At the end of a narrow, wooded drive, this classic coastal Maine home embodies grand living and restored elegance. Originally built in the late 1990s, the home is oriented to maximize views overlooking Boat Cove and Pulpit Rock. The new owners desired finishes and detailing on par with the remarkable landscape, along with improved flow and a more open layout to fit their family’s lifestyle.

The updated interiors incorporate an array of architectural finishes. In addition to a grander entry, larger mudroom (complete with a dog feeding and bathing station), and three-season porch, a new kitchen overlooks the great room and ocean views beyond, with expansive spaces for cooking and entertaining. Custom cabinetry and a large butler’s pantry distinguish this elegant layout with refined details.

To accommodate a bunk room suite over the existing garage, the roof was removed and reframed. The design integrated reclaimed wood for collar ties and as a sliding barn door to separate sleeping and play areas. The suite can sleep a crowd, much to the delight of the family’s children!

Improvements to an existing third-floor turret fulfilled the client’s wishes to step outdoors and take in the stunning view. A black stainless-steel catwalk is accented with small French doors for the entry; the detailing pays homage to the area’s historic lighthouses. The nautical touch of a compass rose completes the space, poured as a bronze inlay scribed in walnut flooring.

Outside, the redesign took into account the flow of the entry and the coastal landscape. Mitchell and Associates proposed eliminating the original circular driveway. The new sequence creates a welcoming experience. A granite pathway ushers visitors through a garden leading to a hand-hewn stone wall, enclosing the entry courtyard.

Location: Cape Elizabeth
Architect & Builder: Knickerbocker Group
Interior Designer: Knickerbocker Group
Landscape Architect: Mitchell & Associates
Construction start: Summer 2016
Construction complete: Summer 2019