Basque in the Sun

Outdoor living space on the porch at Basque in the Sun

A space reminiscent of childhood

After spending childhood summers on nearby Capitol Island, our client was looking for a cottage within one of the area’s summer colonies. As soon as she saw this bright red little cottage, she knew it was the one.

View of the approach to Basque in the Sun

A modest addition created a bright and sunny kitchen, while natural woodwork maintained the original style and offered a striking contrast with the white custom cabinetry.

– Design Team, Basque in the Sun

Old meets new

When purchased, the cottage’s interior was dark and lacked natural light. A tiny kitchen was hidden from the living area. A modest addition created a bright and sunny kitchen, while natural woodwork maintained the original style and offered a striking contrast with the white custom cabinetry. In addition to a new foundation, wiring, plumbing, roof, and siding, the entire house received fresh coats of paint or varnish.

Porch view at Basque in the Sun — **BASQUE IN THE SUN**ARCHITECT + BUILDER, Knickerbocker Group | PHOTOGRAPHER, Darren Setlow

Outdoor dining with a water view at Basque in the Sun — **BASQUE IN THE SUN**ARCHITECT + BUILDER, Knickerbocker Group | PHOTOGRAPHER, Gridley + Graves Photographers

Maine cottage style bedroom at Basque in the Sun

Stone shelf on the fireplace at Basque in the Sun

Rustic decor abounds

The owner’s decorating style perfectly complements the old Maine cottage: a rustic bureau with crystal knobs (recovered from an original built-in) and a rattan and metal basket turned light shade. The fireplace is a second focal point in the living area, competing only with the water views. Two stones were hand-carved for the owners, who have special ties to both Maine and Georgia.

With the restoration complete, relaxed cottage living begins—collecting treasures on the beach, reading in the hammock, drinks on the porch, evenings around the fireplace, ‘basqueing in the sun.’

– Design Team, Basque in the Sun

Decorative kitchen wall in the stairwell at Basque in the Sun

Contrast of stone wall and wooden counter at Basque in the Sun

View of the kitchen at Basque in the Sun

Child enjoying the new bunk beds at the bunkhouse at Basque in the Sun

Living space in the bunkhouse at Basque in the Sun

Cozy bedroom nook with built in storage at the bunkhouse at Basque in the Sun

A bunk room for an expanding family

Several years after the renovation of the cottage was complete, the homeowner decided to take on a new project—converting the empty crawl space below the structure into a bunk room. The goal for the interior of the bunkroom was to incorporate design elements that were reflective of the cottage above, while also bringing in a distinctive and casual nautical flair with bright pops of color.