Design studio Hoedemaker Pfeiffer created this stunning three building family retreat located along Mutiny Bay, on the southwest shore of Whidbey Island, Washington. The design of this 9,000 square foot beach house was inspired by the homeowners vision of a family home that merges their love of rural farm culture with their love of the beach and the Pacific Northwest. The summer home plays host to a family of four and their guests for large gatherings.
There are three buildings on the property, a beachfront main house, a multi-purpose barn/stable and a guest house—all surrounding a large meadow at the center of the property. The main house is a long, low-lying structure that is flooded by natural light and views. It is the connecting element between the beautiful meadow and the wide open expanse of beach and Puget Sound beyond.
Project Team: Architect: Hoedemaker Pfeiffer / Interior Design: Rocky Rochon / Contractor: Schuchart/Dow / Landscape: Kenneth Philp Landscape Architects
All of the structures were designed with several spaces that open directly to the outdoors, drawing a clear relationship between the interior and exterior environments. This also helps to further connect the structures and the property as a whole. It was important when designing this property that the scale of the structures did not overpower the scale of the neighborhood homes. It was also important that the overall aesthetic has a farm and beach house vernacular.
The overall design concept was to create a “historically romantic beach vernacular, that is casual, simple, warm and open.” The main home was structured into three volumes: the main living area, master bedroom suite and children’s suite. They are linked by glass enclosed corridors to reduce the scale impact on the neighborhood.
What We Love: This absolutely stunning beach house retreat features brilliantly designed, light-filled interior living spaces. From the soaring ceilings, to the exposed trusses and shiplap walls, wooden floors and sliding barn doors—every detail seems to have been meticulously well designed… Readers, please share what details in this home stand out to you in the comments below!
Great care was taken to create structures that looked as though they had been there for a hundred years. This was accomplished by using recycled materials, such as reclaimed timbers for the trusses in the living area, reclaimed wood flooring, wood paneling installed to have imperfection and many layers of paint, to exterior shakes that were treated with ferrous oxide to give them a pre-weathered appearance.
In addition to the finishes, interiors studio Rocky Rochon Design, integrated antique furniture pieces with new cabinetry, but consistently gave each area a different character, to appear as though the home has been on this site for decades. Bathroom vanities all have a unique historical character. Even the Kitchen has three different types of cabinet fronts, countertops and hardware, specific to the function at those areas.
Furnishings were selected in a very eclectic approach as well. Many items were found objects, including fabrics, and were counterpointed by custom one-of-a-kind pieces that were designed to create comfort and ease. The home needed to feel warm and comfortable for a family of four and be able to accommodate a group of 20 or more people.
Great care was given in providing small scale sanctuaries throughout the home, such as the den, libraries, and children’s suite living area; all the while having enough volume in the gathering areas of the living room and kitchen to provide for the larger groups.
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The ‘barn’ is actually storage for cars, water toys and storage, but was purposefully designed and constructed to look like a vintage barn from the island.
Photography: Ben Benschneider
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