Bunny Lane Residence is a contemporary waterfront retreat designed by Heliotrope Architects, located on the picturesque Orcas Island, Washington. The property has been in the homeowners family for over 40 years and was enjoyed as a family vacation spot in a much smaller, more rustic cabin that originally took up residence on the site. When the homeowner and his wife took the property over, they decided to update the home by replacing it with a more spacious, modernized approach. Comprised of 2,284 square feet of living space, the new home takes better advantage of the water views and natural light. The homeowners expressed that they wanted to explore an island vernacular, an aesthetic that would be timeless and comfortable. The exterior facade showcases a barn style, two story structure clad in cedar which houses the private zones of the bedrooms and bathrooms. An attached single story structure encompasses a great room with extensive sea views. Almost every room in the home features a view, even though the shorter width of the property faces the water. The open plan living and dining area is in the single story part of the home, so the bedrooms have unobstructed views from above. Local milled fir was used for the hardwood flooring running throughout the interiors, including the custom built-ins. There was not a lot of furnishings that needed to be purchased, but the owners hired interior design firm Designward, Inc to step in and help select window treatments and fabrics.

Outside decking on both sides of the home leads to walkways paved with natural beach gravel, which helps to connect the surrounding property to the waterfront. On the side of the property that fronts the sea, a beautiful bluestone patio features a fire pit, perfect for cools evenings. The property is so enjoyable that the homeowners who used to use this home as a vacation retreat from April through to October now spend their time here year round.

We have featured other homes designed by Heliotrope Architects in the past here on 1 Kindesign, have a look: Suncrest Residence on beautiful Orcas Island and Grant Creek Residence nestled into a wooded hillside.

The architect designed the dining room table milled from a madrona tree which had fallen on the property prior to construction.

Photos: Sean Airhart