Project Spotlight: The Rosabelle – A Timeless Lake House by Jean Stoffer Design

Posted 10/8/2024 by Marketing

Nestled along the sandy shores of Lake Michigan, the Rosabelle stands as a tribute to family heritage, thoughtful design, and enduring craftsmanship. Designed by Jean Stoffer of Jean Stoffer Design, this stunning lake house rebuild embodies a seamless blend of modern functionality and timeless aesthetics. 

Jean Stoffer is a Grand Rapids-based interior designer known for her mastery of blending modern elegance with classic, timeless design and materials. 

With her nationally recognized show, The Established Home, which airs on Magnolia Network, Stoffer brought a wealth of experience and perspective to the table.  

Stoffer’s sweet spot is the intersection of classic architecture and approachable, functional living for families. She guided the selection of materials, layouts, and design elements that would define the Rosabelle. 

We had the pleasure of sitting down with homeowner Rosa Vander Kolk, and interviewing Stoffer via email once the project was complete. Here is the story they told of the Rosabelle rebuild. 

A Vision of Legacy and Craftsmanship

For homeowners Rosa Vander Kolk and her husband, the Rosabelle is more than just a retreat—it is a family legacy. Before the rebuild, the lot had a quaint 700-square-foot cottage that had been in the family for decades. 

The Vander Kolks reimagined the property to create a lasting space for future generations, preserving both its spirit and its connection to the natural environment.

The Rosabelle's story begins with Rosa’s mother-in-law, who first purchased the original cottage in 1960.

“There truly is nothing like the warmth and texture of natural wood,” she noted. The wood ceiling was a strategic design choice used to create a cohesive connection between the indoors and the surrounding nature.

Beyond the beauty of the wood ceiling, Stoffer highlighted the material’s quality and functionality. 

“We are happy with the Thermally Modified VG Hemlock. It looks fantastic, was easy to install and will withstand the temperature and humidity changes that are a certainty,” Stoffer explained. The material ensures that the home will stand up to the sometimes harsh and unpredictable climate of Lake Michigan’s shores.

Stoffer shared some of her favorite ways to incorporate natural wood into home interiors, as inspiration. 

“We love adding tongue and groove to ceilings and walls in many applications. Laundry rooms, mudrooms, bathrooms, hallways, and porches. This material works well both vertically and horizontally and adds interest and texture wherever it is used,” she said. 

In the Rosabelle, these ceilings add a classic, cottage feel, tying the home back to its roots while elevating the overall aesthetic.

A Nod to Tradition: The Porch and Four Season Room

One of the design elements that speaks to the nostalgia of the original lake cottage is the sprawling front porch. 

Stretching the length of the house, the porch evokes memories of simpler times and slower days spent by the lake. 

“We wanted to bring back the idea of the lake cottage front porch that runs the length of the house and overlooks the water. We included materials that would have been found on screened porches of old. Tongue and groove ceiling boards in particular,” Stoffer shared. 

Inside, the four-season room is a favorite of the Vander Kolk family, a perfect blend of beauty and functionality. Rosa highlighted this room as a standout space in the home: 

“The four season room is probably our favorite room in the house. We decided to go with the wood ceiling because it’s so warm. We think it turned out beautifully.” 

The room serves as a year-round retreat, where the family can enjoy the lake views and surrounding nature in comfort, no matter the season.

A Home that Flows with Nature

Throughout the Rosabelle, every design choice has been made with intention, ensuring that the home feels as much a part of the landscape as it does a part of the family’s history. 

Rosa pointed out how the natural materials in the design enhance the home’s connection to its surroundings.

“The wood ceiling really fits into nature out here. We’ve got the green lawn, the water, the beach, the stone floor… it just all seems to flow and work together.” 

This harmony between the home and its environment is a testament to Stoffer’s expertise in creating spaces that are both beautiful, functional and livable.

The Rosabelle is more than just a lake house—it’s a legacy, built to stand the test of time. 

Through the careful design work of Jean Stoffer and the vision of the Vander Kolk family, this home tells a story of family, tradition, and timeless craftsmanship.

From the warm natural wood that blends seamlessly with nature to the thoughtful nods to its cottage past, the Rosabelle will surely continue to be a place where memories are made for generations to come.

If you’re considering a design project of your own that highlights natural products, Stoffer shares this recommendation:

“We definitely desire to infuse natural elements in our interiors. We like mixing them with painted elements to achieve an eclectic, collected look.” 

Visit the project page to learn more about behind the build.

Ready to start your project? Find out where to buy.