Project Title: Damariscotta River View Cottage

Firm: Whitten Architects

Submitted for Consideration in: Architecture, Landscape, Interiors

Client:

Location: Boothbay, Maine

Project-At-a-Glance:
Above the Damariscotta River, this home required substantial renovations. Our design included the partial demolition of the existing building, reconstruction of primary spaces, and finishing of previously underutilized spaces - to maximize southern exposure and increase river views. The
landscape was re-naturalized and re-programed for an indoor/ outdoor living experience.

Project Narrative:

Our New York-based clients sought this incredible property, situated high above the Damariscotta River, to be near dear friends. The eastern river view shines in the morning and hums with lobster boats. Long views extend to South Bristol and open waters beyond.

Substantial renovations were required to improve the home’s relationship with its surrounding context and meet new owners' needs. The existing home faced the street with three large garage bays surrounded by suburban lawnscape. Primary spaces had limited southern exposure due to a split-level addition. Small openings belied the stunning nearby water views.

Our site-specific-design included demolition of the split-level bedroom wing to bring in sunlight to main living spaces. The former living-room was rebuilt to accommodate taller wall-heights and larger openings for better views and daylighting. Interiors incorporated minimal detailing and a restricted palette to emphasize the windows and views beyond. A hidden door in the millwork provides access to an oversized butler’s pantry, laundry, and mechanical room - keeping new, essential utility spaces out of sight, but accessible.

A new screen porch replaced the southern bedroom-wing, serving as an evening destination within close proximity to entertaining spaces. Its heavy timber structure keeps screen panels light to maximize views of the river and forest. The covered connection to the dining space provides year-round firewood storage and access on rainy days.

Guest rooms were relocated into the previous garage bays - utilising the existing footprint. A new, open-tread stair leads upward to create a master-suite, which features a cleanly detailed master bathroom and a rehabbed second-level deck overlooking the river.

Landscape architects re-naturalized the property - bringing native plantings to the building’s edge, incorporating sitting and grilling terraces, and a destination fire pit. The reconsidered and reprogramed landscape provides an indoor/outdoor living experience ideal for Maine's coast.