Spruce Point Cottage

This surreal and relaxing coastal retreat located at the end of a long peninsula was, until recently, an unrealized dream of our clients. While the property had long been in the family, the existing ranch style home, never seemed to quite fit its context. Located, just steps from the surf and rocks, the home felt perilously close to the water, and was in fact non-compliant with respect to current Shoreland Zoning setbacks.

Our design solution for Spruce Point Cottage oriented the new home as far back from the water as possible without disrupting a well established stand of trees. The more protected siting elevated the cottage higher on the property and further from the occasionally rough seas below.

In planning the interior living space of this small home, we wrapped the kitchen, dining, and living space into an L‑shape that matches a subtle bend in the shoreline below. This intentional arrangement, affords panoramic views out to the ocean and islands beyond. The kitchen faces east for morning sun, and includes a comfortable breakfast nook that’s perfect for coffee at sunrise and reading the local news. At the end of the L, a cozy wood-burning fireplace serves as a backdrop to the living room. To the south, a covered porch directly connects the main living spaces to the outdoors and offers an elevated perch for watching the frequently passing lobster boats.

At the top of the centrally located stair, a gallery of large awning windows serves double-duty by bringing light into the middle of the house, and when opened provides natural ‘stack effect’ cooling on hot summer days. The upper floor master bedroom opens onto a private outdoor balcony, elegantly tucked into the porch roof below. Sized just right for two, the space offers a superb location to end the day, and enjoy vividly colorful sunsets.

Project Completion Date: 2012

Photography:

Jonathan Reece

Collaborators:

• Structural Engineer: Albert Putnam Associates
• General Contractor: Dighton Home Construction