main stair, looking up
front porch from stream
dining bay
kitchen, looking toward brick oven
side entry
House in Downeast Maine
The owners of this new house, set just back from the bay, have lived overseas for a large part of their adult lives, but have always returned to Maine for their summers. The house will serve as a summer house until they and their three children move to Maine full-time.
Their desire for this house was to have its exterior recall the shingled summer houses of the late 19th century, yet feel bright and open on its interior. Breaking the form down into smaller elements as much as possible, preservation of existing shoreline trees, and the use of natural shingles and dark trim — all make the house essentially invisible from the water. Generous porches, bays and large windows take advantage of water views. A greenhouse facing west and south captures winter sun and serves as a year-round kitchen garden. On the interior, the dining room, living room, den, and upstairs observatory/study are built around a central kitchen (she is a former NYC caterer). Children’s bedrooms and playroom inhabit their own wing.
The project was completed in 2005. The guest house next door was completed a in 2002.
Landscaping is by Bruce Riddell, of Bar Harbor, Maine.