Lake house ideas to make your home stand out

lake house

Go for a rustic design like this one, or modern and chic–Your lake house, your choice!

Reflections on Lake Nantahala offers the perfect location for your new lake house. With a great view of the lake, quick access to the water with the nearby marina and dock, and the perfect, tranquil mountain setting in North Carolina, you have everything you need around you to provide the perfect lake house setting. Now that you have the setting, it’s time to think about what’s going inside of your lake house and in the lake house design. Here are a few ideas we have to help make your new home even more spectacular:

Incorporate natural colors into your home.

Life at the lake is all about getting back into sync with a slower pace of life and nature, so surrounding yourself with natural hues will help add to the feeling. Go rustic with exposed woods and rich autumn shades inspired by the leaves around you in the fall. If you want a more modern and chic look, incorporate a country white wash or white space as well as shades that you’d see in the water, such as the deep blue or soft green that Lake Nantahala showcases from a distance.

Be smart with storage.

Built ins are a great way to add space and interest to your home without sacrificing any square footage. Consider adding book shelves under your stairs or cubbies in the bathroom for towels and toiletries. If you want to get really creative, consider a modern design such as these Murphy style bunk beds.

Add a touch of whimsy and personality.

The lake house is your retreat, whether you live at Lake Nantahala year-round or just come for regular visits. Let your home show off the same care-free spirit you want to have while you’re there by adding fun accents with a lake theme, or just items that reflect your personality. Not feeling really inspired? Scour sites like Pinterest or Etsy for great lake house decor ideas and sources to find what fits your style.

Photo via Flickr CC

Rent a Boat for Your Day on Lake Nantahala

Whether you’re building your dream house in one of the stunning lots at Reflections on Lake Nantahala, or if you’re just visiting for the weekend, you don’t have to bring a boat with you to have fun. At the lake’s Marina (next door to the Lake’s End Diner), you and your family, friends, or team can rent the boat that fits your needs best.

view from Lake Nantahala marina

Our marina has a great view of the lake, and all of the boats you’ll need to enjoy a day out on the water.

For Groups

For groups, we have larger pontoons that are perfect for a lazy day on the water. Grab a cooler and a few friends and head for the water, relaxing while the boat moves along or swimming off of the side.

For Individuals

You don’t have to have companions to enjoy a day on the lake. Kayaks and canoes are the perfect rentals for individuals, couples, or small groups who want to paddle out on the water and enjoy a day exploring without the company of a crowd.

For Sport

Take one of our ski boats out for a spin if a little bit of water sports is what you’ve been waiting for this summer. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a little bit of speed along with the scenery on Lake Nantahala.

Lake Nantahala marina

Enjoy a burger on the patio of Lake’s End Diner or have a snack at one of our picnic tables.

No matter which boat is right for you, Lake Nantahala is the perfect getaway for Summer weather. Beat the heat with a dip in the lake, enjoy a delicious burger at the diner, or pack your own feast and take advantage of the picnic tables at the marina. You’re minutes from canopy tours, white water rafting, and more, so enjoy the activities on the lake and beyond!

On the lake, you have everything you need for a great afternoon, enjoying the beautiful forests of the Topton, NC area.

Which boat fits your personality? Tell us about your boating preferences in a comment!

5 Things to Make Your Memorial Day Amazing

american flags on memorial day

Memorial Day is a national day of remembrance as we look back on and thank those who gave their lives serving in the armed forces. While a somber observance, Memorial Day is also a great reminder to spend time with the ones we love and to celebrate the freedom that the fallen sacrificed their lives to protect. One of the most popular celebrations is a great day on the Lake; we’ve got a few tips for you to help make your Memorial Day celebration at Lake Nantahala the best yet.

1. The perfect entertaining venue

Reflections on Lake Nantahala provides the perfect, scenic locale for a lake day celebration. If you have access to a beautiful back deck or a porch, or if you own a dock by the lake, set up enough seating for your guests. Make sure that chairs are grouped to encourage conversation by grouping them in sets of three or more. By separating the sets, you encourage attendees to get up and move around between smaller, more intimate conversations, bringing everyone together.

feet on the edge of a boat on Lake Nantahala

The boat is the perfect place to kick back and relax.

2. Activities at the lake house

While lounging in the sun or spending a day out on the boat are the perfect agenda for a holiday, have back up plans in case of rain or activities to enjoy while at the lake house. Popular games such as ladder ball or corn hole are easy to play on the shore or in the back yard, while card games provide great entertainment indoors. If your family has lost someone in the armed forces, share your favorite memories of them to honor them on Memorial Day.

3. Activities in the area

If you plan to stay in town for more than just weekend, local activities are a great way to round out your Memorial Day and vacation week celebrations. Visit the Nantahala Outdoor Center, just minutes from Lake Nantahala, for rafting, kayaking, and more. Get out your fishing line and enjoy a day of fishing on the lake or in the local rivers. Take the family to enjoy a sporting event, such as the 10th Annual Fletcher Flyer Bike Ride, heading through Western North Carolina on June 2.

summer cocktail in a mason jar

Make a summer cocktail or a refreshing lemonade to enjoy at the lake house.

4. The right food

Memorial Day is all about the grill or the barbecue, so break out the smoker or the charcoal and get ready to cook up some goodness. Spread the table with North Carolina favorites like barbecue ribs and potato salad with a fresh pitcher of sweet tea, lemonade, or a Summer inspired cocktail. Consider your guests as you plan your menu–Are there any vegetarians? Is anyone allergic to anything? Have at least one dish that each person can enjoy.

5. The right mindset

While this may seem like a no-brainer, too often we use long holiday weekends to catch up on work or in a frazzled state trying to complete a project at home. Instead, spend some time in the “lake house state of mind.” This weekend, focus on relaxing, spending time with you friends and family, and being happy. You’ll be glad that you did!

 

Are you spending Memorial Day at Reflections on Lake Nantahala or around the Topton, NC area? Share a photo of your festivities with us on Facebook!

Photos via Flickr CC users DavidYuWeb, Ada Be, and 3Liz4