This serene shingle style beach house was designed by architects Polhemus Savery DaSilva, nestled on a low-lying coastal plain overlooking the South Coast of Rhode Island, Massachusetts. Encompassing 2,514 square feet of living space, this home offers a playful attitude that is appropriate for a family who uses it for summer vacations.
Compact gambrel roofed cottages—vernacular shingle style designs that appear as though they were constructed in the first few decades of the 20th Century—are common in the neighborhood. The owners were not interested in something large or showy. Instead, they opted for a more compact yet comfortable family home that is in keeping with the vernacular cottages that give their neighborhood a character of laid-back, friendly, fun.
The gambrel disappears at the ocean-facing side of the dwelling where corner pavilions, defined by octagonal roof shapes with finials at their peak, flank a full two-story facade. A second level deck spans between the pavilions and provides ocean vistas directly to the south and diagonally to the southwest between other houses.
The deck is accessible from the second floor hall and the master suite and via an exterior staircase. Outdoor stairs often appear like afterthoughts. They are a design challenge, especially on a site where blocking the view is highly undesirable.
Here, the architects pulled the stair away from the facade and placed it at an angle, making it more sculptural and blocking less of the adjacent screened in porch. Decorative arches make the underside of the stair playful and appealing but also brace the structure for stability.
What We Love: This serene shingle style home is ideally nestled on a seaside property for relaxing summer vacations. We love how the architecture of this home fits in with the vernacular of the neighborhood. Inside, charming living spaces are warm and inviting, perfect for family living and entertaining. A soothing color palette is inspired by the seaside location, while also not detracting from the views outside.
Tell Us: What details do you find most appealing in the design of this home? Please share your thoughts in the Comments below, we love reading your feedback!
Note: Have a look at another fabulous home tour that we have featured here on One Kindesign in the state of Rhode Island: A dreamy New England beach house with seaside views.
Above: The white trim color is Benjamin Moore White Dove Semi-gloss, the wall color is Benjamin Moore Philadelphia Cream HC-30.
Above: Wall paint color is Philadelphia Cream HC-30 | Benjamin Moore.
Above: In the living room, the walls are painted in Gray Wisp 1570 | Benjamin Moore.
Above: In this serene bedroom, the walls are painted in Harbor Haze 2136-60 | Benjamin Moore.
Photos: Brian Vanden Brink
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