When I first saw a boathouse I was amazed and intrigued. I have always loved the water whether it be a lake, river, or the ocean. As a result waterfront property has always been very attractive to me. So when I first saw the boathouses of the Northeast, specifically on Lake George, I couldn’t believe that I had never thought of such a thing before!
Boathouses: the Origins and Purposes
The boathouses of the northeast were originally built for practical purposes. The cold and extreme weather conditions can be very rough on boats. The logical option would be to take your boat out of the water each time you use it. However, that somewhat defeats the purpose of water front living. Not to mention that it is very time-consuming.
The logical solution was a boathouse, basically a garage on the lake for your boat. Boathouses could also be defined as covered docks, however, that doesn’t sound as romantic.
Many boathouses have large “garage doors” that close once the boat is docked. This offers further protection from the elements.
For extra protection many boathouse owners will install a boat lift. Boat lifts obviously lift the boat out of the water, however, they keep them at the dock. This is great because it protects the boat from algae growth, freezing water, and keeps it from being tossed about in rough waters. The other great thing about them is that they are sometimes even quicker to use than tying your boat up the traditional way.
Boathouses: the Addition of Recreation Rooms
While boathouses started out for practical purposes, in recent years they have become more and more creative. Many boathouses nowadays have been renovated to include recreational rooms.
There are several ways that recreational rooms are usually added to boathouses. One of the most common is to transfer part of the dock space. The feeling and atmosphere that is created by a sort of “living room” on the water with a boat in it is surreal!
Many will include a sitting area near the docked boat and a section of the dock that can be used to dive off of and swim from. A lot of these setups install diving boards, or water basketball hoops.
An outdoor kitchen or at least a grilling station are also great additions to such living spaces. All of this makes for an incredible entertaining area, and of course a great place for some quality family time, or just plain old peace and quite!
Another very common addition to boot houses is to use the space above the dock for a recreational room. The views are usually astounding and the climate is easier to control. Some such rooms are coolest with full kitchens and large tables. Others may include billiards or ping-pong tables.
Of course a simpler idea that is also commonly used os to use the space above the boathouse as an open deck. This is great for sunbathing or grilling stations!
Boathouses: as Actual Living Quarters
The most intriguing boathouses that I have seen are the ones that are actual houses. This takes “lakefront” properties to a whole new level, literally living “on” the lake 😉
Building permits are obviously more complicated, however, not usually impossible. Most of these houses are astounding and have lakefront views all around (or at the very least on three sides).
It is ideal for a guest cottage, or even for the main residence. While most of these are reminiscent of “tiny houses” some of them can be quite extravagant and spacious.
We hope that this article has opened up your curiosity and that it inspires you! The next time that you find yourself in Lake George or another waterfront location in the northeast take a moment to reflect on these marvels of architecture!