Mountain Lake Residence

In the 1930s Olmsted laid out a winter vacation development, Mountain Lake, south of Orlando, Florida in the midst of orange groves. Within this compound the house is sited at the top of a south-facing slope with views over a pond and to the surrounding hills. The design is characterized by a basilica section with thick stucco walls and wood framed, metal clad roofs with deep overhangs. The house’s long, low and narrow form provides air, light and views on at least two sides of most rooms. A two-story volume above a porch marks the entry and houses a study/guest room with the most extraordinary views. Porches to the south and roof overhangs shade the all the glass. Windows and doors, all with multiple lites, are painted aluminum. Wood framing is exposed where it supports the eaves. Entry at the juncture of the gallery and the hall gives access to the left directly to the kitchen, dining and living room as well as to guest rooms beyond. Straight ahead is the hall which passes the palm court on the right and leads to both the great porch to the south and the main bedroom. The stair at this same critical juncture leads up to a study. There is also an exercise room off the study above the garage.