How do you approach an owner to purchase their house if it is not for sale?

I have become interested in a summer lake house in my area owned by a couple that lives in another area most of the year. It is not currently for sale. How do I approach them about whether or not they would consider selling the house? I do not know them well so I am not sure if personally contacting them is appropriate. Should I involve a realtor?How do you approach an owner to purchase their house if it is not for sale?
Why not just write them a letter? Introduce yourself, say you live in the area and would like to know if they were considering selling their house. Tell them you are NOT a realtor but that you would have no objection if they wanted to use one. What's the worst that can happen? Either they never reply, or they tell you they are not selling. It's entirely possible that they might be thinking vaguely of selling and your letter might actually prompt them into action. Possibly they would be happy at the idea of a local person buying it.How do you approach an owner to purchase their house if it is not for sale?
If you are really interested to have your own summer lake house and the owner is not really interested of selling it to anyone, then why don't you build your own?





If ever that you're intereseted of having your own summer lake house and you want somebody to work with you try considering of contacting me, im Architect and i can help you with that.
Give the owner a formal letter regarding your plans for the house and lot. Stating that you are willing to pay a value that is better that what they want. And also suggest an alternative house so that they will be convinced to sell it to you.