Thomas Smith House - Patrick Ahearn Architect

Long-lauded by the Chatham Historical Society, the circa-1825 Thomas Smith House is a traditional Cape Cod–style shingled residence whose original compact form was extended over the years with a rear ell and east wing. The goal of this renovation was to modernize utilities and amenities without sacrificing vintage charm and scale.

In addition to simultaneously preserving and updating the historic home and landscaping, the project’s scope included the reimagining of two later outbuildings: a 1920s rear guest cottage and a ’60s carriage house. These were reconceived as if they were original mid-1820s companion elements to the main home.

The idea throughout was to remain invisible, allowing the historic house to dictate the design of the entire homestead. To maintain the proper sense of scale, as well as shoreline views, the footprint of each building remained unchanged. A new pool, meanwhile, left the original nineteenth-century brick patios and formal gardens intact.