Designing on the coast has its challenges, but the right renovations to a property with water views can offer sweet rewards. So when some industry pros from Greenwich, CT, teamed up with Rhode Island-based builder Nick Vanasse of SR Fine Home Builders to reimagine one family’s seaside second home, they put their heads together to create a modern, relaxed retreat to entertain the family for generations to come.
The property had been in the family since 2008, but it was too closed-off and too outdated to work for hosting their current needs. “The inspiration for this project was to evolve an existing beach house—adapting it to meet the needs of a growing, multi-generational family,” says Nick Vanasse, CEO of SR Fine Home Builders in North Kingstown, RI. The homeowner’s children were small when the house was first built. Now older, they visit with their significant others and many friends. Vanasse and his team needed to expand the scale and flexibility of the spaces. The homeowners had already recruited the services of New York City cabinetry designer Robert S. Jones of Christopher Peacock, a luxury handcrafted cabinetry maker; Architect Mike Arnold of Arnold Design Group in Charlestown, RI, and Interior Designer Kate Gelfand, also based in Greenwich. “I met the clients in our Greenwich Connecticut showroom,” says Jones. “They were looking to renovate their ocean-fronted home in Charlestown, RI, with updated spaces that supported large family gatherings, as well as a cook’s kitchen.”
Expanding the scale and flexibility of the shared spaces was critical. “The directive from the client was to open up the ocean-facing rear of the home to make it more inviting for gatherings and to optimize the gorgeous views,” says Arnold, whose firm designed the house originally in 2008. “When we were hired again for the renovation, I thought immediately of SR Fine Home Builders because of the finesse required to execute this.”
With limited space, site restrictions made moving equipment and machinery challenging. “One of the primary challenges of the project was creating expansive, uninterrupted spaces within an existing structure,” says Vanasse. The team integrated a concealed steel system, including a new beam threaded into place with less than an eighth of an inch to spare, to carry the structural load above. Because a lot of the project involved changes and an addition to the back of the house, SR Fine Home worked around the tight coastal lot bordered by retaining walls by craning a mini excavator and many building materials over the house to reach the backyard.
But the upside to a coastal property are the views you are able to capture with a few adjustments. “The environment is just stunning. It’s a ‘Classic New England Shoreline’ with crashing waves in the distance, the smell of summer roses and salt air,” says Arnold. “The sun and horizon lines create a postcard view from all rooms. Basically, it is summer living at its finest.”
“Our renovation focused on creating spaces that feel welcoming, open, and beautiful in every season,” says Vanasse. The heart of the home now has an open concept plan where kitchen, living and dining spaces now flow together. Thoughtfully selected, family-friendly fabrics and versatile furnishings ensure every space accommodates gatherings of all sizes and purposes, from cozy nooks for two to generous seating areas. “The home functions to support summer living, with seamless access to the pool area or porches, then meandering to the pool house or beach,” says Arnold. “The modern feel of large picture windows brings a connection between the rooms without obstructions. The home lends itself to comfortable gatherings.”
They opened up the kitchen to the other living spaces and created a partial architectural extension of the living room and dining room areas. Off the kitchen, they opened up the butler’s and pantry areas so they could become part of the living space rather than just storage areas. Jones finished those spaces with open lighted shelves and walnut components and Gelfand accented them with fine wallpapers and custom lighting. Off the dining room is a sitting room with bar cabinetry, as well as a more private television room similarly designed.
“All the rooms reflect the informal character of the house with its oceanfront setting and cozy atmosphere envisioned by the clients and their interior designer, Kate Gelfand,” says Jones. “The designs invoked a simpler, lighter approach to the cabinetry to better support the open furniture plans.” The clients wanted a more modern look, adds Gelfand, who mixed woods, wallpapers and other finishes to create a warmer and more inviting space. `
The dining room and kitchen now provide lots of options for sharing a meal, from the modern dining table for 10 to the Christopher Peacock wraparound island and a built-in breakfast table both offering seating for six can host the family for casual breakfasts and lunches. The table and chairs were custom designed and produced in conjunction with Richard Wrightman, a native of New England.
Gelfand also carefully discussed key members of the family and what they required. The two modern wingback chairs in front of the sliding doors to the pool, dubbed the “grandma chairs,” allow older generations to sit indoors by the sliders and still feel like they are part of the fun going on outside. The homeowner, an avid sports fan, now has a private TV room to watch sports in. “That den became a colorful respite that is my favorite in the house,” she says.
Downstairs, a secured wine cellar protects the clients’ valuable wine collection. “Something to consider since the home is frequently enjoyed by extended family, including college-aged guests,” adds Vanesse.
The outdoor patio and pool are now the site of pool parties, bocce tournaments and homemade pizza trials. The space is anchored by a firepit and pizza oven. “The inspiration was family—making sure everyone had a space that was theirs and all needs were accommodated,” says Gelfand. ”It gave me such joy and fueled my passion for this project to design a home that was so central to this family. Neutral, yet warm and welcoming, the palette, lighting, art, fabrics and furniture selections became a study in approachable and inviting style.”
Photography: Nat Rea
