Today’s serene and stylish home, designed by Haven Workshop SP23 speaker, Laura Hodges, features not one, but two gorgeous abodes. This waterfront Chesapeake Bay property underwent an extensive overhaul to include an entertaining space, art studio, and so much more. Laura married rustic finishes with modern sensibilities to create unique and refined spaces that take advantage of every beautiful moment the grounds have to offer. Photographer, Jennifer Hughes, captured this estate beautifully in the snaps below.

Bonus—we recently interviewed Laura who will be speaking again at the Spring 2023 Haven Workshop! Take a minute to pop open this tab before you begin scrolling below so you can enjoy the interview afterward.

From the designer… This project is on the eastern shore of Maryland, in Oxford, on an expansive waterfront property with mature landscaping and beautiful views of the inlets off the Chesapeake Bay. When the property was purchased, it was dotted with very small, vacant homes built over the years and previously rented to local residents. All of the new structures have beautiful architecture designed by Reggie Gibson Architects. We were tasked with designing the interiors for two smaller homes that are positioned around a central courtyard, along with a building nicknamed the Crab Shack and an Art Studio. We reused a lot of existing wood from the property to build window trim, doors, cabinetry and furniture. We really tried to retain the feeling of the eastern shore with natural materials and textures, like woven grasses, and vintage furniture.

The two homes each have two bedrooms and two bathrooms and one has a full kitchen while the other has a small but very efficient kitchenette. We wanted to keep a rustic feeling in these homes but with a refinement that felt modern and comfortable. Lots of unique vintage finds, eco-friendly materials and furnishings, and bespoke design details make this property feel very warm and welcoming.

The Art Studio was designed to accommodate a range of artistic mediums as well as to house an extensive library. When I walked through the property while it was still in framing, the light streaming in through the roofline was really beautiful so I suggested we add skylights to keep the natural light and view of the treetops. The result was an accentuation of the angular architecture and a feeling of being part of the natural environment. A lofted area houses art supplies and a small utility room for HVAC.

The Crab Shack is used for entertaining with concrete floors, screened windows, custom-designed handmade furniture, and cabinetry (including a retractable ceiling mounted hidden TV) and a kitchen to be used as an extension of an outdoor BBQ and crab boil.

Like what you see? Take a peek at the talent behind the story… Interior Design: Laura Hodges Studio · Photography: Jennifer Hughes · Architect: Reggie Gibson Architects · Builder: Lundberg Builders