Greek Revival Harbor House

Edgartown Village Historic District, MA

This reimagining of a 1920s house came with various challenges—although the resulting Greek Revival compound gives no hint of them. The owners wanted a large program on the confined lot, and the existing home sat low to the ground, its front door leading to bedrooms, with primary living spaces tucked below.

Because the house was compromised structurally and aesthetically, it was taken down to its foundation almost entirely. A new house was then erected atop this, its aesthetic based on nearby eighteenth-century Greek Revival captain’s houses. This was in keeping with the historic district harbor-front location and the strictures that came with it.

The front door now opens to a welcoming foyer and primary gathering spaces beyond, allowing the house to better connect to the streetscape. A new lower level, invisible from the road, features entertaining spaces with rear windows and step-out access to a bluestone-terraced pool set above the water table.

Two new upper floors house bedrooms, including an expansive master suite with a private deck and water views. Beyond the main house and pool, the owners also wanted a carriage house, a grilling area, and a boathouse. The last was created from an existing addition, refit with maritime-style spar-varnished floors.

The new design accommodates the owners’ extensive program and the specific constraints of the site, all while making the most of harbor views—and even protecting a locally famous Japanese pagoda tree planted next door around 1833. Today, the house looks like it’s of the eighteenth century while it lives in the twenty-first.

"From start to finish Patrick and his team were true professionals who payed attention to every detail, from initial design through permitting and construction management. But most importantly, we ended up with a house we truly love and it wouldn't have been possible without Patrick."

- Homeowners