Seaside Cove

Perched along the Maine coast, this home tells the story of a couple whose connection to the site spans generations. Though they live primarily overseas, the couple returns to Maine often to enjoy the coastal landscape. They had been spending summers in their cottage up the hill, but had decided that they’d like to renovate their older home near the shoreline that had great potential, but was aging and constructed with very low ceilings that didn’t capture the breathtaking view of the ocean cove just outside.

They wanted a home that was comfortable for the two of them most of the time, but was flexible to create more space for their adult children and their growing families when they came to visit. What began as a second story addition evolved through several iterations to become a complete rebuild of the home, preserving the foundation and footprint to be reused and reimagined. Having spent years on the property, the clients came to the project with a strong sense of what they wanted to achieve and remained deeply engaged throughout design and construction.

Located within the shoreland protection zone, the new home required careful planning and a lengthy permitting process. The steep slope toward the water needed adequate grading and drainage strategies to remove the threat of water intrusion where some moisture had previously been coming into the basement. These constraints ultimately helped nestle their home into the landscape while maximizing expansive ocean views from both floors. 

Designed for year-round comfort and resilience, the home reflects the couple’s desire for a self-sufficient coastal retreat. The all-electric home features an air-to-water heat pump for radiant floors, air source heat pumps for general heating and cooling, staggered-stud wall construction, natural cellulose insulation, and triple-glazed windows and doors for exceptional efficiency and warmth. Solar panels paired with battery storage help maintain power during the outages that are common in coastal locations. Inside, the primary floor embraces an open concept layout that captures the sweeping water views, with large windows inviting natural light throughout the home. This home celebrates Maine’s coastal lifestyle—designed for sailing, family visits, and quiet moments overlooking the water.