Nestled in a prim New England town one block from the Sound, this renovation strained mightily to maintain both its vintage cottage feel inside and the proper suburban discretion outside, while opening up internal circulation, seaside vistas, and a new attic loft space. To add a third floor study and guest suite, the roof was raised ever so slightly and two modest dormers were added in strict styles conformation. (Unseen rear skylights add a little spice of light.)

A quirky double staircase was extended and the stairhall eccentrically reconfigured. The kitchen was refitted much along the lines of earlier white cupboards, but with a cozy new eating area. Painted 'beadboard' wall paneling replicates the original interior finish (or more accurately the lack thereof) throughout.

Unfortunately, some of the original charm of paper thin, walls, erratic heating, balky plumbing, and threadbare wiring were lost to the serendipity of modernization. Carefully studied 'nonplanning' maintains the original sense of this pleasant cottage grown unselfconsciously.