This spectacular weekend getaway was conceived by Robert Young Architects, situated in the charming village of Montauk, New York, a hamlet at the east end of Long Island. Nature is not just a backdrop but an important part of the design that defines every aspect of this dwelling.

Two adjacent lots were purchased by the owner, a rare find in Montauk. Instead of constructing a McMansion, the architects opted for two distinct structures — a main house and a guest house/garage. This left space in the center, creating an unobtrusive scale and an overall feel that’s the opposite of a mansion.

DESIGN DETAILS: ARCHITECT Robert Young Architects BUILDER/GENERAL CONTRACTOR Men at Work Construction Corp. STRUCTURAL ENGINEER Becker Engineer CIVIL ENGINEER D.B. Bennett LANDSCAPE DESIGN LaGuardia Design Group LIGHTING DESIGN Tirschwell & Co INTERIOR DESIGN Robert Young Architects SOUND ENGINEER Audio Interiors CABINETRY DESIGN Cousins Furniture MECHANICAL/ENERGY ENGINEER ZeroEnergy Design LANDSCAPE CONTRACTOR James C. Grimes Land Design

The two structures were designed so that each living space, whether indoors or out, optimizes the views and embraces the summer sun and fresh breezes. Despite Lake Montauk taking center stage, it’s not the only attraction — additional, more sheltered areas provide a cozy contrast to the expansive water views.

The primary living areas are thoughtfully positioned close to the ground, with only glass and large sliding doors separating indoors and out, creating an ideal setting for casual indoor/outdoor living. Rather than a traditional lawn, re-vegetated native shoreline plantings between the house and the water reinforce the harmonious connection between the built and natural environment.

What unites the design of both structures is the consistent material palette. Natural materials were chosen with an eye on how they would change over time. Wide, rough-sawn cedar planks on the exteriors are intentionally left untreated, allowing the sun to weather them to a beautiful silvery driftwood hue.

The raw zinc roofs will also acquire a mottled patina as they age, and the solid bronze hardware will withstand the harsh marine environment with minimal maintenance yet become more attractive with time and use.

What We Love: This weekend getaway in Montauk offers a blissful respite from city living, embracing a laid-back, relaxed atmosphere. The cedar-clad exterior is warm and blends well with its surroundings. The light and airy interiors are flooded with natural light, courtesy of expansive walls of glazing which also helps to capture the views of nature. Overall, a very nice design that is beautifully integrated with its natural environment.

Tell Us: What elements in the design of this dwelling do you find most appealing? Please share your thoughts in the Comments below!

Note: Check out a couple of other impressive home tours that we have showcased here on One Kindesign in the state of New York: A fixer-upper gets transformed into a gorgeous dream home in New York and Tour a stunning midcentury house with inspired views of Sag Harbor Cove.

The interior features a beautiful blend of modern and rustic elements: An exposed structural steel frame stretches across large expanses of energy-efficient solar glass, creating a sense of lightness while supporting a series of heavy solid wood roof trusses that are painted white.

A simple palette of whites and bleached woods with dark accents creates a serene atmosphere. The design also subtly weaves together various textures, from the juxtaposition of smooth and rough painted wood planks to the inclusion of handcrafted Moroccan tiles and European white oak floors that are finished to appear as raw as possible to emphasize the interplay of architecture and nature.

While the living spaces of the main house are nestled within the landscape, the three guest bedrooms are situated above the garage/boathouse, affording sweeping northern and western views from this elevated vantage point, providing a contrast to the vistas offered by the main residence.

PHOTOGRAPHER Michael Moran