This charming family cottage with warm and inviting living spaces was designed and built by Knickerbocker Group, located in Portland, Maine. Down a narrow path, beyond a swing hanging from an oak among ledge outcroppings, the original cottage sat under the trees on a point of land.
While the owners dreamed of much-needed added space for extended family and guests, the 75-foot shoreland setback confined the possibilities for expansion. The architects devised a solution that entailed two modestly sized homes: a family cottage and a bunkhouse just beyond the setback, to be built in series to minimize the impact on the land.
What We Love: This charming family cottage offers its inhabitants an inviting atmosphere with casual beach chic living spaces. Surrounded by a beautiful forest and seaside views, this home’s property provides privacy and year-round outdoor activities. Overall, this cottage provides an idyllic family getaway for relaxed living and a feeling of tranquility.
Tell Us: What do you think of the design of the aesthetics of this cottage? Would this be your idea of the perfect seaside vacation home?
Note: Have a look at a couple of other inspiring home tours that we have featured here on One Kindesign from the portfolio of the architects of this home, Knickerbocker Group: Gorgeous weathered barn is centerpiece of this New England farmhouse and Quaint seaside cottage gets beautifully refreshed on Boothbay Harbor.
The open plan in the family cottage was designed around a massive stone element in its center, with large slabs of rough-cut granite backdrop the kitchen workspaces, a sweeping stone arch graces the fireplace with its over-sized drilled-and-split hearth, the loft ladder conforms to the shape of the stone. Douglas fir beams, reclaimed ceiling boards, antique oak floors: wood meets stone in clean contoured lines.
In the treehouse-style loft with gabled walls made entirely of glass, the materials are echoed in long views of woods, rocks, and water.
The homes are unified by a central stone patio and fire pit area, characterized by the handmade “found wood” Adirondack chairs and a grill/cooking station crafted of granite.
Today, the same narrow woodland path leads you to the new cottages. Tucked among the trees, they subtly echo the natural materials in the environment around them.
Both inside and out, the union of wood and stone evokes a re-connection to place, a reminder of the elemental nature of Maine.
The bunkhouse is eclectic: a modern-day bungalow designed to flexibly house teenagers and their friends, or a full troop of relatives. It sits on a slight rise behind the main cottage. In between the two, custom Adirondack chairs by Whitten Hill Studio circle a fit pit built within the stone terrace.
A simple open floor plan encourages gathering, lounging, and game playing. The common room opens to a large screened-in porch that takes in water views on three sides.
The bunkroom is light and airy with colorful tiled carpet and salvaged leaded glass window art. The painted trim and knotty pine ceilings contribute to the casual feel of the space.
As with all small houses, storage is key! A window seat at the end of the hall, and another at the base of the stairs, provides storage to tuck extra blankets out of sight.
Photos: Darren Setlow / Rachel Sieben
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