room with two large stairways cutting across to the lower level,” recalls Milt. “We discovered that if we extended the porch around the corner to the breezeway, we could put the stairway there and not block the views from the lower level and eliminate the need for a large stairway.”

The Kniss’ home has become the vacation destination for their three grown children and three grandchildren. The family calls it “The Lodge,” although it’s a far cry from a typical Northwoods lodge with a bit more refinement and sparkle.

Though not yet quite a permanent retirement home, for Milt and Christine, it will be soon. “We look forward to the day when we can fully retire and return for good to this sanctuary in the woods,” Christine says. CBLH

The Kniss’ cedar home is tucked away on a six-acre, peninsula-shaped property located at the end of a winding, forested driveway. The front of the home gives the impression of a rambling ranch with friendly front porch. But their hillside location allows for a more dramatic look in the back.

COVERED PORCH

GREAT ROOM

DINING ROOM

MASTER BEDROOM

BREEZEWAY

FOYER

HOME OFFICE

BATH

KITCHEN

First Floor

COVERED PORCH

GARAGE

OPEN TO BELOW

BEDROOM

BEDROOM

LOFT

BATH

Second Floor

UNFINISHED ATTIC

RESOURCES

Total square footage: 3,273

(not including lower level)

bedrooms: 3

bathrooms: 2. 5

Producer: Town & Country Cedar Homes, Petoskey, MI. Circle 029 on the Reader Service Card for more information. Model: Mountain View (modified) Contractor/builder: Town & Country Cedar Homes, Inc. Windows: Andersen Slate floor: Cleft Stoneworks, Indian multi

Wood flooring: Homer, saddle oak random widths Stain: Sikkens Fireplace: Owens Corning Cultured Stone, Stream Stone profile, Spring & Summer color mix Lighting: Sea Gull Lighting Front door: Thermadore Insulated Fiberglass with wood grain and specialty series glass Cabinets: Merillat, natural hickory Landscaping: Ron Robinson, Northern Tree Landscaping, Bellaire, MI Woodwork: Tom Tomkins