The Standout

When empty-nesters Tom and Leslie Cooke decided to build their dream home in 2001, they knew exactly where they wanted it to be — on the lake. And in Euclid. So, they ended up with a 6,000-square-foot home that, at an appraised value of $1.1 million, is worth more than double any other lakefront home in town. Weren’t they worried about resale value? The house is not an investment, counters Tom, but a home his family will enjoy for a long time. Euclid is where four generations of Cookes grew up. It’s where Tom and Leslie were high school sweethearts. And it’s the only place they want to live.

Lake views: The kitchen, dining room, living room, two TV rooms and three bedrooms all have huge windows with water views. Above the kitchen counter, a band of six windows provides a panoramic view of the lake. Even in the master bedroom, which opens onto the patio, the Cookes have no curtains or blinds: The lake and its reflections are constant companions.

Lake-themed decor: “Every color that’s in the sky or in the water is in this house,” Leslie says. Inside walls are painted light blue and grey, with heavy white crown molding. Window frames and pocket doorways have gentle arches, and one living room wall is curved, contributing to an overall softness. Metal banisters around the patio and outdoor steps are shaped like waves. Vibrant paintings of lake scenes and sailboats by Lisa Eastman hang throughout.

Come on over: The Cookes love to entertain, and at a party last year, they fit 95 friends into their house. Their main entertaining space is their 575-square-foot kitchen, equipped with two sinks and two dishwashers so Tom and Leslie can cook side by side.

Privacy: Tom and Leslie love that they cannot see their neighbors. Nothing infringes upon their view, not even the Cleveland skyline. They are one-on-one with nature, and the lake’s waves mesmerize them to sleep.