"The timber-frame gazebo provided the perfect shade to a southern exposure," says one happy home-improver. If there's another negative, besides the labor, it's that the wood needs additional sealing.

When timber framing connects a lake house, you get 850 W. Bear River Road in Petoskey. The custom-built post-and-beam estate for Janice and Dave Underwood has five bedrooms and seven bathrooms. And a ...