When a picturesque seafront property became available on Martha’s Vineyard, a couple who had been long-time neighbors saw an opportunity they couldn’t resist. Their plan was to not only expand their property but also to create a welcoming space for friends and family to gather. To bring their vision to life, they enlisted the help of renowned designer Steven Gambrel and architect Tom Kligerman.
The result is a stunning guest residence that seamlessly blends with the natural landscape and the island’s rich history. The house, which appears as two separate structures, is actually a single cohesive building cleverly designed to fit into the hillside. Guests can easily flow from the screened porch to the patio with its breathtaking sea views and into the great room, which features a kitchenette for convenience.
The heart of the home is the upper floor, where the family frequently gathers. Gambrel designed a custom suite of sofas and chairs to create intimate seating arrangements, making the space both inviting and functional for entertaining. On the ground floor, a meandering series of rooms includes a kitchen that opens onto a wooden deck and a meadow beyond. The house also features three bedrooms, an indoor gym, and a barre room.
One of the striking aspects of the design is the attention to sound. The husband’s love for music, particularly the electric guitar, inspired the entire project. A music room on the first floor became a hotspot for jam sessions, and both the music room and the great room were acoustically tuned for optimal sound quality.
Throughout the house, Gambrel paid meticulous attention to detail. Salvaged timber beams and rough-hewn wood floors create a sense of history and continuity with the property’s main house. Stone countertops with a raked edge crafted by Lido Stone Works pay homage to the craftsmanship of the past.
The integration with the natural landscape was also a crucial aspect of the design. Gambrel sought elements that would mirror the patina of the surrounding sand and trees. From wire-brushed wood to intricate stitching details, every surface, finish, and piece of furniture exudes texture and layers.
This seaside retreat on Martha’s Vineyard transcends a mere vacation home; it is an oasis of tranquility where family, friends, and music come together. With its seamless connection to the landscape, meticulous design, and attention to detail, it offers an unforgettable experience that celebrates the rich history and beauty of the island.
FAQ
1. What was the goal of the couple in expanding their property on Martha’s Vineyard?
– The couple wanted to not only expand their property but also create a welcoming space for friends and family to gather.
2. Who did the couple enlist to bring their vision to life?
– They enlisted the help of renowned designer Steven Gambrel and architect Tom Kligerman.
3. How does the guest residence blend with the natural landscape?
– The guest residence seamlessly blends with the natural landscape and the island’s rich history by appearing as two separate structures that are actually a single cohesive building cleverly designed to fit into the hillside.
4. What features does the house have?
– The house features a screened porch, a patio with sea views, a great room with a kitchenette, three bedrooms, an indoor gym, and a barre room.
5. How did the husband’s love for music influence the design?
– The husband’s love for music, particularly the electric guitar, inspired the entire project. A music room on the first floor became a hotspot for jam sessions, and both the music room and the great room were acoustically tuned for optimal sound quality.
6. What attention to detail did Gambrel incorporate in the design?
– Gambrel paid meticulous attention to detail by incorporating salvaged timber beams, rough-hewn wood floors, stone countertops with a raked edge crafted by Lido Stone Works, and intricate stitching details throughout the house.
Key Terms and Jargon
1. Patina: The sheen or tarnish that forms on the surface of materials over time.
2. Acoustically tuned: Adjusted or optimized for optimal sound quality.
Suggested Related Links
– Martha’s Vineyard
– Steven Gambrel
– Ike Kligerman Barkley Architects