Summer House
Cape Ann, MA

The owners’ wanted a low maintenance summer house to suit the needs of a growing family. Beyond that they envisioned a retreat with sweeping views and cool breezes.

The first floor elevation is set high enough to capture a panoramic view over the roof of an adjacent house. Water views are framed from the living area and master bedroom and extended outside across porches and balconies to dramatic overlooks of the beach. Breezes are captured by large windows oriented to the prevailing summer wind, and cross ventilation is facilitated by the open plan and operable transom windows over doors. Exposed heavy timber framing, detailed to recall the craft of local shipwrights, provides a backdrop for informal family gatherings.