Townsend Cottage

Project Details

Architect + Builder

Knickerbocker Group

Landscape

Norton Stoneworks

Photography

Erin Little

Recognition

Decor Maine, Issue No 3, 2023

Family, hosting and a love for the water

At Townsend Cottage in Southport, summer days revolve around two things—time spent with family and being on the coastal Maine water. With frequent visits from grown children, grandchildren, and friends, the homeowners sought Knickerbocker Group’s help to revitalize their 1902 cottage with modern comforts. They craved a space that lent to their love of entertaining while being able to accommodate the ebb and flow of visitors throughout the summer months.

For years, the couple passed the home on their frequent sailing trips to Boothbay. From the water, they fell for its quintessential Maine cottage feel. Paired with a wrap-around porch and deep-water dock, the home was ideal for their water-loving, outdoorsy family. A kismet meeting with the owner’s son eventually led to the sale of the property before it was formally listed on the market and thus their stewardship of the property began.

Charm and preservation abounds

When the couple first purchased the home, though charming and structurally sound, it was dated and in need of refreshing. Together they tackled smaller, albeit tedious projects, such as painting the unfinished knotty pine walls found throughout, although when it came time to modernize the kitchen and bath, Knickerbocker Group’s design team stepped in. The existing kitchen was dark and closed off, and the homeowner’s craved a space that inspired a sense of togetherness and fun. The team sought creative ways to bring light, space and function into the design while staying true to the essence of the cottage. By opening a wall, the kitchen not only gained light but now overlooks the large dining table procured from Architecture Salvage in Portland. Above the La Cornue range, an oyster photograph taken by the homeowner was repurposed in aluminum and now serves as a colorful statement piece.

Thoughtful essentials for a guest-busy cottage

In addition to the kitchen remodel, a pantry, laundry room and first-floor bathroom were rethought. These highly functional additions offer much-needed convenience and expanse. Kitchen appliances and grandkids’ snacks are neatly tucked away; towels, bathing suits, and laundry stored out of sight. The bathroom, the home’s second, was completed with a shower, adding ease when entertaining overnight guests.

Outdoor comfort and joy

With much of the family’s summer spent outdoors, attention was paid to expanding the porch and adding a stone patio. These ample areas encourage family and friends to linger a little longer outdoors while providing cozy respites to curl up with a book, enjoy a glass of wine or simply watch the boats go by.

For these homeowners, great joy comes from sharing the home they love with the people they love. With the help of a focused remodel, Townsend Cottage reaped the reward of practical updates while staying true to its roots.