Oceanfront Dream
Though updated to serve as a modern New England summer home, this oceanfront property maintains its 19th century integrity. Initially planned as a comprehensive interior remodeling, regulatory hurdles guided Jimmy Bowes, President of Bayside Builders, in a different direction. Plans for a breezeway, pool, patio, and three-car garage required that the build team lift and reposition the home. Though no easy feat, the result is a dreamy ocean-front retreat complete with contemporary updates and preserved details.
Historic architectural details were a source of inspiration for the whole team, which includes Bowes, interior designer Jocelyn Chiappone of Digs Design, and architect Jim Golden of James Phillip Golden Architects. “We kept the entire structure intact,” says Bowes. “For the most part, the house was still structurally bullet-proof, so we kept approximately 80% of the framing.”
An original three-story staircase, diamond fretwork windows, chimney, and flooring are among other structural elements that were preserved. “Original elements were preserved to serve as a tactile reminder of the generations of people who have enjoyed the home,” says Golden. “The clients loved the idea of being stewards of this historic home and having it meet their needs moving forward.”
Added features include a three-car garage fitted with guest quarters above, plus a full height basement with contemporary amenities such as a golf simulator room, media room, and bar. Accessible from the basement is a brand new pool area and lounge with a full bath, laundry room, and changing rooms.
“Even with the addition of the breezeway and garage, we maintained consistency by utilizing identical window sizes and preserving the diamond grill patterns,” Bowes recalls. “If anything, our efforts brought the house back to what it was more than changing it.”
In the main home, four floors of living space were designed to reflect a quintessential coastal New England flair, with surrounding ocean views providing plenty of inspiration. “There’s almost no room in that house that does not have a view of the ocean,” says Golden.
The client’s desire for a clean, beachy, and casual aesthetic inspired Jocelyn Chiappone of Digs Design Company to incorporate a classic blue and white scheme, but with a creative twist. “Their main residence in Southern California is what the client calls an ‘all beige house’ so they were excited to have more fun in this summer house,” says Chiappone. With a combination of aqua blues, royal blues, and pale blues, the classic palette is refreshed and invigorated with personality. Attached to a spacious balcony, the primary bedroom features a palette of pale blues for a soft and sweet look that plays on the tranquility of the surrounding sea. Shiplap ceilings seen throughout the home continue in the bedroom suite.
The interiors also represent a seamless merge of old and new. The design includes white enamel and oil rubbed bronze handles, detailing inspired by the original doors, and millwork that adds to the sense of place. “The builder and I were mindful to preserve and expand on historic elements from the original architecture to ensure that we were in keeping with the integrity of the home,” says Chiappone.
With modern living in mind, Chiappone curated elements that would fit the active family’s fun and casual summer lifestyle. “Nothing is too precious, and the fabrics and rugs are designed to stand up to sand, spills and wet feet,” Chiappone notes. Casual silhouettes and colors, painted furniture, organic texture and woven elements, and blends of patterns, time periods, and styles converge to embody Chiappone’s signature ‘Dig’s Mix.’ “I love to have different time periods and styles with different colors and patterns in one space. This is what makes a room feel collected and interesting,” says Chiappone.
Infused with details that bring summertime to life, the property was completed just in time for the family to enjoy the summer season. Mission accomplished!
(Builder: Bayside Builders, Interior Design: Digs Design Company, Architecture: James P. Golden Architect, Landscape: Joyce Landscaping, Staging: Karin Lidbeck, Cabinetry: ML Custom Woodwork, Pergola: TrimBoard, Shutters: New England Shutter Mills, Shower Doors: Oasis Shower Doors, Tile: Camp Tile, Photography: Greg Premru; Nat Rea)
