The Maine House
Hi There! I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe as "collected."
I got into design via Landscape Architecture, which I studied at the University of Virginia. I've been writing about design online for quite a few years over at Hatch: The Design Public Blog.
Hi There! I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe... More »
Right now I am a lucky duck and I've escaped to Maine from Atlanta. This is my favorite spot in the world - it's very simple but I thought it would be fun to share it with you anyway. Many moons ago my great grandfather (Grampa) packed up the car and drove up here with his family. This is back when you had to light car headlights with a match, and the island was not attached to the mainland with a bridge. Very adventurous indeed. He fell in love with this small lobstering island and decided then and there to erect the first vacation home on the island.
Fast forward about 90 years and the little camp various members of my family have shared for decades was literally falling into the ground, unwinterized and full of mold and various insects. Sadly, the place had to be torn down, but valiant efforts were made to keep the character of the original shack we all knew and loved. Here are a few of the ways we brought the house up to date while keeping a sense of history.
Fast forward about 90 years and the little camp various members of my family have shared for decades was literally falling into the ground, unwinterized and full of mold and various insects. Sadly, the place had to be torn down, but valiant efforts were made to keep the character of the original shack we all knew and loved. Here are a few of the ways we brought the house up to date while keeping a sense of history.
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| First you pull up to the garage, the original hip-roof building with its same old lobster weathervane. It had a few new windows added (I have big plans to make this my little bunkhouse someday), and the old outhouse subtracted. Yup, that's right. I said outhouse. This place did not have a proper bathroom until about 30 years ago. The view was worth it. Private Comment
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| The back of the house has a path fashioned from rocks found on-site and in a nearby field. You can catch a peek of the view through the window next to the front door. Private Comment
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Two antique lanterns that were always displayed in the old living room have been rewired and serve as exterior lights.
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A slate floor and a bench encourage everyone to slip off their dusty shoes and hang up their coats by the backdoor. A picture of the current owners as kids up here greets visitors.
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The new fireplace was created using stones from a nearby field. That crazy carved head was given to my great Grampa by a friend.
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This cabinet was originally in Grampa's office when he was a doctor (he made house calls in a horse and buggy in Utica NY, if that gives you a sense of time), and was used as the sole kitchen cabinet in the old house. Now it has a prominent position in the hallway atop a shelf of local Mid-Coast Maine granite.
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| We were careful to keep the same views from the living room, deck, and the one bedroom that had a water view. Private Comment
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| The dining table remains in the same spot. This trestle table came from The Berkshires, it's made from wormy repurposed barn wood. Private Comment
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| This is the view from the deck. Usually all the lobster boats face the same way due to the wind, but this picture was taken during a rare, no-wind, "higgely piggely" moment! Private Comment
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| The little Scandanavian rocker was purchased by my grandmother many years ago during a mid-century modern makeover (it was the last makeover the cottage had, and it used to be orange). Now it has been refinished and recovered in a burgundy fabric. The table and lantern light have always been a part of the cottage, and the coaster set is made of old pictures of people enjoying the cottage about 70 years ago! Private Comment
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| This guy has always lived here, and he's not going anywhere anytime soon. I'm not sure what his story is! Private Comment
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The cabinets were a part of the old cottage. They were repurposed to flank the fireplace, and topped with a coordinating granite from a nearby quarry.
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We usually pick local wildflowers and sea lavender to put in vases around the house.
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(great) Grampa, who had the house built, gets a a position of honor next to a gorgeous old map that was found during the final cleanout of the old house.
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The beautiful carved bird was found at Art of the Sea, a favorite local gallery, and continues the tradition of keeping carved birds around the house. The originals were made by Mr. Ware, who used to own a large portion of the island many years ago, and was always generous with sharing his land and his carved birds with everyone else on the island.
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The green chairs have always been a part of this cottage, and are pulled from various bedrooms when extra seating is needed for dinner guests.
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My grandparents spent many hours reading us Babar books, so we added this poster in memory of them.
We picked up the accent pillows at the Angela Adams studio in Portland. The beds were once bunk beds in the original cottage many years ago. The duvets are from Ikea.
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We picked up the accent pillows at the Angela Adams studio in Portland. The beds were once bunk beds in the original cottage many years ago. The duvets are from Ikea.
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The Farnsworth Museum in Rockland is a favorite spot to find great posters from artists who work(ed) locally, like the Wyeths, Winslow Homer, Edward Hopper, Alex Katz and Fairfield Porter (shown here).
