Luxury lakeside living at Wander Lakefront Retreat
Luxury lakeside living at Wander Lakefront Retreat
Rustic charm meets modern comfort just two hours north of New York City
It’s 70° and sunny, and I’m sitting on an Adirondack chair overlooking a small lake just two hours north of New York City. Besides the occasional passing car, small ripples on the lake, and sound of the breeze through the leaves, the world feels still from here.
Behind me is the house. Its floor-to-ceiling, panoramic lake-view windows certainly make a statement when you’re looking at them from behind, but to the passersby on the front road there’s very little to see, except for maybe a glass atrium peeking out from the top of the hill.
And that’s because my home for the weekend, Wander Lakefront Retreat, is literally built into the side of the hill.
As much as I love Brooklyn, I love spending time on weekend retreats outside the city. As someone who’s passionate about architecture and hospitality, it’s important for me to get off the feeds for a bit and experience standout stays in the real world. (The peace and quiet is a nice bonus.)
This weekend’s stay is Wander Lakefront Retreat in Salisbury, Connecticut. The home’s design is inspired by Scandinavian earth homes, an igloo-like design that takes advantage of the terrain to keep the house cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
“I’m looking up through the top of the hill! I’m actually inside the hill!”
The theses of modern homes typically have some connection to nature — “bringing the outside in” — but earth homes are on another level, a subterranean level.
Entering the house for the first time feels like a journey of its own. Opening the thick blue double doors implanted into the side of the hill leads you into a light-filled atrium, a moment of surprise and delight considering you’ve just stepped into the grassy hill you walked past to get in.
I’m not even in the house yet and it starts to set in: “I’m looking up through the top of the hill! I’m inside the hill!”
The entry level of the two-story home features a living room and kitchen with sweeping views of the lake and an in-law bedroom with a full bath.
Descending to the lower level takes you down a ladder-like spiral staircase to a second bedroom and bath, a sitting room, and the master bedroom with lake views of course, though no less cozy knowing you’re even deeper into the hillside bunker.
And despite the home’s rural setting and rustic charm, Wander prioritizes modern comforts. The home features kayaks, paddle boards, a rowboat, a hammock, a pizza oven, a fire pit, and ample seating opportunities to enjoy the lake and sunset, including chairs on the “roof.”
Architecture is about exploring the world around you. I love buildings that invoke that sense of exploration, and I love an excuse to get out of my neighborhood and see something new. Wander makes their homes a destination in themselves. Whether it’s Wander Lakefront Retreat, or their 50+ other stays, go book one, find your happy place.
Linear subscribers get $250 off their first Wander stay when they use our link to book through the app
Linear x Wander
Thank you to Wander who provided me with a complimentary stay for the weekend. Wander combines the quality of a luxury hotel with the comfort of a private vacation home. Book a Wander with inspiring views, hotel-grade amenities, dreamy beds, top-tier cleaning and 24/7 concierge service. It’s a vacation home, but better.
Disclaimer
Linear’s mission is to bridge the gap between digital curation and physical spaces. We feature projects based on their unique, captivating design, and the opportunity they offer to experience design in the real world. Booking and reservation links are provided for your convenience, and we may earn a commission from some. Sponsored content will be clearly marked as such – Linear is committed to authenticity and transparency in every interaction.