This project entails the restoration and renovation of two beach shacks set amongst the dunes by Patrick Ahearn Architect, located in Aquinnah, a town in Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts. Nestled on a 2.8-acre property, the beach shacks were transformed into a main house and guest quarters. The goal was to maintain the structures’ original character while updating them with the comforts of contemporary living, and preserve the dunes.

The transformation included a structural and technical overhaul—new roofs, sidewalls, shingles, doors, insulation, wiring, plumbing, and appliances—and a rethinking of the interiors to open them to the pristine natural setting. The idea was to let the buildings, and their residents, seamlessly connect to their sun-kissed waterfront surroundings.

The main cottage now features three bedrooms: two on the first floor and a third—accessed by a ship’s ladder—lofted above the cathedral-ceilinged central gathering space. The great room includes a kitchen and cozy living room, whose fireplace was built with stones from the property’s own beach.

The smaller cottage—with its kitchenette, bedroom, and bath—hosts guests. Both buildings celebrate the beauty of their natural surroundings by blurring the distinction between indoors and out: the guesthouse with its pergola-covered porch, and the main building with its double-height glass wall, sliding-glass doors, skylights, and sunny deck.

What We Love: This beach shack project has been completely updated to provide an amazing escape for family and friends to gather. Inviting living spaces are bright and airy thanks to a light color palette and large windows soaking in the seaside vistas. Overall, the project team did a fabulous job of preserving the original architecture while updating the pair of beach dwellings to todays living standards.

Tell Us: What do you think of this island getaway? Would this be your idea of the ultimate retreat to spend time with loved ones? Let us know in the Comments below!

Note: Have a look at a another wonderful home tour that we have featured here on One Kindesign from the portfolio of the architects of this project, Gorgeous gambrel shingle-style home in countryside of Martha’s Vineyard.

Photos: Greg Premru Photography

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