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This lamp was fashioned from a bottle found at a local antiques store for around $25. My mom is totally Peter Dunham like that.
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The new layout makes sure each of the three bedrooms gets a bit of water view.
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| Lobstering is still the number one profession on the island, and we love to keep old wooden lobster crates and buoys around. Private Comment
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The sign was retired by our favorite lobster stand. The board on the walls was saved from the old cottage and reused here. By the way, this lobster stand won a James Beard Award and did not even know what a James Beard Award was - they rock!
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Just for fun - my grandparents borrowed the house for their honeymoon in 1938.
Oh, and I realized I did not give credit to the greatest builder/contractor/caretaker around, John Levenseler, who is one of the nicest people I've ever met. He did a heroic job on this job and rose to meet many many challenges!
More:
20 Spectacular Beach Houses
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Oh, and I realized I did not give credit to the greatest builder/contractor/caretaker around, John Levenseler, who is one of the nicest people I've ever met. He did a heroic job on this job and rose to meet many many challenges!
More:
20 Spectacular Beach Houses
Comments
Tricia Rose says:
More even than the beautiful house I love the utter connectedness of your family vacation home - it sounds like the axis of family gatherings, and everything in and about it is woven into your history.
I read that ancestor worship keeps past and present members together - I can see the point!
Have a great vacation~
I read that ancestor worship keeps past and present members together - I can see the point!
Have a great vacation~
21 months ago ·
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marypoole says:
Thanks for sharing your family story. I have never been to this part of the US, but it reminds me a lot of Scotlands coast, just a wee bit warmer. The history makes it more beautiful
21 months ago ·
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milenka6 says:
Enjoyed reading your story and loved the pictures, the place looks so relaxing.
21 months ago ·
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susan Mecca-Urbanczyk says:
What a glorious spot. I live in Maine. There a so many peninsulas in Maine that open up to such lovely views such as this. You are very blessed.
Sue
Sue
21 months ago ·
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Ellen Reed says:
Oh, I adore this post...mostly, because I love Maine, but also because of the love you have for this place.....I am totally jealous....smiles.
21 months ago ·
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J Willi says:
Becky, you sure you want to go back, to Atlanta that is? What a sweet home and a view "to die for". I feel more relaxed just flipping thru the photo's. ;-)
21 months ago ·
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Patti Lever says:
The view is beautiful. I could watch boats bopping up and down all day. Looks so tranquil and relaxing.
21 months ago ·
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scrapbitty says:
I thoroughly enjoyed the tour of your cottage. The story behind it is so great. Know you will have many wonderful vacations here.
21 months ago ·
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lothatch says:
This a a beautiful cottage befitting the view. I would love to know the history of the trunk holding the wildflowers. It resembles one my grandfather made in Sweden many years ago.
21 months ago ·
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What a wonderful story with a house as its main character! Enjoy every moment you get to stay in it, the views are simply amazing...and that last picture is priceless! Janell
21 months ago ·
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Wendy Hynes says:
what part of Maine? My husband is from mid-coast (Rockland area) and your pictures reminded me very much of the area - simply beautiful...
21 months ago ·
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Becky Harris says:
Cobaltstar, very close, we're on Spruce Head Island. Rockland has changed A LOT since I was a kid! Such a happenin' scene now!
21 months ago ·
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alijwitt says:
what a fabulous post and a tribute that generations of our family would be proud of!
21 months ago ·
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Christie Thomas says:
Becky, this is just beautiful! I love a coastal cottage! I don't think I would ever leave! So many of the old photos and maps are the best and seem to tell the story of generations. I recently returned from Isle of Palms in SC and posted with a lovely LOBSTER sign in 'Island Dining.' Check it out at www.threepixielane.blogspot.com. You might like my 'Outdoor Art' post as well! Love your posts for Houzz! Thanks!
21 months ago ·
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Becky Harris says:
Oh Robb I love Isle of Palms - what a beautiful spot! I think I gained five pounds just thinking "mmm...lobster mac and cheese" when I saw your comment!
21 months ago ·
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manderley says:
Congratulations on having a house so beautiful and wonderful views!
21 months ago ·
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littlecottage8 says:
Oh how lovely, lovely -- the first time I've been emotionally moved by a post. Excellent.
21 months ago ·
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Tricia Boutelle says:
I love the story, first and foremost. Beyond that, what a wonderful place for your family, and so beautiful!!
21 months ago ·
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jessay says:
What a great story. All of the personal elements included make it a home. Thanks for sharing this amazing place.
