Sandy Bluff
Sometimes devising a narrative can set the direction for an architectural design. The idea of “grown-over-time” is one such narrative. Despite its location in coastal southern New England, Sandy Bluff was originally built around the turn of the 21st Century as a sprawling mountain lodge-like home separated into distinct volumes—a center/near wing, and two far wings. The entire foundation and far wings were workable for the new owners of the home, but the center and near wing were not. PSD sought a design that would function as a completely new home but incorporate the existing elements after the center/near wing was removed.
| Project Category | Renovation |
|---|---|
| Scope of Work | Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Construction |
| Finished Space Above Grade | 6,810 |
| Photography | Brian Vanden Brink |
This is a grand estate home that sits at the edge between order and chaos—that looks like it grew thoughtfully and deliberately over time, and through multiple stylistic eras, even though the time trajectory of its growth is more or less within the last quarter century.
Efficient re-use of the existing conditions demanded an irregular, additive composition, so integration of the parts was through materials (like the shingle wrapper), repeated motifs at different scales in different locations (like the arches that are porch columns, widow’s walk balustrade, and arbor and gate patterns), and a loose but studied assemblage of historically-rooted New England vernacular forms, shapes, and details. Multiple scales, vertical and horizontal directional shifts, materials/finishes, and isolated but not overall symmetry exist in an eclectic and sophisticated balance.
Stepping through the parallel arches of the arbor brings you from the public world of coming and going to a private world of serenity where relaxation blends with infinity edge pool, blends with ocean, blends with sky.
Outdoor living occurs in a magical realm between house and ocean—the centerpiece being a fully-equipped outdoor kitchen and bar area, along with an infinity-edge pool and spa. Like the house, the landscape design allows for socializing, play, or just quietude.
As the two end wings (with roof ridges perpendicular to the main house) were re-used, the house location was pre-determined. The new landscape design, however, stretches outdoor living space beyond the limits of the house to take full advantage of the length of the waterfront.
Just inside the front door, an initial low ceiling gives way to a soaring space occupied by an elegant stair.
The disposition of the stair is sculptural—a free-standing object that partially separates living, dining, and entry spaces. A reverse curve balcony edge receives the top of the stairs and elegantly connects the stair to the circulation space between the guest rooms. The family space includes a high ceiling in the center, mid-level ceiling at the sides, and low ceiling in cozy nooks. The variety of scale accommodates a variety of social interactions, all with spectacular views. A colonnade of flat “Greek” columns, transom windows, and large interior windows create a demarcation between the stair hall and family room. Two islands provide work, serving, and dining space in the kitchen. The breakfast nook and screened-in porch beyond project out toward the ocean, giving them view and light from three directions.
Wood cut by computer-controlled machines offers endless design possibilities for millwork. Mudroom cubbies and trim take full advantage.
A nook for rest and relaxation is on the route up to the second-floor primary bedroom suite. A series of stair landings navigate the existing condition floor levels. The second-floor primary bedroom is a light-filled space with a private balcony and a forever view. The room also contains an intimate nook for reading (or hiding!) next to another abstracted classical fireplace surround, this time with “ionic” columns. The adjacent bathroom leads to a dressing room that is also connected to the laundry room. A large window floods the space with natural light.
Like the exterior form of the house, the interior spaces are delightfully complex.
