Bowers Harbor

Northern Michigan Lake House

Bowers Harbor began with a site already defined by a strong sense of place, with a rural character and expansive views toward Neahtawanta, Power Island, and the Leelanau Peninsula. Rather than simply capture those views, the design focused on creating a home that feels rooted in the landscape. We worked to respect the shoreline, preserve existing trees where possible, and respond to the site’s natural terrain. Inside, open gathering spaces support family life, balanced by quieter private areas, resulting in a warm lake house deeply connected to both land and water. Materials and detailing reinforce a quiet, natural site character.

West Bay Living

“The existing site conditions gave us plenty of design cues, and the goal was to make each decision feel intentional. The home is positioned to be more hidden from the road, while still opening up toward key views along the water. This balance makes this West Bay setting so special.”

Chris Johnston, Principal

Bowers Harbor Lake House, Custom Design Rendering by BellCraft Architects

Open To the Water

The home is shaped around the relationship between everyday living and the water beyond. A subtle level change along the entry helps organize movement through the house while keeping the kitchen, dining, and living areas oriented toward the view. At the second level, a continuous sloped roof lifts toward the lake to allow natural light to move deep into the office and gym spaces within the home.

LOCATION

Old Mission Peninsula | Traverse City, Michigan

DESIGN STYLE

Northern Michigan Contemporary

PROJECT CATEGORIES

Rural | Water

FEATURES

Central Great Room | Gourmet Kitchen | Outdoor Living

ARCHITECTURE + INTERIORS

BellCraft Architects

FIXTURES + FURNISHINGS

Brianne Bishop Design

CONSTRUCTION

Mapleridge Construction

LANDSCAPE

Old Mission Associates

PHOTOGRAPHY

Linea Photography

Bowers Harbor Lake House Exterior in Northern Michigan, Custom Home Design by BellCraft Architects
Bowers Harbor Lake House, Custom Design Rendering by BellCraft Architects