Sunrise Cottage

From Columbia, MD, Amy and Pat Mead’s connection to Chautauqua is lifelong, and they always dreamt of owning a cottage on the lake. Both Amy (6th generation) and Pat (5th generation) spent summers growing up in Chautauqua, attended Boys and Girls Club, worked at Chautauqua during college, and ultimately purchased a cottage with family on Cookman Avenue in 1995.
                   
As time went on, their dream of a lake view persisted. Eventually the vacant lot at 54 South Lake Drive caught their eye. With a little luck and perfect timing, they purchased it in February 2017. With architect Diane Hendrix and Johnson & Johnson Builders, Inc, both of Lakewood, they designed and built the cottage.
                   
The house was built around the main feature of large porches, which offer calming lake views, spectacular sunrise vistas, and the perfect spot to greet fellow Chautauquans. The main living space consists of four bedrooms, two-and- a-half baths and an open concept first floor. The house also includes a two-bedroom, one-bath garden apartment and patios.
                   
The casual décor blends features old and new, creating unique Chautauqua charm. The Meads enjoy original art as seen throughout the home. Many of the paintings are by Amy’s father, William Rickert and nephew Brian Korn, and photographs throughout the home were taken by Amy.
                   
Other features include a cast-iron sink and several doors from the old Englewood rooming house (possibly used by Amy’s grandparents!), an antique newel post, glass cabinet doors repurposed from their Cookman cottage kitchen, and a handrail made of plumbing pipe.
                   
The perennial gardens include an original rhododendron, numerous hydrangeas and hostas, and other plants donated by friends from Pittsburgh and Maryland. Hummingbirds, butterflies and a wide variety of plants all helps to create the perfect Chautauqua experience.