When I first saw this property that caught my eye, the waterfront wooded setting and how the house massing of shed and gable roofs blended “into the woods”, to borrow the title of a Sondheim musical. The crisp forms evoked New England salt boxes but the interiors were a delightful contemporary surprise. I loved the open living-dining room with the wood joists and decking floating over hardwood flooring the same warm light color as the ceiling. The eclectic mix of modern, antique and Scandinavian furniture reminded me of a visit to a Danish friend many years ago, complete with the bold contemporary art.
The hall that led from the living-dining room was more than a mere passage; rather, it was another opportunity to display art and sculpture atop a Scandinavian sideboard. The “U” shaped kitchen also had light finishes and the dropped counter with chairs below under a large picture window was the perfect spot for breakfast. Another hall had space for a mini-home office or workspace complete with an ergonomic chair.
The spare contemporary look carried through to a main floor bedroom with a platform bed covered by a colorful quilt in a star pattern. The bath had European touches of a narrow depth porcelain lavatory over a teak cabinet with inlaid wood work. This suite had its own exterior door which would be convenient for guests.
The master suite was a delightful dormer room tucked under the roof with dormer windows for light and views into the woods for nocturnal star-gazing. Appropriately, a wedding ring quilt adorned the bed and the warm wood furnishings created a restful retreat.
An inviting deck at grade level with chairs by the water was a peaceful place for contemplating nature. The two-story barn could be converted to a guest house and the site is large enough for the addition of a pool.
For more information about this property, please contact Cornelia Heckenbach at 410-745-0283 (o), 410-310-1229 (c), or [email protected], “Equal Housing Opportunity”.
Spy House of the Week is an ongoing series that selects a different home each week. The Spy’s Habitat editor Jennifer Martella makes these selections based exclusively on her experience as a architect.
Jennifer Martella has pursued her dual careers in architecture and real estate since she moved to the Eastern Shore in 2004. Her award winning work has ranged from revitalization projects to a collaboration with the Maya Lin Studio for the Children’s Defense Fund’s corporate retreat in her home state of Tennessee.
Robert Hall says
Jennifer,
The house you are describing is a modified Cape Cod style, not a saltbox. We studied the saltbox design thoroughly when we built one on Nantucket Island using plans from the mid 18th century. It’s practicality, comfort and charm exceeded our expectations, even the “locals” were pleasantly surprised after advising us to choose other authentic New England styles.
It was “Finest Kind.”
Life is Good,
BobHallsr