Rustic Sophistication

A construction kit is transformed into a cozy, lakeside cabin with modern farmhouse touches.

- Written by Brenda N. Klug | Photographed by Jenn Verrier

T.J. and Will Intner are the proud owners of this custom-built vacation home in Deep Creek Lake, Maryland. It didn't take long for this Baltimore couple to fall in love with the lake when William's parents purchased a home here in 2012. "We spent one week there the first summer. Then two. Then three," the couple explains. "We spent six weeks during the pandemic and realized we wanted a place of our own."

The homeowners recruited renowned French Ameri-can designer and architect Pascale de Fouchier, owner of Pascale de Fouchier Interiors, to bring some much-needed design vision to the project. The result is a special haven where the Intners and their two teenage boys can enjoy the lazy days of summer.

LABOR OF LOVE

The couple faced many challenges while building during the pandemic, but their greatest hurdle was how to create an inviting, yet unique home out of a generic, off-the-shelf architect kit. Pascale deftly rearranged the original build-ing plans to account for the wants and needs of the family. "They were frustrated by many things on the original plans," Pascale says. The designer added an extra bedroom, moved Will's office to the front of the house facing the lake, rescaled all the bathrooms on the first floor, made an extra bathroom, and reconfigured the boys' rooms.

The couple loves to entertain while at the lake, and even food prep is a highlight while here. "We cook nearly every night and enjoy the wonderful kitchen," they say. To maximize space, Pascale made the kitchen island and the dining table parallel to each other (something she normally avoids).

Rustic Chic in Any Space