21 months ago ·
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sallywitt says:
Becky - As a member of generation #3, I can say that you did justice both to the past and to the present. This is a great testamonial to the history of the cottage. Is there any way to make a permanent copy of your spread? Love, Sally
21 months ago ·
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mibarnett says:
Thanks for including us in your wonderful memories!
Everything is just beautiful!
Everything is just beautiful!
21 months ago ·
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Kit Pollard says:
You are so lucky to have such a gorgeous place in the family! I love that picture of your grandparents, too. They look like they were so much fun.
21 months ago ·
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Rebekah Zaveloff says:
Wow Becky, thanks for sharing. This is a wonderful story and place. So jealous of your amazing getaway filled with history and memories! And those views!
21 months ago ·
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Becky, I love this! What wonderful history...wonder what your Great-Grandfather would say if he could see the island today. Amazing story and I love that pic of your grandparents! :)
21 months ago ·
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Becky Harris says:
cobalt, yup, heard the lobstermen starting at about 4 this a.m.!
21 months ago ·
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june999 says:
Wow , what a great place ! View is wonderful, pine trees are so beautiful and cottage is so soothing . It is really a dream place ! Enjoy for all of us :) !
21 months ago ·
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beverlie newton says:
You are soooo right - how lucky are you, it just looks delightful, thanks for sharing - love your grandad in his pinny!
21 months ago ·
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nazzgirl329 says:
You can feel the love just looking at those pictures. It is really what sets apart a house from a home! I have used some of your photos as inspiration and added them to my ideabook. Thanks for sharing what is obviously an important piece of you!
21 months ago ·
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Susan Dench says:
Hi Becky, we are blessed to live in a lovely c1920's house in Maine with "winter water views" (ha!) and we think the state's marketing people have it right when they say that this is the way life should be! Your cottage is just lovely, and the vistas breathtaking - enjoy!!! Susan
21 months ago ·
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pah55 says:
Wow great storyline and your pictures made me feel like I was right there...love the special memories which all of your accessories, that what makes a house a 'home'. I live 15 mins from Utica, NY ...and the picture of the cabinet that was your Grandfather's who was a Dr. in Utica caught my eye! My great-grandfather was a Dr. in Mohawk, NY (where I live) ! Thank you for sharing your family memories and beautiful cottage.
ps I absolute love the old photo of your grandparents!
ps I absolute love the old photo of your grandparents!
21 months ago ·
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frenchie says:
I spent most of my life in Utica NY and visited Maine many times. I suddenly have the urge to see both places again. Soon. Great job.
21 months ago ·
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Becky, I have to agree with many of the comments, You really hit home for me. Though I've been a Texan for almost 30 years, I grew up in Maine. My brohter still lives in the Belgrade Lakes area and we just returned from a wonderful visit with all of the family last month. I too have alot of history there, but this is your post and I truely enjoyed reading and viewing every detail of the photos.
Thank you!
Thank you!
21 months ago ·
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Barbara says:
Ever since I moved to Atlanta I have said "next summer I'm spending in Maine". Maine is one of my favorite places. However, along the way I got sidetracked and now spend the summers in Idaho, a great place to escape the heat and humidity of the South. Lucky you staying in a place with such happy memories.
21 months ago ·
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Mary Little says:
Your cottage is absolutely beautiful! I know Maine too! My husband and I lived in Brunswick and Topsham Maine about 18 years ago...then because of my husband's work we moved down on the Gulf Coast of Mississippi. I love the little day trips we took while living there to take in Maine's beauty! The only thing I didn't miss was all the snow (175 inches total our first winter there), however I do miss not seeing any snow! Maine had all the seasons and each was more beautiful than any I have ever seen anywhere. I grew up on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia so I love the east coast. I have even decorated my home here in Mississippi to look more like the Atlantic coast, which I miss dearly! Your picture brought back fond memories of the beauty and quiet of Maine! Thank you Becky!
21 months ago ·
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Becky Harris says:
Pah, I wonder if our great grandfathers were colleagues? This would have been around the turn of the century and on from there!
Bferlchr, I love Idaho, what a sublimely beautiful place!
Lacausey, I went to a camp in the Belgrade lakes area once. It was a hoot - all these folks with their big Cadillaces "roughing it" in small rustic cabins and meeting for dinners at the main house, complaining about the food and loving every minute of it!
sdench, you are lucky to live in such a beautiful state. I know the winters are long, but summer and fall are heavenly here!
