Spurwink Retreat

A property, that was once a saltwater farm, now serves as the setting for this oceanfront retreat. The old farm’s fields, cleared long ago for cultivation, now afford sweeping views of the rocky shore, distant islands, and a vast horizon. On it’s own, it is an incredibly beautiful and distinctive piece of coastal Maine.

The clients sought a home that felt, “uniquely Maine” and provided ample space for entertaining family and friends. They desired an architecture that opened up to the landscape and enhanced their ability to thoroughly enjoy the outdoors.

Our site-specific design solution situates the home at the edge of the old farm’s fields, on previously developed land, preserving the well-established character of the site. Upon approach, the design intentionally does not overwhelm the visitor with an imposing presence. Rather, the primarily one-floor layout is broken into separate, but linked, architectural forms that diminish the overall scale and allow the landscape to flow through and around the home. The materials, and carefully crafted structural components, visually extend from interior to exterior and further blur the line between in and out.

The main living space is elongated north to south and includes oversized doors on opposing sides. To the east, the preferred view, with stretch of field and a cherished pitch pine in the foreground, takes center stage. This expansive panorama is made more spectacular with the inclusion of its western oriented counterpart. Here, an intimate courtyard, with a native pitch pine backdrop, offers shelter from aggressive afternoon winds. The progression from the east-facing field, to living space, and then to west-facing courtyard, allows the family to follow the path of the sun throughout the day. At the south end of the living space a screen porch offers shelter on buggy days. Outside the insect screen, an oceanfront patio with fire pit affords marshmallow roasts and stargazing.

At each bedroom, generous sliding doors grant immediate access to a south-facing porch, abundant ventilation, and the sounds of the ocean. A loft is tucked into a dormer above each bedroom and provides an away-space for parents and each sibling.

Ultimately this camp-like haven is a welcome reprieve from the family’s life in New York City. From it’s sheltering porches and protected courtyard, eager “little scientists” can to step out beyond the home and explore the rocky shoreline, pocket beaches, tide pools, open fields, dense woods, and colorful wetlands of an intrinsically Maine site.