This historic coastal cottage was given a full overhaul with a focus on family gathering spaces and indoor-outdoor living. The front porch emphasizes a focus on community and welcomes neighbors, while a bright and cheery mudroom provides ample storage for the activities common in this charming neighborhood: golf, tennis, beach, and boating. With restrictions on footprint, steep slopes and historic design regulations all subject to approvals by neighbors and a community design review committee, this project gave designer, Sarah Hayes, a series of fun problems to solve. Take a peek at how this 3,300 square foot family vacation home became a treasured family cottage.

From the designer… My goal was to build a home that would adhere to Sherwood Forest traditions with its cottage-style architecture, scaled appropriately to the street. Because the roads are small and intimate, the cottage, with its increased height, needed to feel friendly to the passer-by and neighboring homes. The design intentionally emphasizes the first floor with its welcoming front porch. The x-rail details are a nod to the Sherwood Forest Clubhouse and can be found throughout the community. The dark green exterior, also in keeping with the community regulations, blends into the wooded environment.

A priority was to promote rest and relaxation, and togetherness. An open floor plan on the main level contributes to this feeling; painted beams define the kitchen, dining and living areas, as do three sets of sliding French doors that open onto the screened back porch. Indoor-outdoor connectivity was also important; the materials and color palette as well as the teak dining table which can be pulled out onto the porch for dining reflect this.

The upper floor of the home emphasizes retreat and calm. This is a vacation/ summer cottage home and offers opportunities for rejuvenation and rest. The vaulted ceiling, pale blue palette and treetops seen from the large windows are a fresh breath of air after city life. The master bathroom offers showering for two, and again one can open windows here while showering for a treehouse feel.

The lower level is the kids’ domain; a playroom has direct access to an outdoor shower. A bunk room, sleeping 6, and a twin bedroom share a jack-and-jill bath that cleverly opens to the hangout room. The dormitory-style setup ensures that siblings engage with each other. A separate guest room w/ ensuite bath accommodates visiting family & friends.

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Like what you see? Take a peek at the talent behind the story… Interior Design: Sarah Hayes Design · Styling & Photography: Charlotte Safavi & Robert Radifera for Stylish Productions