Kevin Browne Architecture fully recreated this old gambrel-roofed cottage on Cousins Island, an island in Casco Bay within the town of Yarmouth, Maine. This cottage, perched on a bluff that gently drops to the waters of Casco Bay, is one of the island’s oldest existing residences.

This landmark home, built in 1905, was previously Sir Henry Worth Thornton’s summer retreat as president of the Canadian National Railways. The present owners went on a remodeling adventure with two goals in mind: to conserve the cottage’s intrinsic charm while expanding its footprint, creating a year-round retreat for their family.

The old cottage and garage had undergone many extensions over time before the architects began the project, but their condition remained deplorable. The architects began by adopting a gentler gambrel roofline that effortlessly flowed to the bayside of the home while rethinking the primary cottage.

A large covered wraparound porch graced the main floor in pursuit of magnificent water views. The interior was kept as is, with the owners prioritizing the preservation of the original cottage’s tall ceilings and beadboard walls. The changes made were mostly focused at embracing modern comforts.

Their improvements targeted energy-efficient enhancements to transcend the restrictions of a traditional seasonal cottage, with the goal of providing year-round comfort. Closed-cell spray foam was installed in the walls, ceilings, and floors, and standard windows were replaced with low-emissivity options. Furthermore, the current heating system was replaced with high-efficiency heat pump units.

The architects replaced the existing 1980s garage with a gambrel-roofed carriage house that matched the aesthetics of the cottage. This addition blends in with the main house thanks to an expanded wraparound porch. From dusk to dawn, this lovely position offers serene views of Casco Bay, and these homeowners enjoy one of the most idyllic seats on the island, absorbing it all in directly from their porch.

This gambrel roof seaside cottage has a lovely new layout that is warm and inviting. The house, which has magnificent water views, is a great retreat for relaxation, unwinding, and embracing coastal living. The restoration team has elegantly reinvented the living spaces with comfortable furnishings and optimum views to guarantee that residents will be able to enjoy their refurbished cottage for many years to come.