS to let it remain and it has been completely and authentically RESTORED.  this time around there is a deck atop for sunning or simply enjoying the beauty of this incredible northwoods spot.  electricity has been INSTALLED ENABLING REFRIGERATION and illumination to be CONVENIENTLY at hand.

the lakeshore is sand bottom, shallow for small CHILDREN and the water is crystal clear.  on a fall day, as when these PHOTOGRAPHS were taken, the colors reflecting on the clear sparkling water were BREATHTAKING.

 a separate 36 x 55 building is presently used for storing equipment and Is fully insulated with two gas furnaces and both indoor and outdoor kennels for dogs.  the building is EASILY adaptable FOR A shop or any number of uses.  This building also includes an adjacent covered “wood shed” to protect fire wood and kindling.

A three car stone and log garage is located steps from the main lodge and features a 14 foot covered entry.  Fully finished interiors are insulated and heated with banks of overhead lighting for excellent illumination.

A charming log structure with stone fireplace is located nearby and would be ideal for use as a studio or office.  There is also a wood fired sauna building in addition to the sauna located in the lower level of the main house.

the owner has used only the finest materials and PRODUCTS throughout this PROJECT – the detail, finished carpentry and workmanship all speak to an above average commitment to quality.

all hardware is oil rubbed BRONZE or blackened from norton hardware (england), or rocky mountain hardware.  NATURAL shed antler pulls have been SPARINGLY used on cabinetry with antler chandeliers positioned in strategic locations.  all doors are custom built of knotty pine and the entire home is 12” full round LOG EXPERTLY joined.  where interior walls have been erected and are not log, custom milled pine has been installed and tinted a warm honey color.  all CARPETING, when used, is 100% wool.  Wall coverings, where used, are of the highest quality such as natural grasses and fabric.

The interior spaces for chapinwood are custom furnished with a mix of handcrafted and manufactured selections from carefully chosen design sources.  Lighting, case goods, artwork, and area rugs are hand crafted and superbly reflect the unique style of the Adirondack architectural   period.  Pendleton, old hickory, flatrock, blackbear, mico lamp company and numerous other sources contributed their best efforts to completing chapinwood’s design plan.  Since all of the interior design elements were individually selected to complete this plan, the furnishings will be offered to the new home owner, if desired.

Chapinwood’s outside environment was likewise designed to enhance the grand scale of the lodge.  Massive fieldstone columned gates form the entrance to the estate.  The crushed stone entrance drive is lined with     mature black hills spruce and white pine.  The expansive lawns surrounding the lodge are bordered with stone walls and split rail fencing.  A variety of mature tree species to include spruce, fir, maple, birch, ornamental crab, hawthorn, and mountain ash have been planted to complete the landscape plan.  Perennial gardens, freestanding planters for annuals, window boxes, hedges, and foundation plants further enhance the natural charm of the lodge.

surrounded by the chequamegon national forest, In the tradition of Adirondack compounds, the chapinwood retreat has replicated the prefect     environment!  From the long drive through the woods to reach the stone entrance gates, to the curving drive to approach the home, the effect is enchanting.  The compound that has been created is in keeping with the camps of a by gone era with all of the convenience of today.

this home has been created to PROVIDE enjoyment for a family for many generations.  as was the custom and still is in many regions of the world, the getaway or lake retreat is a foundation of family life – this classic log home in the ADIRONDACK tradition would be a fine beginning.

Diamond Lake

 Cable, Wisconsin

The Chapinwood Retreat is located at the end of a quiet country lane and is   accessed by passing through a gated entrance.  The driveway curves to significant courtyard from which is access to the oversized insulated three car garage and a pillared entrance walkway to the lodge.

 Surrounded by the Chequamegon National Forest, Diamond Lake is adjacent to the Lake Namakagon approximately 6 miles east of the quaint community of Cable, Wisconsin and 50 miles south of Bayfield and the world famous Apostle Islands where sailing on the Lake Superior is enjoyed by serious boaters.

DIAMOND LAKE water CLARITY and purity is EXCELLENT for this 341 acre full recreation lake.  the average depth is 33 feet with maximum depth of 83 feet.  the 860+ feet of shoreline offered features shallow sand bottom excellent for swimming.