Old Ocean Residence
Completed while with Knickerbocker Group
Complete Renovation and Addition. Recognition: Architectural Digest & Maine Home and Design.
This comprehensive reimagining transformed a 12,000-square-foot residence, situated on a commanding promontory along the southern Maine coast, from a 1990s "builder-grade" structure into a sophisticated seaside retreat. While the original property offered prime sandy beach frontage, it lacked the architectural character required to match such a spectacular location. The renovation sought to honor the region’s rich coastal history by drawing inspiration from traditional New England shingle-style architecture, replacing generic finishes with deep architectural detailing to provide a sense of grace, age, and permanence. By marrying the home’s significant scale with refined craftsmanship, the team created a landmark residence that functions as a modern multi-generational home while feeling like a historic grand cottage.
The redesign meticulously reoriented every space toward the water, beginning with a dramatic transformation of the outdoor living areas. The original narrow eight-foot porch was expanded into a sweeping twenty-foot veranda, establishing a robust connection to the beach and rocky coastline. This ground-level space is complemented by a private walk-out roof deck off the primary suite, featuring bespoke side walls with an elegant, sweeping shape that mimics the classic sterns of local lobster boats. Further immersion into the landscape is found in the circular screen porch, a three-season sanctuary equipped with a custom stone fireplace that allows for insect-free dining and lounging against the backdrop of the Atlantic.
Inside, the home’s flow and functionality were entirely overhauled to support both entertaining and "aging in place." The front staircase was strategically relocated to provide immediate, captivating ocean views upon entry, while a former back staircase was replaced with an elevator for long-term accessibility. For large gatherings, a butler's pantry with custom cabinetry was added, and the dining room was repositioned for better proximity to the kitchen. The lower level was also transformed, with segmented rooms demolished to create a large open recreational area. Here, a custom "Boat Bar"—crafted from a vintage 1940s Sebago wooden boat—is artfully mounted to appear as if it is floating, complete with original light fixtures and authentic boat-building materials.
Additional square footage was gained through a garage attic conversion, where the roof was raised to create a modern-traditional bunk room featuring boat-berth style bunks and vintage wood beams. The indoor pool area underwent a similar reconstruction to solve previous circulation issues; the pool was relocated, and an interior addition was integrated to provide 270-degree views of the adjacent cove. This aquatic retreat extends outdoors to a custom hot tub built into the landscape, using a stone retaining wall to transition the grade between the home’s levels.
The project's final touch is a striking turret, an original architectural element enhanced with a custom-designed metal catwalk. Encircling the top of the tower, this elevated gallery provides a functional outdoor space where the homeowners can track marine traffic entering Portland Harbor or stargaze on warm evenings. The new structure serves as a playful, yet elegant, architectural tribute to the historic lighthouses that punctuate the rugged Maine coastline, firmly integrating the residence with its maritime setting.
