Ocean front sanctuary
Connecticut’s coastline is peppered with small enclaves of dense, small scale summer houses that were originally establish as seasonal summer cabins. As real estate values increased and planning regulations relaxed people started to winterize these cabins so they could live in them year round, taking advantage of coastal life through all seasons. The resultant Cottage Style often takes on an eclectic expression of dissimilar elements. Richard Turlington Architects Inc redesigned the original 750 sf summer house into a 1,500 sf arts and crafts style home that reaches over the adjacent neighbors to expose panoramic views to Long Island Sound. The first floor is open to the southern views and the second floor master bedroom runs the entire length of the house with banks of windows that allow sunlight to penetrate the interior, exposing the local beach and capturing Long Island in the distance. There is a front porch for sitting in the evening and enjoying the social activities of a closely knit neighborhood. There is also a second floor balcony for watching the beach activities, the sunsets and the twinkling Long Island landscape in the distance while enjoying a glass of wine. The exterior material palette was selected to resist the salt air environment, including exterior teak decks, painted cedar shingles and painted white wood trim. The interior palette was very simple as well, using painted cabinetry, tile floors and white painted walls. The finished product is a home for a family to enjoy as their primary residence throughout the year nestled into a neighborhood of bicycles, kids and salt air.