A Lush Escape Right Outside the City

A Serendipitous Lake House Discovery

There is so much to love about this stunning cabin retreat just an hour away from the fast pace of the city. Eighteen years ago, Cathy and Dane Hudson didn't know they were looking for a lake house. Now the couple doesn't know how they would live without it. It all came to be when Dane's partner at work was looking for a property on Lake Lemon in southeastern Indiana. He found a parcel, but it came with a companion property, and he had to buy both. That's when he asked if Dane and Cathy would be interested in purchasing the second parcel. The Hudsons, who live outside of Indianapolis, were familiar with Lake Lemon. When the couple were students at the University of Indiana in Bloomington, it was the lake where locals went swimming on sunny days. They had never visited the lake themselves but were pleasantly surprised when they visited the property. They discovered 50 acres overlooking the lake with an existing home in place.

Transforming a Dated Home into a Dream Retreat

The 30-year-old house on the property was dated, but it had beautiful views of the water and gardens that won Cathy over. The property's previous owner had created all kinds of gardens and a pond with rock borders, making it a paradise for Cathy an avid gardener. The 2,500-square-foot home has two floors. The main level includes the kitchen, master suite, and great room. The fireplace anchors the space, while a wide wall of windows looks out over a wraparound deck and the lake below. When the couple purchased the home, the kitchen needed an update.

Outdoor Enhancements and Personal Touches

Downstairs two guest bedrooms share a bath. A family room walks out onto a stone patio with water views. Inspired by the home's original wood-lined ceilings, the couple has given the home a refined rustic update over the years, renovating the kitchen twice. Outside, the exterior walls are finished with cedar siding. When they bought the house, it was black, and not in good shape. They had planned to paint the siding and had it power washed. To their surprise, the power washing uncovered beautiful wood tones they sealed with stain. Other outdoor projects over the years have included wrapping the deck support posts with stone and upgrading the fire pit. The couple added a layer of gravel and built up a stone ring to create an eye-catching gathering spot.

A Cherished Gathering Place for Family

Most weekends, the couple make the trip to the lake with their dogs in tow. More often than not, their children and grandchildren also join the party. When they aren't entertaining family, Cathy gardens and Dane takes on landscaping projects. He loves the pond and has re-done it about five times. The pond keeps getting bigger, and when it's time to take a break, the couple heads to the porch swing or rocking chairs and watch for wildlife. The Hudson's feel blessed that they have been able to experience this place, it's the perfect place to relax and get away from the city and enjoy time with family and friends.