new gambrel
castine, maine
This new 3,000 sf. two-story house is located on Perkins Street overlooking Castine Harbor. The bow window and copper-faced balcony above provide commanding views to the water and many islands beyond.
Designed as a retirement home, the first floor contains the Master Suite allowing for single floor living. Two guest rooms and baths occupy the second floor. A small overlook peeks into the lofted dining room with clerestory dormer windows. The “mister” of the house is a retired minister. The overlook is affectionately known as the “puplit”. The open book cutouts (a bible reference) add a sense of folly to the otherwise functional guardrail.
The clients had many family heirloom antiques and paintings. We worked closely with the client during design to assure each piece had a comfortable “home” within this distinctive house. Design efforts included a long weekend trip to their then residence in St. Louis to finalize the design and experience the heirloom pieces AND the clients in situ.
Cedar shingles dominate this gambrel house. A large attached garage has an attic for a future apartment. The “eroded” southeast corner of the house affords water views at the Living Room, Dining/Kitchen, and Hearth Room. An open stair with large windows pull daylight into the interior.
In spite of its traditional exterior, this house “lives” in a remarkably contemporary manner.