The Slow-Down Place

A designer and her family push the reset button on a dated lake house— and their lives— as they enjoy summers on the water filled with peace, quiet, and family fun.

- JODY CARLOCK

Exhale. Splash. Relax. That’s pretty much the routine when Jess Cooney steals away to her Lake Garfield home in the Berkshires region of Massachusetts. Walking into the living area of the getaway that’s an easy 20-minute drive from her primary home, she feels like she can breathe when she sees the sparkling water through what’s essentially a glass wall. In minutes, she’s outside gliding on a kayak or floating on the lake. “Hop in the water and your whole day melts away,” she says.

A sectional sofa, left, maximizes lounging, sitting, and sleeping space in the small living room. Durable indooroutdoor fabric ensures its light-color upholstery wears well. Jess says the flat-weave wool area rug resists stains and cleans easily.