For One Special Family, Life on Geneva Lake is Both Big & Beautiful
Written by Chrysa Smith
Photography by Aliza Baran
Ed Borkowski and his wife, Linda, along with three sons and their wives helped design this beauty of a home—a home that fits a couple dozen relatives and guests. “On any given weekend,” Ed says, “The home will be occupied by 15-30 people,” consisting of children and their spouses, grandchildren and long-term friends of their own and of their extended family. It’s been said that ‘Having a place to go is a home. Having someone to love is a family. Having both is a blessing.’
Ed will tell you that over 42 years ago, he and his brother began a family business. But they made a sort of pact—and that was to emphasize the importance of hard work, respecting each other and putting family first. Ed says, “We have been blessed to be surrounded by our 10 grandchildren and building this family home together has been a dream come true–allowing us to continue to grow and gather for generations to come.”
The Borkowskis were looking for a home to accommodate their large family–something spacious, comfortable with dramatic views of Geneva Lake. Through the years, they have had boat slips on the Illinois River and Lake Michigan, and they owned a home in Chain-O-Lakes. While thinking about tearing down and rebuilding the home on the Chain of Lakes, friends had invited them to Geneva Lake.
“We instantly fell in love with Geneva Lake,” says Ed, “The stunning lake is ideal for fishing, swimming and boating.” They cancelled their original plans, and within a week, Ed says they had a contract to purchase their new home. While cruising the lake, they saw several beautiful homes under construction built by Lowell Custom Homes. He contacted their office, arranged a meeting, and the rest, as they say, is history.
After spending only a few hours with owner Scott Lowell, the family quickly decided they were the right builders for them. Ed had inspirational photos indicating what his family was seeking, based on other lake properties, and experience with their other own family homes. With over 40 years of experience building what they describe as iconic homes in the Lake Geneva and Chicagoland areas, Lowell’s custom-building process took shape.
Working with both the Borkowskis and Michael Abraham Architects, the builder constructed a home which matched both the expectations of the homeowners and the integrity of the design—providing fine custom craftsmanship for which Lowell has been known. “The design and construction process were really fun,” Ed says. Family members came together to work with Lowell, with individual members of the family serving as point people to work on various aspects of the house.
In this 11,000 square foot home, there are nine bedrooms (two including bunkrooms: one with four beds and the other with eight) and 12 bathrooms, plus common living space, office and a gorgeous white kitchen—to name a few of the major highlights. “We wanted a modern style home,” Ed explains, “But we didn’t want to lose that lake house feel.”
Four of the children worked closely with Interior Designer Amy Storm and her team to capture the perfect combination of these two designs. It runs throughout the exterior and interior of the home. Both are done in soft, neutral tones, and the windows are large, setting the stage for the lake to be front and center. The interior tones provide a timeless elegance, with modern lake house accents. No doubt, the breathtaking view of the lake is the star of this property, but another beautiful body of water beckons, as their backyard swimming pool provides the perfect atmosphere for relaxation when off the lake.
The exterior is elegant, neutral and timeless, surrounded by an impeccable landscape. As for the design, Builder Scott Lowell says, “We are proud of the exceptional design on the trim by the architects and designers, and the Lowell execution with enhancements and modification during the actual build.” There were challenges, as the Site Superintendent Tim Voss will attest to. Given a narrow lot with close proximity to the neighbors, Tim says, “It kept it interesting, as well as working with such a great client and seeing their dream develop.”
As for family time, the Borkowski’s love both the large indoor and outdoor spaces for gathering to play games, watch the kids swim, barbecue and share stories. “Our oversized fire pit is an incredible space where we all gather to make s’mores or watch the kids play in the yard,” Ed says. “Our lake home keeps us connected.”
While the home is a secondary one, the Borkowski’s children use the home year-round to enjoy the events around town. Spending much time in Chicago’s western suburbs, the retreat is a great place to gather and unwind, but is still walkable to downtown, with restaurants and shops to take advantage of. But as you might guess, back home is really where the magic takes place. A 30-foot pontoon boat with seating for 20, wave runners, paddle boards, kayaks and a Sunfish sailboat keep the family active in warm weather. They will jump off the pier for a nice dive and swim. Or they take advantage of kayaking, fishing, tubing and waterskiing.
Out of the water, they enjoy games of basketball, volleyball and cornhole. And, as a tight knit family, they watch their grandchildren perform talent shows, set up lemonade stands, where the kids donate half of the proceeds to the Ronald McDonald House charities. In July, they love fireworks shows from their boat, and in August they have many memories of attending local carnivals and county fairs. In fall and winter, corn mazes, breakfast with Santa at the Grand Geneva, and exploring ice castles provide entertainment for all.
Ed says, “Without a doubt, our home exceeded our expectations in every regard—quality, design, family comfort, spaciousness and lake views.” He most certainly realizes how truly blessed they are right now—both with their big family and their big, beautiful home.
