The client’s charge was to maximize ocean views and maintain privacy from both neighbors and house guests in a compact second home. The design challenge was to achieve this on a small lot across the road from the beach and hemmed in on three sides by other houses.

Stair and hall, pulled to the back of the house, provide a visual buffer from the rear abutter, create a two level light well (which doubles as a library), and open the entire frontage to the shore. First floor living spaces--both indoor and outdoor--focus on a view corridor sliced between mature trees and the abutter across the street to sunset views. The three gabled second floor spaces--home office, master bath and master bedroom--offer the owners sweeping vistas and a peaceful retreat.