February 25, 2025 | Maddie Brisbane
There is something undeniably uplifting about a home bathed in natural light. Natural light brings warmth and vitality to the home, making each room feel more open, inviting, and alive. Thoughtfully designed sunrooms, soaring windows, and wide open spaces are not only a mood booster-they also create a connection to what lies outside. The following residences embrace light in unique and beautiful ways, providing the perfect canvas for living well.
1. Into the Woods: Acorn Deck House Company
Intentionally elevated to capture panoramic ocean views, this home was designed with both beauty and sustainability in mind. Exposed post-and-beam construction allows for an uninterrupted flow of natural light, while custom mahogany trim frames the breathtaking views.
Passive solar techniques help regulate temperature year-round, ensuring warmth in winter and shade in summer. The structure’s aluminum-clad windows, fiber cement siding, and cedar trim not only enhance its beauty, but minimize maintenance without compromising quality.
(Prefabrication: Acorn Deck House Company, Architect: Michael Hawkes, RA, Builder: Jeremy Stewart - Stewart Construction, Inc., Engineer: Steven R. Grant, PE - SRG Engineering, Inc., Interior Design: By Client, Windows: Pella Windows, Landscape Design: Claire Altenhofen, Photographer: Anthony Crisafulli)
2. Seaside Sustainability: The Valle Group
Winner of two PRISM Awards, this stunning beach house is set atop the dunes on Cape Cod Bay. The home embraces its surroundings with a design that blends traditional Cape Cod elements with a California surf-house aesthetic, prioritizing natural light and an indoor-outdoor lifestyle, made possible by a massive retractable Loewen door and plentiful outdoor living space.
“As builders on Cape Cod, we are fortunate to help our clients embrace breathtaking natural environments. This home is a perfect example of how great design can bring the beauty of the outdoors inside," says Christian Valle, President of The Valle Group.
(Builder: The Valle Group, Architect: Salt Architecture, Photography: Dan Cutrona)
3. Bayside Bliss: McPhee Associates of Cape Cod
Designed to optimize seaside views and set the scene for family gatherings, this Falmouth home epitomizes coastal luxury.
The home’s positioning ensures that the scenery remains the focal point, with sweeping views of the bay complemented by a serene palette of neutrals and blues, as well as organic textures, shiplap millwork, and subtly nautical details. The home’s exterior combines an earthy stone veneer with classic yellow cedar shingles, accented by sleek black Anderson A-series windows.
(Architect: John Dvorsack, Builder: McPhee Associates of Cape Cod, Interior Design: Chango & Co., McPhee Associates, Cynthia Brox Interiors, Landscape Architect: Centerline Studios Inc., Landscape: The Growing Company, Photographer: Dan Cutrona)
4. Sky-High Oasis: FBN Construction
Situated on the 59th floor of a Boston high-rise, this penthouse was transformed from a raw shell into an exquisite 5,000 square foot residence. Inspired by yacht construction, the interiors feature flowing curves, high-gloss Macassar Ebony cabinetry, and bright white millwork.
Elegant stone materials such as Honey Onyx, Calcutta marble, and Port Laurent stone are featured throughout the home. A gallery hallway follows the building’s curvature, with each stone slab meticulously placed to maintain a striking visual experience.
(Builder: FBN Construction, Architect: CambridgeSeven, Designer: Leslie Fine Interiors, Photographer: Albert Vecerka)
5. Sleek Addition: Brookes + Hill Custom Builders
This enchanting three-story modern addition stands adjacent to a traditional primary residence, creating an elegant contrast between old and new. Built on a ledge, the structure required complex concrete and steel elements, which now serve as part of its finished design.
A defining feature of the home is its wooden slat walls, which balance warmth with contemporary sophistication. The expansive glazing invites an abundance of natural light into the interiors, reinforcing its connection with the landscape.
(Architect: Flavin Architects, Landscape Architect: Wagner Hodgson, Builder: Brookes + Hill Custom Builders)
6. Château Moderne: Youngblood Builders
Blending traditional New England architecture with European and California influences, the home features expansive black-framed windows and a limewashed stone façade. Centered around two main courtyards, the home boasts oversized windows, spacious outdoor entertainment spaces, and family-focused amenities.
"It’s easy to notice the massive sheets of glass peering into the central courtyard. But what’s harder to see is the clever way in which the design disguised a massive, upsloping landform in the rear of the property and maximized all of the south and west facing sunlight to the common living spaces and the indoor pool," says Jim Youngblood, Owner of Youngblood Builders.
(Architect: LDa Architecture & Interiors, Builder: Youngblood Builders, Interior Designers: Melissa Winn Interiors, Nicole Hirsch Interiors, Landscape Architect: Wagner Hodgson Landscape Architecture, Landscape: R. P. Marzilli and Company, Photography: Greg Premru Photography, Windows: Marvin Custom Windows)
7. Pleasant Bay Haven: LaBarge Homes
With its soaring ceilings and expansive Loewen windows, this gorgeous Chatham home brings the beauty of Cape Cod’s landscape indoors, designed and built to capture the waterfront view of Pleasant Bay.
"Even the most enjoyable projects require careful planning," says a representative from LaBarge Homes. To integrate the large span of Loewen windows and conceal the one touch retractable screens, the LaBarge team used a steel frame to maintain a clean aesthetic while maximizing natural light.
