Whitten Architects has thoughtfully designed this warm and welcoming cottage to accommodate two generations, situated on the Southern Coast of Maine. The owners had a desire to have a home that could accommodate them, and their frequent overnight guests and fit into the vernacular of the surrounding neighborhood.

The dwelling is surrounded by a network of informal drives and walking paths that lead to other areas of the neighborhood. The architects devised a site-specific design to elevate the home, maximizing water views. This subtle increase in elevation also allows for privacy from the road. The south-facing side of the home is intentionally aligned with the water views, the sun, and the prevailing summer breezes.

DESIGN DETAILS: ARCHITECTURE Whitten Architects INTERIOR DESIGN Leslie Rylee GENERAL CONTRACTOR Eider Construction LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT Richardson & Associates STRUCTURAL ENGINEER Albert Putnam Associates

The expansive rear entry porch, mudroom with laundry, boot bench, closets, and a half bath are all well suited for active young families. Three steps up from the gardens, large French doors and generous cottage windows connect the open main living space, including the eat-in kitchen, to outdoor porches and inviting landscaped terraces.

The landscape and site design by Richardson & Associates of Saco makes the most of salvaged stone, native plant drifts, and ground covers which integrate the new home with its rocky coastal setting and a neighboring nature preserve.

Ledgestone is built with stone from the site, stained eastern white cedar shingles, high-performance/low-maintenance doors and windows, wood porches, and painted trim. Ledgestone will provide this family with many years of swimming at the beach, sailing, tennis, golf, evenings by the fire, and walks along the coast of Maine.

What We Love: This beautiful Maine cottage offers a multi-generational family a welcoming summer cottage for gathering and entertaining. Large windows connect this home to the lovely water views while also bringing in plenty of natural light. A three-season screened porch is the perfect spot to enjoy cozy evenings with fresh breezes off the water and the ambiance of a fire. 

Tell Us: Would this cottage getaway be your idea of the ultimate place to gather with family and friends in the summertime? Let us know your thoughts in the Comments!

Note: Have a look at a couple of our favorite home tours that we have featured here on One Kindesign from the portfolio of the architects of this home, Whitten Architects: Dreamy seaside getaway on a small island off the coast of Maine and Modernized farmhouse provides camp-like refuge on Maine’s jagged coast.

The interior is finished with pine boarding, wainscoting, oak floors, marble counters, white tile, and traditional cottage trim. 

The main level master bedroom suite features a sitting room and its own private garden. On the upper level each family bedroom has an en-suite bathroom and outside porch. A lower level game room and an activity space above the detached garage are for games, projects, and rainy days.

The octagonal stone porch on the southeast corner is a sunny, three-season space for morning coffee and relaxing afternoons.

Photos: Rob Karosis