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Shaped like an observation tower, this striking Fishers Island retreat was conceived by Haver Skolnick Architects as their own personal escape, perched on a hill to capture panoramic ocean views.
Located on Fishers Island, just off the coast of New York, the tower house was designed and owned by the architects as a private getaway. The couple named this home “Pointer Perch” after their German Shorthaired Pointer, Keeper. Created as a weekend and vacation retreat, the emphasis was on designing a 1,200-square-foot home that meets the couple’s lifestyle needs and is low-maintenance.
To capture views from all sides, the bedroom and mudroom are situated on the main level, while the main living spaces are on the second floor. The exterior material palette will gracefully weather over time, which includes Alaskan yellow cedar shingles, bronze railings, and charcoal gray aluminum-clad windows. The exterior paint was limited to the front door and the walkout basement’s mudroom door, which will need only the occasional touch-up.
DESIGN DETAILS
ARCHITECT/INTERIOR DESIGNER Haver & Skolnick Architects
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT Haver & Skolnick Architects & Race Rock Garden Co.
BUILDER/CABINETMAKER H P Broom Housewright
STRUCTURAL ENGINEER DeStefano & Chamberlain
MECHANICAL ENGINEER CES Engineering
Project Size: 1,200 square feet
Site Size: 3.1 acres
Construction Cost: $1,500 a square foot
The winding drive meanders between the rustic site’s trees and boulders. The architectural style is inspired by the island’s shingled cottages from the turn of the 20th century, expressed with crisp, tailored detailing. The tower rises above a meadow of native grasses, with mowed pathways carved through the landscape to create a natural circulation pattern.
Outdoor spaces are defined by terraces of jumbo bluestone pavers, scaled to match the site’s massive boulders, while undulating beds of beach stones further anchor the home to its surroundings.
The architectural style is inspired by the island’s shingled cottages from the turn of the 20th century.
The house features very crisp, tailored details.
The tower rises above a meadow of native grasses. Mowed pathways are carved through the meadow.
The terrace features jumbo bluestone pavers, in scale with the site’s many massive boulders.
The house is surrounded by undulating beds of beach stones, anchored by boulders from the site.
Outdoor Shower With an Ocean View
A copper outdoor shower takes advantage of ocean views, and the lower level is designed to support both garden and beach activities. It encompasses a single bedroom, a full bathroom, a laundry room, and the entry hall.
The Mudroom Entry
The lower level houses everything needed for the garden and the beach. One enters this upside-down house floor plan through the mudroom and storage area.
Inside, a crisp white interior palette is complemented by rift- and quarter-sawn oak floors (with a water-based sealer) and hand-hewn beams, balancing refinement with rustic character.
Lower-Level Owner’s Bedroom
A massive antique ebonized poster bed anchors the bedroom.
An Italian daybed provides the perfect vantage point to enjoy the ocean views.
A custom bronze railing invites visitors to ascend to the Living Room.
Upper Level Living Room
At the top of the tower, the living room is designed as a porch-like space, clad in white shiplap on the walls and ceiling, and oriented to capture expansive water views. In the evening, the tower becomes a glowing lantern on the hill, reinforcing its vertical presence within the landscape.
Antique furnishings are thoughtfully paired with contemporary abstract art throughout the home.
The walls and ceiling of the porch-like Living Room are clad in white shiplapped boards.
Kitchen With Open Shelving
A distinctive vintage bronze lantern is suspended from the Kitchen’s pyramidal ceiling.
The Kitchen features highly figured Calacatta marble.
Fishers Island Tower House at Dusk
Oversized copper lanterns highlight the rugged stone foundation.
In the evening, the tower becomes a glowing lantern on the hill.
What We Love About This House
The fact that the architects designed this as their own personal coastal retreat says everything. Every decision, from the inverted floor plan that puts the living spaces up top where the views are best, to the mix of antique furnishings against crisp white shiplap, feels deeply considered rather than simply stylish. There’s also something wonderful about a home this compact; at just 1,200 square feet, it manages to feel generous and complete. At dusk, the tower becomes a glowing lantern on the hill — the perfect finishing touch to an already extraordinary home.
Tell Us…
Would this private island tower be your idea of the ultimate weekend getaway? Let us know in the Comments below; we enjoy reading your feedback!
Note: Be sure to check out a couple of other amazing home tours that we have highlighted here on One Kindesign in the state of New York: Tour this chic and inviting Shelter Island home with serene water views and Timeless shingle style home with glorious views of the Long Island Sound.
Floor Plans & Diagrams
The landscape design features undulating planting beds, a driveway, and pathways.
The elevations and second floor plan illustrate the home’s simple classical organization.
Key Products
Cladding/Millwork/Moulding/Trim: Alaskan yellow cedar
Counters/backsplash/shelves: Honed Calacatta Oro Marble
Decking: Custom ipe
Dishwasher: Bosch
Entry Doors: Custom mahogany by Fairfield County Millwork, Bethany, Connecticut
Faucets: Newport brass (kitchen), Phylrich, Sonoma Forge (outdoor shower)
Flooring: Rift and quartersawn white oak
HVAC: Mitsubishi heat pumps
Lighting: Bevolo (exterior); Dennis & Leen, Paul Ferrante, Lantern Masters, Hacienda Lights
Lighting Control: Lutron
Paints: Benjamin Moore
Range: KitchenAid
Refrigerator: Bosch
Sinks: Franke (kitchen); Signature Hardware (primary); Cheviot (powder)
Toilets: TOTO
Wallboard: Custom painted tulip poplar wallboards
Washer/Dryer: Miele
Water filtration: Aquasana
Windows/French Doors: Loewen
PHOTOGRAPHER Robert Benson Photography
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