Rear exterior of a lake house in warm evening light — Lake-facing exteriorPhotography: Boyd Hobbs

Lake Hartwell House

A custom lake house shaped for a steep site overlooking Lake Hartwell in South Carolina.

The home uses its slope to create distinct levels of living while opening the primary rooms and outdoor spaces toward the water.

Starter project assembled from the former LCD+D website. Language, details, and publication permissions remain under review.

Location: Lake Hartwell, South Carolina
Project type: Residential
Conditioned area: 5,000 sq. ft.
Additional area: 2,300 sq. ft.
Program: 4 bedrooms · 4 baths · 2 half baths
Services: Residential design + documentation
Photography: Boyd Hobbs

Timber-framed front entry beneath overlapping gables — Entry sequence and material detailPhotography: Boyd Hobbs

Living with the site

Rooms oriented toward light, trees, and water.

The main living spaces gather around broad window walls, allowing the landscape to remain present from the interior and carrying daily activity out toward the lake.

Living room with a stone fireplace and tall lake-facing windows — Main living roomPhotography: Boyd Hobbs

Sitting room wrapped by windows looking into trees — Sitting roomPhotography: Boyd Hobbs

Long bright kitchen with white cabinetry and wood floor — KitchenPhotography: Boyd Hobbs

Covered deck with an outdoor kitchen overlooking trees — Covered outdoor livingPhotography: Boyd Hobbs

A continuous edge toward the lake.

Decks, terraces, and exterior stairs connect the house to the changing grade. Cable rails preserve long views while warm wood surfaces extend the interior material character outdoors.

Close view along a cable-railed deck toward the lake at sunset — Deck and cable rail detailPhotography: Boyd Hobbs

Full rear elevation of the lake house with terraces and patio — Lake-facing elevationPhotography: Boyd Hobbs