Pleasant Bay Overlook

Chatham, MA

A careful renovation and expansion transformed this dated, disjointed, poorly sited 1973 contemporary Cape Cod–style house into one that celebrates its neighborhood’s historic architecture, its waterfront position, and its owners’ lifestyle. Built on the original foundations and within conservation and zoning requirements, the result is an antique-feeling cottage that exudes character and charm.

This reimagining—based on a nineteenth-century aesthetic—moved the house’s front door to face the street, improved ocean vistas, established indoor-outdoor living opportunities, and provided modern updates. This was achieved while also creating a sense of character and scale that feels true to a Cape Cod cottage from the nineteenth century.

The house’s front door was moved to sit in welcoming alignment with a revamped peastone entry court. A pool and cabana, meanwhile, added to the east of the relandscaped property, accommodate local waterfront conservation strictures and setbacks without sacrificing any of the property’s expansive sea views.