Hello! I’m Donna Jean! My husband, Wayne, and I purchased our home in 2003. Even though it was built in 1979 and had a Modern Flair to it, we knew from the moment we walked in that we could make it into the “Lakeside Home” we had always envisioned. We also knew by changing the design and adding a boathouse we could compliment the integrity of the home. I chose to feature the back of our house. I have always felt that waterfront homes are always more interesting from the backwater view!
Summer Outdoor Living Tour
(Front Garden)
(Screened Porch)
Part of the vision entailed a living room with 3 French doors leading to a screened porch. The doors bring the outdoors in and expand the living area.
The doors are left open on most cool mornings and breezy evenings.
The screen porch is the perfect place to host dinner parties or our Sunday Dinners with our children and grandchildren.
(Back Deck)
There are many outdoor seating areas to take advantage of the lake views. I like to use comfortable furniture with vibrant colors.
I love to use an outdoor rug under the seating areas to make it feel like an outdoor room!
My husband made this simple game of Tic-Tac-Toe from a piece of slate and painted rocks. My grandchildren have played many competitive games!
I love a room with a view! There is plenty of seating on the decks to enjoy reading, relaxing and grilling.
It is a place to enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning listening to the birds and watching the ducks, geese and occasional bald eagle.
I also like to change pillows with the season! It is a simple, inexpensive way to make the seating area look completely different during the year, both inside and out!
The lakeside dock area is used for many things throughout the year. Summertime is for watching the boats, swimmers, and sunsets. The focus is on “Fun in the Sun,” from boating and kayaking to paddle boarding and tubing! There is always an umbrella available to shade the seating.
The kayaks and paddle boards are always ready for a refreshing row around the lake!
The fire pit is always blazing during the cool, crisp evenings!
I have come to appreciate perennial flowers and have many scattered throughout the gardens. It is always exciting to see how the gardens change throughout the seasons.
Our grandchildren Addie, Nolan, Megan and friend, Carson, enjoying the lake!
Our 10-year-old Terrier, Petie, loves the boat, but his hat…not so much!
Solar lighting is used to add the right amount of intimate lighting to the seating areas as well as the walkways.
The view is constantly changing. I always have my camera close by!
The evenings are used for conversing and watching the beautiful sunsets. The stars twinkling at night in the open space above the lake is spectacular!
We always host a party on July 3rd to view the Annual Fireworks Display set from the dam.
My one tip for great outdoor entertaining is to have comfortable seating with a spectacular view, whether it is a lake, garden or city lights! But most importantly, share it with family and friends!
Thank you for allowing me to share my home with you.
Tomorrow on the tour is Charlotte Harris! Charlotte’s traditional/classic style is so beautiful and cozy. Her outdoor living space and pool are welcoming to all guests. She is a dedicated hostess who takes the extra effort to make sure her guests are comfortable.
Summer Outdoor Living Tour
If you haven’t been following along or would like to get caught up on the Summer Outdoor Living Tour, you can view the whole tour below.
Michelle’s Home – Summer Outdoor Living Tour
Lisa’s Home – Summer Outdoor Living Tour
Lauren’s Home – Summer Outdoor Living Tour
You may also like to read about 5 Ways to add instant curb appeal to your home.
DONNA ITS SO BEAUTIFUL
Thank you, Tracy!
Jean your home is as beautiful as you are! I’ve always loved everything about it. You and Wayne accomplished everything you said you were going for. It’s definetly a gorgeous lakeside home???I would love to just sit outside and look at the water.
Thank you, Linda! Come over anytime!
Donna, your back outdoor living areas are beautiful and very inviting!! And that back porch dining area is awesome.
Thank you, Gail. We really do use it for our family dinners…but we to have to add more chairs! Lol
Just beautiful! Love the tic tac toe game and Petie!
Thank you, Peggy! Everyone knows Petie! He is a great dog!
Donna, your lake views are stunning! Your firepit at the lake’s edge is so inviting.
Thank you, Charlotte! I am excited to view your outdoor spaces!
It makes you want to grab a drink and settle in with a good book!
I love your place! ❤️
Thank you for helping with the pictures, Karen! ❤️ I am pretty sure I owe you a drink and a boat ride!
Gorgeous! Love those lake views!
Thank you, Ashlee!
Donna, what a spectacular set of pictures of your gorgeous home! It feels like you are on vacation out here, right? ?
Thank you, Donna! I do remember you telling me that you felt like you were on vacation in TDL! That was many years ago! I took your advice! The summers are amazing! There are lots of visitors and weekenders walking, boating, but more importantly, laughing and having a great time!
Loved the tour of your beautiful outdoor living area!! Very relaxing and a wonderful place to curl up with a great book 🙂
Thank you, Karon! Books are a must, especially in the Summer!
Jean, that is amazing & I feel very lucky to have enjoyed your beautiful space on several occasions- from relaxing to a party. You & Wayne are always such great host & hostess & make us feel so welcome.
Thank you, Pam! I am excited to see all the amazing things you will do with your new place! ?
Jean, your home has the best view! I’m in love with your screened in porch! My dream house has one of those. All the different decks are so neat. I’m inspired to have more flowering perennials now. So beautiful!
Thank you, Lauren. This is our second home with a screened porch. We open all doors every morning. It’s our way of welcoming a new day!
Wow! What a view! Your outdoor spaces look so comfy & inviting. I think the screened in back porch area would be my favorite. I can just imagine how it would feel to sit out there with a good book in hand, a cup of warm coffee & just enjoy! You have done a beautiful job and I am sure your entire family enjoy your fruits of labor.
Thank you for your nice remarks, Paula!
So beautiful Donna, love the lakefront life!
Thank you, Tammy! Your pool area is Amazing too!
Jean, I have always loved your home! You have created such a beautiful and relaxing space!
It is all so beautiful with such vibrant color and has an awesome and welcoming feeling. Blue is my favorite color so I love all the details. You have a beautiful garden with plenty variety of flowers and at night the lights make me think of a boardwalk. Your backyard looks AMAZING!!!
Thank you, Ceci! I’m excited to see all the beautiful places you will create in your new home!
This is a test comment, thank you