MATTITUCK, NY

This weekend home is located on a calm little inlet off the Great Peconic Bay on the North Fork of Long Island.  The unique house has been in the family since it was built in 1971, and the client has beautiful childhood memories of it serving as a place for family to gather.  The goal of the renovation was to maintain the warmth and character, while providing a space for new experiences for the next generation.

After a catastrophic leak, it was clear that the aging building systems and finishes needed to be replaced throughout.  This was the first renovation to the home in over fifty years; Solk Architecture totally reconfigured the layout within the existing footprint to add a small home office and powder room, while also making the circulation more functional and enhancing the connection with the outdoors. The main entry was relocated from the side of the house to the front facing the street, and communal spaces were placed with a direct view of the water.

The clients were looking to do an extensive renovation, but keeping the design language respectful to the original intents of the building.  The existing building massing was key to preserve, which received new fenestration and cedar shake repairs.  Notably, the house sits in a wetland zone, and the town was keen to ensure that any changes to the structure and landscape were done with care to preserve the natural estuary.

The home feels a bit like a wood tugboat docked along the water, which is a clear and fantastic contrast to the traditional cottage-style of the neighbors.  The interior design pulls inspiration from the home’s Mid-century origin, while still keeping the sensibility bright and contemporary.  Colors were inspired by original finishes in the home, using some darker jewel-tones to balance the creamy walls and floors. Several pieces were salvaged and re-used in the renovation, notably the dining room pendant light was reinstalled in the new eating space at the front of the home. Finishes were selected to be highly durable, knowing sand and water would find their way in with the kids. All of the choices were made with a thoughtfulness to budget, keeping in mind that the lifestyle of being on the water is the true joy of this family vacation home.

This project was featured in dwell+ in their Budget Breakdown series.

Solk Architecture provided architectural & interior design, and furniture & decor selection services.