Need more information. Photos are a huge help (and almost impossible to provide any advice without) and where you are located geographically (closest large city). Is this a permanent or weekend/vacation residence?
For inspiration and to get ideas for your lakefront home, you can see photos of lakefront properties on our website Photo Gallery. Our projects are in Chicago's North Shore and southeastern Wisconsin. A few are pictured below.
Fieldstone steps lead to a hidden pathway.
Native plants add an unfussy air to the patio.
Shade loving perennials, annuals and ground cover with interesting shapes, sizes, textures and colors.
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
arcy_gw
Van Zelst Inc