(Architecture: Salt Architecture, Builder: LaBarge Homes, Interior Design: MV Interior Design, Windows: Loewen Windows, Photographer: Michael J. Lee Photography)
8. Lush Dream: New England Design + Construction (NEDC)
Nestled on five acres in Wayland, Massachusetts, this fully renovated, light-filled residence was originally a simple Cape-style structure. The homeowner, a dedicated horticulturist, purchased the property with a desire to embrace a lifestyle centered around nature, travel, surfing, and family.
Enveloped by dense vegetation, mature trees, and a serene wetland, the property offers a tranquil retreat for both residents and local wildlife, with large windows providing sweeping views of the landscape.
(Architect/Builder: New England Design + Construction, Interior Design: KMID - Kate Maloney Interior Design, Landscape Design/Build: Sudbury Design Group, Photography: Liz Daly)
Thoughtfully nestled on a wooded landscape, this home offers the convenience of single-floor living for the family, with lower-level guest and activity spaces that open onto the lower meadow. Its exceptionally healthy indoor environment is achieved through all-electric systems, dedicated air filtration and ventilation, low-emitting finishes, and whole-house water treatment.
10. Bringing the Outdoors In: Sea-Dar Construction
On a historic 1840s Victorian, a contemporary glass and zinc-clad addition transforms the home for modern living. The once-cramped kitchen was expanded and reconfigured alongside the family room, while a newly added dining space bridges the indoors and outdoors with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that open onto a granite patio.
Upstairs, the raised attic was converted into a bright creative workspace, with new expansive glass panels overlooking the landscaped gardens. "We wanted a space where we could entertain and create a smooth flow between indoors and outdoors, which is why we chose floor-to-ceiling glass windows and doors," says the homeowner. "We were lucky to have a team that understood our vision and made it happen."
(Architecture: Ruhl Jahnes, Interior Design: Stephanie King, Builder: Sea-Dar Construction, Landscape Design: Matthew Cunningham Landscape Design, Photography: Nat Rea)
11. Coastal Embrace: Tucker Associates
Designed to embrace its coastal surroundings, this exquisitely designed home features floor-to-ceiling windows that frame both the marsh and the ocean, flooding the interiors with natural light.
A three-story custom staircase stands as a sculptural centerpiece, leading to an “upside-down” living concept in which the main gathering spaces reside on the upper levels to maximize ocean views. Nautical influences, including stained mahogany accents and round design elements, pay homage to the clients' yachting background.
(Builder: Tucker Associates of NH, Architect: TMS Architects - Tim Giguere, Interior Designer: Pinnacle Interiors - Karen Bruner, Windows: MQ Windows of Canada, Photography: Rob Karosis Photography)
12. Historic Meets Modern: F.H. Perry Builder
Modern innovation meets historic charm in this classic yet contemporary home. Expansive floor-to-ceiling steel-framed windows flood the interiors of this historic home with natural light, while a retractable skylight introduces breathtaking 360-degree views of Boston.
“The retractable skylight and expansive glass elements flood the home with natural light, transforming the space into a sun-drenched sanctuary,” says a representative from F.H. Perry. Traditional double-hung windows grace the front facade, while sleek modern glazing punctuates the rear side.
(Builder: F.H. Perry Builder, Architect: Kennard Architects, Metal Work: Modern Metal Solutions, Glass: Oasis Shower Doors, Photographer: Trent Bell)
13. Carriage House Revival: McCormack Builders
Thoughtfully restored, this carriage house maintains its original charm while embracing modern conveniences, including vast custom windows and doors with sleek black frames. The result is a serene secondary space that bridges now and then, seamlessly blending traditional and contemporary design.
(Architect: Brown Fenollosa Architects, Inc., Builder: McCormack Builders, Doors: Architectural Openings Inc., Metal Work: Modern Metal Solutions, Photographer: Bob O’Connor)
14. Contemporary Barn-Style Home: MCGEOUGH Custom Homes
Designed with an open floor plan and towering walls of glass, this contemporary barn-style residence is a modern masterpiece. The home’s layout follows a stepping-down architecture, ensuring that even the lower level feels connected to the outdoors.
Barn board siding, reclaimed boulders, and mature landscaping pair with metal roofing, striking a balance between classic charm and modern sophistication.
(Architect: Legault Designs, Windows: Pella Windows, Builder: MCGEOUGH Custom Homes, Photography: Drone Media)
15. Hilltop Hideaway: Sweenor Builders
Perched on a coastal Rhode Island site where woodlands meet the sea, this 4,900-square-foot residence was designed to blend harmoniously with its surroundings. Vast windows frame the beautiful views beyond, while warm wood tones ground the space.
Three standout design elements include a double-stacked outdoor fireplace, a striking stair tower, and distinctive flared windows that create an inviting focal point as guests approach the front door.
(Design/Build: Sweenor Builders, Architectural Designer: Mitch Votolato for Sweenor Builders, Landscape Design: Mather & Page, Photography: Brandon Dupont Photography)
16. Luminous Living: Lien Enterprises
As part of a comprehensive renovation, a large mudroom and three-car garage were added to this home, along with expanded bedroom suites to accommodate modern living needs.
The mudroom, a welcoming informal entryway, boasts marble floors and repurposed windows that infuse the space with a solarium-esque feel.
(Builder: Lien Enterprises, Interior Design: Coughlin Interiors, Photography: Sarah Winchester)
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