It was a transformation of the very best kind when a client turned to designer Carol Schaper after purchasing a century-old caretakers cottage that once was part of a lakeside estate.

Inspired by their travels to mountainous regions near and far, a Western New York family decided to bring back a piece of the landscapes they love by constructing a one-of-a-kind house that blends nature's raw beauty with modern living.

In a city known for historic mansions, it takes an architectural gem to stand out from the crowd…