Two couples who were joint owners of a 400-square-foot garage on a commanding Cape Cod site wanted to transform their modest property into a vacation home complete with kitchen, dining area, full bath and sleeping room for six. The budget was quite modest.
Despite the dearth of space, the owners sought an airiness and informality appropriate to the seashore. A palette of bright colors was used in combination with pine beadboard, a material redolent of cottage living. Many of the original garage elements were retained, including an overhead door whose panels were replaced with glass to make a large window. On warm days the garage door can be opened to bring the outside in, while a roll-up screen keeps insects out.
Wood French doors with curtains make the bedroom private, but when open they enlarge both the bedroom and living area. A loft for two is tucked over the kitchen, and a fold-out couch brings the sleeping capacity to six. Outside, a 200-square-foot deck is embraced by a tall pine grove, and a ship’s ladder climbs to a widow’s walk with panoramic views of the Atlantic, salt marshes and ponds.
This transformation of a garage into an airy seaside retreat was thus accomplished. Centerbrook received two awards for the project, a design award from an AIA New England and Project of the Year from Builder Magazine.
Photography © Joanne Devereaux