Lake House Sign
At Home on the Lake
Lake house signs are a specialized sort of house number sign which, in addition to supplying the family name and/or the address, celebrate the location of the house with lake-oriented graphics and a rustic feel. Many of these signs are crafted from natural materials, or printed on sturdy tin sign-sheets reminescent of American advertisements from the 1930's through the 1950's.
The lake house vacation has been a traditional family getaway for decades - a serene retreat where everyone can relax and unwind for a week or two. Though similar to a beach house in that they are both situated on waterfront property, the term "lake house" refers specifically to a secondary or rented home in the woods around a secluded lake.
The Look of Lake House Number Signs
House number signs created for these vacation properties are evocative of the local animals and atmosphere, faithfully recreating the lake experience in miniature. A lake house number sign may depict boaters, people waterskiing or on jet-skis, fishermen, ducks and geese, a view of the lake as seen from the woods, or children swimming. While the house number sign may also include the address and family name, they are typically designed to hang inside the house, as a source of proud celebration rather than a guidepost for guests.
In the case of lake houses rented out for the summer, or even an entire camp of lake houses arranged by number, each one will have a house number sign that clearly shows the address outside of the building. This is primarily so that groundskeepers and other maintenance staff can easily find and recognize differently-numbered houses, since the construction of houses on this sort of campground are almost identical.
The Materials of the Lake House Number Sign
In keeping with its surroundings, you can expect a typical lake house number sign to be constructed either from natural wood (possibly stained or painted) or in the style of old American advertisements on sturdy tin sheets. You might also find a wooden home sign or two in the shape of fish, especially big-mouth bass, or ducks.
Lake House, Beach House.. What's the Difference?
While both vacation destinations are similar, the "image" projected by the term "beach house" is often one of a more exotic and party-oriented atmosphere than that connected with "lake house". Young, energetic people might spend Spring Break at a beach house; a retired couple looking for solitude and serenity might spend their time relaxing at a lake house instead.
This difference between connotations is clear when you look at how different their house number plaques are. The designs offered for beach houses are tropical in nature, depicting starfish, palm trees, and fruity drinks - whereas lake house number signs are more likely to include mallards, pine trees, and a cold can of beer!