Hillside Cottage

Nestled into a neighborhood of summer cottages owned by generations of family, this humble cottage had a big job: housing a growing multi-generational family while maintaining a similar presence within the overall community.

From Texas but spending cool summers in the cottage with their children and grandchildren, Karen and Allen wanted to maintain the overall essence of the cottage while adding a primary suite, a kitchen, and screened in porch.

Colors and materials on the inside and outside are subdued, which allows the surrounding landscape and Vivian’s gardens to have as strong a presence as the house has. Bedrooms, offices and main spaces surround a south facing courtyard-like space with a reflecting pool that is often enjoyed in the late afternoons and evenings.

Marvin Lift & Slide doors serve to double the size of the kitchen by opening it up to a large screened porch, which houses lively fall parties around the exterior fireplace. Photographs by Tom Harris.