Terraced Garden House

We seamlessly transformed a beloved summer house built by our client’s grandparents in the 1920’s for year-round living. The house was slightly reorganized, gutted and insulated, but all the wood trim, doors, windows, and hardware were restored and reused.

This former U-shaped stable block surrounding a water-facing courtyard had been converted to a house many years ago. Over a period of fifteen years we designed three phases of further renovations, reorganizing the internal plan while retaining the antique charm of the original.

An old house was given a new lease on life by replacing the exterior white painted stucco with shingles, more in keeping with its island neighbors. Inside, vistas were opened up between the main rooms, and bay windows added on the water side to take in the expansive views. The kitchen moved from a rear service wing to the view side, where it becomes a family gathering place.  The stair was reoriented to create a clear path from entry to living room.

This beloved building was originally designed by Boston architect Edmund March Wheelwright in 1909. A century after its completion, the Castle retained much of its original character, but required exterior refurbishment, a new fire egress, and interior improvements.