By Tasha Downing | Photography by Kayser Photography
During the height of the pandemic in 2020, brothers Travis found their dream property on Delavan Lake — just in time to accommodate their budding new families.
The property was a deep but narrow lot with two small cottages and a dilapidated main residence. The couples consulted with Jeff Auberger, a remodeling consultant and designer for Stebnitz Builders, to renovate the main residence. Auberger utilized the home’s existing footprint and built up, creating three levels of living. The result was a beautiful retreat that sleeps up to 18 people with two primary suites, three guest bedrooms and a third-floor loft. The Donoghues gave the property’s two cottages a fresh update and the couple rents them out year-round.
“With a growing family and lots of relatives, we focused on maximizing sleeping space,” says Travis. “The main floor is open, with the lake as the focal point from nearly every angle, and it was important to us that the entire first floor be ADA-compliant.”
Whether for cooking or conversations, the family wanted a large kitchen island as a gathering point on the main floor. Opting to shop locally when possible, the Donoghues sourced the glossy kitchen backsplash from Floor and Decor and cabinetry throughout the home from Distinctive Designs by Peggy. The kitchen island’s rich brown cabinets finished in a stain called “Hearth” contrast nicely against the clean white countertop. The Donoghues describe the kitchen’s large walk-in pantry as an absolute necessity.
“We knew storage would be a key component to keeping things organized and clutter-free,” says Elizabeth. “It’s one of those behind-the-scenes features that make the entire home function smoothly.”
The living room was designed for family and friends to gather for a cup of coffee and take in the peaceful view. The round, rustic wooden table was a custom piece by a furniture maker the homeowners discovered on Etsy called The Farmhouse Finds.
Practical but elegant solutions to everyday wear and tear (and multiple kids!) include a light blue washable rug in the living room sourced from Ruggable and luxury vinyl plank flooring from CALI Floors in the warm brown shade Redefined Pine. Large sliding glass doors allow for unobstructed views of the water.
The families say that winter at their lake home is just as magical as in summer, with radiant floor heating and a hot tub to keep everyone cozy.
“In Wisconsin, the weather can be unpredictable,” says Jenna.
“Whether for warming up after a chilly day on the water or relaxing under the stars, the hot tub has become a year-round favorite!”
With six kids between the two couples, keeping the home’s common spaces clutter-free is made easier with built-in storage cabinets which hide games and toys on either side of the fireplace. 
The home’s interior design features a tranquil nautical theme. The blue paint shade in one bedroom is Sherwin-Williams’ Stardew. The distinctive bed frame, crafted from handwoven banana leaf, is from 1StopBedrooms. com. Other unique touches, including the lake-themed art and side tables with braided rope handles, were found At Home. 
The kitchen island’s statement pendant lighting is from Lighting Direct. 
LP SmartSide’s shingles in Rapids Blue give the home a striking look. 
Vintage fishing poles belonging to Travis and Kyle’s grandfather are treasured mementos and hang in the lofted space on the third floor. 
A nautically inspired ceiling fan adds charm to one of the bedrooms. 
The home’s upper and lower decks feature durable composite boards by TimberTech’s Prime+ collection in Sea Salt Gray. The home’s landscaping was designed by C&D Landscaping and Design Inc. 
A crisp white palette dominates one of the home’s bathrooms. 
The primary bedroom is bathed in Sherwin-Williams’ Storm Cloud and reflects the peaceful lake views. 
