Whitten Architects completely refreshed this dilapidated cottage and created an energy-efficient collection of buildings for living, gathering, and connecting with the small island community in Casco Bay, Maine. This home is nestled on a peninsula along Casco Bay in the town of Harpswell, a picturesque fishing town made up of small islands renowned for its natural beauty and maritime charm.

The house came first, providing an anchor for the owner’s new full-time island life. Historically, island cottages began as modest gable forms for fishermen. As families expanded, porches were added, then gradually infilled to meet evolving needs. We aimed to capture a similar aesthetic, without the expense of time. The homeowner desired a home that sat well with the modest neighboring dwellings yet embraced contemporary living.

DESIGN DETAILS: ARCHITECT Whitten Architects BUILDER Emerald Builders‍ INTERIOR DESIGNER Whitten Architects STRUCTURAL ENGINEER Albert Putnam Associates MILLWORK & FURNITURE Derek Preble LANDSCAPE DESIGN Tide Walk Designs LANDSCAPE INSTALLATION Sam Knight, North Road MASONRY Bullock Stonework TIMBERFRAMER Seth Gallant SOLAR PANELS & CAR CHARGERS ReVision Energy

Our owner’s vision extended beyond the completion of her home. The team promptly shifted focus to the timber frame barn. This structure provides an office, and garage, and serves as a gathering space with a kitchen to host community barn suppers and display historic artifacts and memorabilia associated with the island’s history. Working closely with the town to obtain historical photos, maps, and stories, she dubbed the loft space the “Little Hen Island Historical Society.”

The project team collaborated to create a high-performance building, beautifully blending modern and traditional details.

The site was re-naturalized by Tide Walk Designs with native trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants including ferns, low-bush blueberry, red clover, and pollinator meadows that support wildlife and productive honeybees. This reduces watering, erosion, runoff, management costs, and physical labor.

What We Love: This island cottage on Casco Bay was completely transformed to offer a timeless architecture that will be enjoyed by its owner for years to come. We love all of the storage solutions in this home to tuck away the owner’s lifetime of cherished memories. The cottage’s thoughtful design also ensures a seamless connection to its serene coastal surroundings. Overall, we love this charming retirement home that maximizes its site and adopts sustainable principles in its design.

Tell Us: What details do you find most appealing in this remodel project? Let us know in the Comments below!

Note: Be sure to check out a couple of other sensational home tours that we have showcased here on One Kindesign in the state of Maine: Tour this comfortable and welcoming coastal dream home in Maine and This rustic mountain home provides a peaceful escape in the woods of Maine.

This project is a testament to the synergy between traditional forms, modern design, sustainability, and community engagement. Our client’s commitment to her home and community has resulted in a timeless, energy-efficient haven that reflects the spirit of the Maine coastline.

The covered entry porch leads through a carefully configured mudroom to reveal an open-plan kitchen/living area with panoramic views of the water for entertaining. To the side, a bathroom and office feature water views and potential for conversion to a bedroom. Wider door clearances and pocket doors enhance the maneuverability at ground level ensuring she can ‘age-in-place’. 

Collaborating with a talented local artisan, the architects curated built-in storage solutions to contain a lifetime’s collection of books, media, and memories within the consolidated space. Upstairs, the bedroom and stairs offer sweeping water views, with a private bath and dressing room tucked into the eaves.

 

PHOTOGRAPHER Trent Bell Photography