Stillwater Township is rural Sussex County at its most watery. Swartswood Lake and its state park lie within it, and the township also includes several smaller lake communities along with farms and woodland. A lot of the lake housing began as summer cottages on small, sloping lots close to the water. Over the decades, many were winterized and enlarged into year-round homes, while newer houses went up on larger wooded lots away from the shore. That history explains a lot of what we find on site.
Patios on small lake lots
Lake lots are often narrow and fall toward the water, so outdoor space has to be earned. We build compact patios on a leveled base, sometimes held by a short wall on the lake side, and add steps that connect the patio to the house and yard. Pavers, bluestone and stamped concrete all work. We keep runoff from the patio from heading straight to the shoreline.
Steps between levels
Converted cottages tend to collect a mix of steps: a concrete stoop from one era, block steps from another, wooden steps to the dock. We replace them with a consistent set of concrete steps faced in stone, set on footings below frost depth, so every level of the lot is connected safely.
Supports under cottages and porches
Summer cottages were not always built on full foundations. Piers that were fine for a few months a year can tip once a house is heated all winter and the ground freezes around them. We replace piers, add footings and build new foundation walls under porches and additions.
Things lake owners should know
- Association rules. Ask about approvals before planning shoreline or exterior work.
- Septic near the water. Older lake homes often have systems close to the house. We locate them first.
- Small roads. Lake community roads can be tight, so deliveries are planned around them.
- Fire pits. A stone fire pit is a popular finish, placed with safe clearances from trees and buildings.
We also serve Fredon, Walpack and the rest of Sussex County. To plan your lake lot, schedule a free estimate.
