Lake Chelan Sun – Friend or Foe?
The North Shore - South Shore Series
The next time you are in a tasting room in Lake Chelan, ask the person next to you which shore – north or south – is the best for a vacation home. You’ll likely receive a spirited response. When it comes to the Lake Chelan lifestyle, the best shore to call home is a hotly contested subject.
I’ve actually lived on both shores and can see the relative merits of each. In future posts, I’ll explore views, driving times to Seattle, and aesthetics. But today I’ll focus on that element that eastern Washington is known for – copious amounts of sun – and what this means on either shore.
The Extremes of the Debate
South shore lovers quickly point out the many window shades needed by north shore homes to keep out the sun. What’s the point of having a lake view if you always keep the shades drawn to stay comfortable? Think greenhouse effect.
Not to be outdone, north shore lovers counter that the south shore is dark and depressing any time except for summer. Sure, the south shore enjoys a couple of months of light, but come fall, woe to its cave dwellers. Light the torches.
The Middle Ground
The truth obviously falls in the middle. Yes, the south shore can be dark. I grew up on the lake near Pat & Mikes and our house faced due north. My parents recently moved to higher ground with better sun angles. They can’t stop talking how much they enjoy the extra light during the winter.
And the north shore can feel like living in a terrarium. A north shore friend who moved here from the west side said to me recently, “I’m sure glad the clouds have returned this fall. I was getting tired of all that sun!” (Yes, this phrase could someday leave your lips should you move to Lake Chelan.)
Think on These Things
The key is to consider the sun on the front end of a home search.
SOUTH SHORE: As you stand on the deck of the home, how close and high are the roofs of the neighbors? What about the horizon? For homes close to the State Park on the south shore, the proximity of the mountains means you will say goodbye to the sun very quickly during the darker months of the year.
NORTH SHORE: A home that has an east-facing primary view (yes, you can find them) enjoys the sun during the tamer morning hours in the summer. Homes that face due west enjoy balmy sunsets in the spring and fall, but their owners should have shades at the ready for those baking-hot summer evenings.
On either shore, consider the home’s architecture and landscaping. Smart design and a well-placed tree can do wonders. Clerestory windows allow light into north-facing rooms. Large eves and deciduous trees provide shade. A client who owns a cozy 1930’s cottage pointed to a massive oak stretching over her little home and said, “This is my air conditioner!”
Try then Buy
The north shore / south shore debate will exist as long as people are living in this valley. Ultimately it is about finding which shore speaks to you, which takes a bit of experimentation. If you are beginning your house hunt, considering renting a vacation home on each shore over your next couple of visits.
Finally, consider how you will use the home – as a part-time or full-time residence? If this is just a second home for summer use, then the shade factor of the south shore won’t be as significant.