Bferlchr, I love Idaho, what a sublimely beautiful place!
Lacausey, I went to a camp in the Belgrade lakes area once. It was a hoot - all these folks with their big Cadillaces "roughing it" in small rustic cabins and meeting for dinners at the main house, complaining about the food and loving every minute of it!
sdench, you are lucky to live in such a beautiful state. I know the winters are long, but summer and fall are heavenly here!
21 months ago ·
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Becky Harris says:
msmary, I'll be cruising through Brunswick later this afternoon on my way to the Portland Airport. I bet you took a lot of day trips to "the prettiest little village in Maine", Wiscasset?
21 months ago ·
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Mary Little says:
PS to Becky......I also love UVA! Great school and Charlottesville has it's own special beauty! Goooooooo Cavaliers!
21 months ago ·
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Becky Harris says:
msmary, WahooWaH! I miss Charlottesville - such a wonderful place - I stayed ELEVEN YEARS! I just couldn't leave after graduation ;) You'd be amazed how much it's grown, especially north of 29. It's kind of crazy how many lights there are between Rio Road and the airport - there weren't any when I first got there, now there are a ton!
21 months ago ·
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Johanna says:
Wow! What an amazing heartwarming story! It's obvious your Gpa had wonderful insight as to the things in life that matter most and how to stay connected to them. I am sure he would be proud of the conscious historical and sentimental integrity you maintained in the resurrection of his dream get-away home. Love and a loving environment never go out of style! I feel both envious of and happy for your family to continue the quest in staying rooted as a family. Remember to make the time to enjoy your treasure. Undoubtedly, the demise of the original structure is a reflection of a period in time where it's magic was forgotten? All best wishes for many future happy family outings.
21 months ago ·
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Becky Harris says:
Blondie, it wasn't so much forgotten, but it was only used in summer and was not necessarily very well built in the first place- it was a ramshackle pre-fab summer-only cottage, just sort of non-descript and it took a lot of abuse from the salty air and long winters. At some point a decision was made to use REALLY bright yellow aluminum siding, and we were afraid if we ever took it down to put up shingles, the whole house would fall down ;) Don't get me wrong, I was VERY sorry and sentimental seeing the old house go though! My grandfather (the second generation of the house) never thought it would survive much past his children's generation and just blow over in a storm someday!
You're right about it tying family together too - part of improving it had to do with realizing that instead of taking turns with the cottage, the brothers and sisters and cousins all wanted to be able to enjoy the cottage and each other all at the same time, so now there are two bathrooms and a little bit more privacy than one layer of barn wood in between the bedrooms. I used to be able to look through a hole in the old paneling and see people in the kitchen from one of the bedrooms, and the noise from the ancient fridge that was inches from my bed (through the wall) would wake me up in the middle of the night.
You're right about it tying family together too - part of improving it had to do with realizing that instead of taking turns with the cottage, the brothers and sisters and cousins all wanted to be able to enjoy the cottage and each other all at the same time, so now there are two bathrooms and a little bit more privacy than one layer of barn wood in between the bedrooms. I used to be able to look through a hole in the old paneling and see people in the kitchen from one of the bedrooms, and the noise from the ancient fridge that was inches from my bed (through the wall) would wake me up in the middle of the night.
21 months ago ·
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ddick says:
You are one lucky lady to have this place to enjoy.
Cudos to you and your family for continuing the
Maine tradition!
Cudos to you and your family for continuing the
Maine tradition!
21 months ago ·
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sbozman says:
The picture of your grandparents is absolutely wonderful. How great that your family appreciates "family".
21 months ago ·
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Catherine Gardner says:
Becky, the aesthetic is perfect. You are a lucky girl, indeed, to have such a retreat in your family. Your Grandparents look as though they must have been a lot of fun themeselves.
20 months ago ·
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immaggiemae says:
Becky, thanks for sharing these photos along with your family's story -- we come up from Lynchburg, VA (south of C'Ville) to Lovell, Maine (near Fryeburg) every summer to my family's cabin on Kezar Lake. You're lucky you got a bit of a re-do in updating your place, ours still is turn-of-the-century cabin, but the view of the lake is irreplaceable. We've tried to spruce it up a bit now that we rent it out some but it is so dark with the staining done over the decades -- http://www.kezarrealty.com/3594preview_253_Vinton_Road_Lovell_ME.html -- I think I need to post as a question "how do you brighten up a dark woodsy cabin?" :-)
10 months ago ·
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