The Site

Three and a half acres of soaring oak hammock along a winding private road will be home to a compound of just four lakefront "cottages." Well known Connecticut architect Michael McKinley designed the site plan and cottages with the preservation of the forest and privacy as primary objectives. The first step in the meticulous design process was a tree survey identifying hundreds of oaks and locating them on the drawings so the community could be planned around the significant trees. The low impact approach to both the site and cottages was a response to the drama and interplay of the lakes and forest. The cottages, which will be built to Florida Green Building Coalition Standards, will incorporate energy efficient design and sustainable building materials.

Grove Cottages, so named because the site was once a citrus grove, are distinguished by their verticality which captures and complements the beauty of the trees. The design is also environmentally sensitive because the compact building footprint and land use covenants ensure that the woodland is protected. Instead of lawns and sidewalks typical of most subdivisions, indigenous vegetation will grow beside elevated walkways that meander around to the cottages' waterside decks with lake views framed by trees.

The Grove Cottages Property Owners Association will govern and protect the unique common site features such as the lakes and road.

The Cottage

First Floor Plan

• Open plan with visually and architecturally distinct rooms
• Social kitchen and light-filled Florida room
• Screened front porch with outdoor fireplace, 2nd fireplace in living room
• Master cottage with vaulted ceiling
• Private interior courtyard/spa (in-ground Jacuzzi and indoor/outdoor shower)
• Hurricane safe room with laundry, utility, and storage.

Second Floor Plan

• Second floor master suite with study
• Bedrooms have private bathrooms
• Veranda/sleeping porch overlooking the lake
• Upstairs laundry
• Vaulted ceilings

Area:

Approximately 3,500 square feet conditioned space

Total area: 4,120 square feet

Additional Design Options:

• Swimming Pool
• Additional detached Garage with studio or attic.

Custom features as per owner.

All work prepared by Michael McKinley and Associates shall remain the property of this office. This office shall retain all common law, statutory and other reserved rights including the copyright thereto.