PLANNING FOR COASTAL HOMES

A growing segment of the luxury housing market is in secondary homes, and many of those are in coastal settings.

As a Massachusetts-based architect, we have an abundance of riches when it comes to coastal settings between the South Shore, North Shore, Cape Cod, Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, not to mention Maine, New Hampshire and Rhode Island. 

 Planning to build or remodel in a coastal setting? There are many factors to consider, all of which we have insight and expertise to share with our clients. Here are a few:

• Choosing the best location, accounting for flood zones, tidal impact, and erosion control. 
• Siting the house on the property to capture views and breezes. One trend that we’ve embraced is raising coastal homes and designing the public spaces – kitchen, living, and dining rooms - on the top floor, with the private spaces – bedrooms and bathrooms – below. 
• Prioritizing the indoor-outdoor connection. Window and door technology has improved greatly, allowing for large openings or great expanses of windows. 
• Zoning is different than in downtown Boston or suburbs like Weston and Wellesley. There are often height restrictions as well as wetlands considerations.  For example, in some, within a certain distance to the water, you can no longer build a swimming pool.
• If this is a secondary residence, understanding who will be using it and when are important factors to consider. For instance, will the home be used year-round? Will guest quarters be in the main house or in a separate structure? 
• In locations with salty breezes and sandy shores, we thoughtfully choose materials that will stand up to coastal conditions. We often recommend natural stone, red cedar, and other durable products in our designs.

Building or renovating a coastal home takes planning and assembling a great team of professionals to create a place with beautiful views you will enjoy for years to come.

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