Hidden away by Grape Lake is a holiday wonderland created through years of arduous work and collecting of beloved items. This typical Portage Lakes home was remodeled in 1995 by local architect Rick Novitsky and built by Keith Treen. Once just a yard, the house is now tucked into a paradise with landscaping connected by pathways and a handmade trellis, along with a large bench with a tower and birdhouse on top.
At the back of the drive, you can glimpse the pergola that heralds the entrance to the deck, layers of gardens, and a staircase down to the lake. You might not see it, but the back garden is home to a birdhouse “condominium” featuring over a dozen custom-made, oneof- a-kind birdhouses all crafted by the homeowner — a true wonder!
Lexan block spans the front two stories, topped with an arched window and flying gable eaves, a contemporary update to the once-traditional house in subtle colors that blend into the natural surroundings. But like old friends and family, we’ll be entering through the side door and stepping into a festive array of Santas and snowmen galore!
The kitchen table and sideboard are covered with snowflake linens to provide the backdrop for a variety of Santas of all sizes, from all over. Flanked by twin sparkling trees, the window gives a view of the deck overlooking the back garden. A double mobile twirls from the light fixture, while Snoopy and penguin friends gather under the trees.
The completely renovated kitchen remains a functional workspace for the homeowners throughout the holidays, enabling them to host multiple family gatherings. The Italian cabinets add contemporary flair to this well-designed space. The window above the sink holds all the Christmas cheer here, as stained-glass panels and Santa statuettes cover the sills, and icy blue snowmen grace the shelf above.
Holiday linens and wall hangings and stockings, oh my! Over 100 needlepoint stockings encircle the dining and living room gathering space. Decorated with mid-century modern furniture from Heywood-Wakefield, Eames, and Thonet, this home is eclectic yet cozy when friends and family gather. It might be hard to spot, but the furniture is a prime feature of this house. The homeowner does all the design and decoration, and his wife gives him full credit for all the challenging work. The bay window features an added shelf to accommodate the Department 56 Christmas Village collection that occupies the space. Even the light fixture received the holiday treatment!
The hallway to the guest room and bathroom is lined with tapestries with seasonal flair. The guest bathroom features a classic marble floor laid in a lattice pattern, and wallpaper with a pressed-metal look provides the foil for a smorgasbord of snowmen and Santas nestled in every corner.
In relaxing blues, the bedroom features furry friends and elves to accompany Santa in bringing the Christmas spirit to guests. A shimmering white poinsettia tree and snow globes bring frosty cheer to the shelf, acting as a footboard for the bed, while a music box adds old-fashioned charm to the scene.
An Eames Compact sofa serves as the backdrop for snowman throws and wall hangings. Light shines through the white poinsettias and onto the tree filled with Santas watching over all the proceedings. Red and green baubles adorn a second, smaller tree, and white lights and poinsettias fill every corner with the light of the season. Even the front foyer is filled to the brim with Santas and snowmen of all shapes and sizes, collected over the course of years.
A giant jolly elf welcomes you to explore the stairwell that leads to the lower level. Notice the wrought iron handrail, custommade by local artisan Bruce Woodard. This time of year, it is covered with greenery and blue twinkling lights to brighten dark winter days.
On the way to the lower level, snowmen reign supreme, starting with a tree of homemade snow-faces greeting you, each in a unique style. However, Santa gazes over all his snow folk with a watchful eye! Here, you can really see the impact of the Lexan glass block windows on the amount of light and privacy they provide. Festooned with garland, the windows form a canvas for an angel herald and a tree at the apex of the front arched window.
Cheery snowmen (and Santa!) wish you homespun holiday greetings from this Portage Lakes holiday wonderland — reindeer parking included!