Diamond Point Lake House Diamond Point, New York

Featured Photos

White lakeside house with a wraparound porch, green lawn, and tall trees in the foreground; a small dog sits on the grass by a tree.Porch with white columns, wooden deck, and a cushioned swing by the lake, a golden retriever standing nearby as mountains rise in the distanceWhite lakeside house with a wooden porch and white columns, overlooking a calm water view; a landscaped garden curves along the edge.Boathouse on a wooden dock over a calm lake with a boat inside and a forested shoreline in the backgroundWhite lakeside house framed by tall trees, wraparound porch, and calm waters in the background.

When Alex and Patty Funderburg purchased an 1890 lakefront home at Diamond Point on Lake George, they envisioned transforming the aging property into a modern family retreat while preserving its Adirondack heritage. Their search began after restoring a vintage Chris-Craft boat that had been passed down through generations. Wanting a home worthy of the boat’s legacy, they discovered a rare waterfront property with direct lake access and sweeping views. Although the house required extensive renovation, they recognized its character and history beneath the wear and sought a team capable of modernizing it without losing its identity.

The project centered on balancing preservation with contemporary living. The design approach focused on retaining the home’s most significant historic features while reimagining spaces to better support modern family life. At the same time, the renovation sought to maximize the property’s exceptional lakefront setting through improved circulation, expanded entertaining spaces, and stronger indoor-outdoor connections.

One of the most impactful design decisions was relocating the original front stairwell to the back of the home. The existing stair obstructed the lake views that made the property so remarkable. Moving it opened the interior, improved flow throughout the house, and allowed nearly every room to capture views of Lake George. The new layout also created opportunities for en-suite bathrooms and more functional living spaces.

Historic details were preserved wherever possible. The original crystalline stone fireplace—believed to have inspired the name “Diamond Point”—became the focal point of the study. Oak flooring, oak paneling, and textured navy wallpaper were carefully selected to complement the fireplace and reflect the surrounding lake environment. A new slate roof was installed using traditional materials and detailing, reinforcing the home’s rooflines and honoring its historic character while ensuring long-term durability.

The wrap-around porch, one of the homeowners’ favorite features, retained its original footprint while gaining a retractable screen system that extends seasonal use and improves comfort. Other structures on the property were also thoughtfully repurposed, including converting the historic ice house into a gym and redesigning the boathouse while incorporating original elements.

Every aspect of the renovation was approached with intention and respect. Original materials were preserved whenever possible, new materials were chosen for durability and authenticity, and craftsmanship remained central throughout the process. The result is not a reinvention, but a revival—one that honors the home’s historic integrity while ensuring its relevance for generations to come.