Tom and Sharon Whitford built Lake Life Cottages around a simple yet thoughtful idea—creating a place where guests can embrace laid-back luxury. Their well thought out philosophy focuses on providing experiences that are both authentic and effortless, blending the natural beauty of Tawas Bay with a refined, welcoming atmosphere. The concept is not about extravagance, but more about meaningful comfort and attention to detail. The Beach Barn, their locally famous event and dining space, embodies this perfectly. It’s where rustic charm meets understated elegance, allowing the natural surroundings to take center stage while providing guests with a comfortable, memorable setting. Through their vision, Tom and Sharon invite guests to experience true relaxation without losing sight of sophisticated comfort.
Design
The morning sun from the lake-view windows makes the crystal chandeliers stand out sharply against the knotted, unfinished pine plank walls and ceiling. Both opulent and rustic, The Beach Barn blends understated elegance with thoughtful details that remind guests they are in capable hands. At the same time, it promises a relaxing lakeside experience that lingers long after the event, combining natural beauty with refined comfort in a way that feels both intentional and effortless.
The Beach Barn’s design strikes a balance between rustic charm and functional elegance, with every detail carefully chosen to reflect the brand. Metal chairs, with their clean lines and industrial appeal, are a subtle but intentional choice, bringing a hint of modern edge to the space while complementing the warm, natural tones of the pine walls. Granite table tops speak of regal class. The open layout, combined with large windows framing the lake, invites natural light to flood the room, adding to the barn’s serene yet sophisticated ambiance and offering the perfect backdrop for any occasion.
Metal Ladder Back Chair
For once, the metal isn’t the accent piece. In Lake Life’s signature laid back approach, the metal ladder back chair was chosen to blend effortlessly into the overall design, adding subtle strength to the rustic charm of the space. Its industrial aesthetic quietly complements the natural wood elements without drawing focus, offering durability and functionality that enhance the venue's balance of comfort and style. Perfectly integrated into the setting, the chair plays its part without overwhelming the refined simplicity Lake Life is known for.
Durably constructed from fully welded 16-gauge steel, the Metal Ladder Back Chair ’s popular back design is easily recognizable anywhere. More than just a recognizable piece, this commercially crafted seating solution can be customized in a choice of several frame finishes and solid wood or upholstered seats in a range of patterns and colors to suit any space. A reinforcement bar is welded under the seat for enhanced stability under heavy use, and nylon glides protect the floor from damage. Matching chair and stool variants are available for an easy and cohesive setup.
Premium Granite Table Top
Simply elegant without need for flair, the presence of premium granite in any space commands attention. There are hundreds of choices for tables, some easier to maintain and less costly, but when a venue demands a top-tier quality surface that will turn heads, this is the piece they rely on.
Setting the stage for a sophisticated dining experience in any discerning upscale setting, our Premium Granite Table Top is crafted from natural granite with a durable wood core, allowing for a lighter weight product that is easy to move and place. Offered in several shapes and sizes and with two finish options, this commercial-grade top will fit almost anywhere it is needed. The inherent qualities of the stone make it resistant to heat, burns, scratches, and stains, ensuring enduring beauty even under years of heavy use.
On the Patio - The Matching Set
There was never a need for the outdoor seating to mirror the opulence of the Beach Barn; it has a completely different role. The patio offers a more relaxed, laid-back space, designed for easy comfort rather than formal elegance. It’s where guests can enjoy a casual atmosphere, surrounded by nature, with coordinating outdoor furniture from our collection selected for its durability and functional beauty. Though distinct in style from the interior, these pieces are crafted to complement the overall experience, offering a balanced transition between the refined indoor setting and the relaxed outdoor environment.
The ability to relax in elegance is not only reserved for the rich. Visit Lake Life this summer, and see what laid back luxury really means. Explore the details here: Lake Life Cottages Website.
