A summer vacation home was designed for a family of six by Gray Organschi Architecture, located in Sachem’s Head in Guilford, Connecticut near the Thimble Islands. Since protected wetlands cover the majority of the area, new builds are restricted, to prevent over-development. The owners purchased the home and after discovering some severe structural problems, decided to have it torn down and rebuilt by the architects whose work is geared towards a more modern, yet very naturalistic approach. The previous home was built in the late 1970s, the architects salvaged part of the foundation and built out from there. The finished result is a 6,000 square foot home featuring six bedrooms and five bathrooms housed in two separate wings adjoined by a two level bridge. The elegant structural forms are clad both inside and out with bleached cedar and flooring is comprised of ash, which has been left mainly exposed. One wing encompasses the children’s quarter and the other is for adults, allowing both privacy and relaxation. The architect devised an open plan layout with expansive views of the Long Island Sound and surrounding lush landscaping. The first floor offers overlapping spaces that seem to flow into each other, facing out towards the sea. A dramatic dining room is positioned on the first level of the bridge, with sliding glass panels on either side to allow cross ventilation. The second level features a casual family hang-out space with a louvered cedar screen covering the windows on the south side.

Furnishings throughout the interiors combine designer pieces intermingled with antiques, salvaged finds and internet (such as 1stdibs) and estate sale scores. Some of the stores that the homeowners shopped from includes CB2 and Restoration Hardware.

Want more inspiration from the Connecticut area? Look no further than here on 1 Kindesign where we have some fabulous homes to share with you, such as: Modern rustic barn and Mid-century modern New Canaan Residence.

The kitchen showcases an expansive island with a concrete countertop.

Photos: Mark Mahaney for Dwell & Gray Organschi Architecture