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MAISON BORD DU LAC

The largest body of water in western Europe, Lake Geneva (known to the French as Lac Léman) has long been prized for its rugged views and Alpine beauty. Writers such as Mary Shelly and Byron celebrated its mountain locale, while sports enthusiasts continue to take advantage of its biking, water sports, and hiking in the surrounding Alps. And, lest you miss civilization, the chic spa towns of Evian-les-Bains and Thonon-les-Bains are nearby (Evian has a splendid casino, spa and music festival). Evian is also famous for its highly rated golf course. Geneva is about an hour by car.

Because of its ideal location and beauty, Europeans have long used Lake Geneva as a site for simple yet charming "maisons secondaires" (second homes). Maison Bord du Lac, situated directly on the lake, is a the perfect expression of such a house. Nestled into the side of the mountain, it lies less than 50 yards from the water, and has its own private dock for sunbathing. There is also a sloping grassy area in front of the house, ideal for children, that looks out onto the lake and toward Lausanne. For parking there is a one-car garage and three parking spaces.

Maison Bord du Lac has a charming living room decorated in checkered beige and white. In the living room there are two comfortable armchairs and a wrap-around sofa in the picture window that overlooks the lake. There is an open stone fireplace with a stone mantle, and dark wooden beams line the ceiling.

The dining room, decorated with blue china, has an antique wooden table that seats ten. The kitchen is well-equipped and its appliances include a four-burner stove, good-sized refrigerator, dishwasher, coffeemaker and toaster. There are six bedrooms, each simply furnished with twin beds. Two bedrooms are on the middle level (the house is cut into a hillside, with the second level being the main floor), and four are on the upper level. All bedrooms have a full or shower-only bath ensuite, ans most of them open onto a balcony that faces the lake. One may note that some bedrooms communicate though adjoining bathrooms. On the lower level are the laundry room (with washing machine and dryer) and an open room with a Ping-Pong table.

The dining room opens onto a large terrace where there are a barbecue and outdoor furniture for dining and sunning. The hillside is attractively landscaped with Japanese maples and well-planted flowerbeds. On the side of the house away from the lake is an enclosed garden, beyond which lies the road. While the road is well traveled, it should be noted that the public rooms of the house, its terrace and its recreational features are all oriented toward the lake. The owners have also recently added a wooden fence which dramatically decreases any noise from the road that you could hear in those rooms not oriented on the lake.

One of the great delights of this lakeside property is 100 meter long private beach and dock, which are easily accessed by a wooden stairway. The lake reaches a comfortable temperature for swimming by late June. As the beach is pebbly, canvas or plastic shoes are advisable. Passing water ski or pleasure boats can create small swells, and small children should be supervised at all times.

Maison Bord du Lac typifies the well-appointed yet rustic house so highly coveted on Lake Geneva. It is the perfect retreat for visitors seeking a comfortable home that offers not only splendid Alpine views, but also the serenity of being on the edge of one of Europe's most beautiful bodies of water. And for a change of pace from the tranquillity of Lac Léman there are nightlife, cultural events and shopping opportunities, not to mention fine restaurants, offered by the city of Geneva and the nearby town of Evian-les-Bains.