an integrative garden existing narrowly between the spiritual & physical worlds

—project description—

This classic gambrel cottage sits proudly atop a granite knoll and offers magnificent views of Rockport’s craggy coastline. To the owners, the property has a unique, transformative quality. In speaking about it, they reference an Irish cultural perception of “thin places” in order to describe the feeling that it somehow exists narrowly between the spiritual and physical world. Convinced they could not reproduce this atmosphere anywhere else, they chose to pursue an architectural expansion and renovation in order to acquire additional living spaces they were lacking. The resulting transformation represents a strong collaboration between landscape designer and project architect.

An attached garage, extended porch, family room, mudroom, storage spaces and everyday entry stairs were all conceived in conjunction with a dramatic new approach to the main floor, which sits a full story above ground level on distinctive granite outcrops. A re-aligned drive terminates at a gravel turnabout where an impressive, stone staircase curves up to meet the front door and provide access to a stone terrace for outdoor entertaining amidst the ocean view.

In the spirit of the architecture, fieldstone masonry integrates with the site’s natural rock features. Tapered stone pillars provide illumination and evoke the sense of lighthouse towers, while a custom, steel handrail is fashioned after ship railings, remaining consistent with a nautical aesthetic. Steps, pillar caps and stone posts flanking the driveway entry are fabricated from reclaimed Cape Granite, lending both architectural weight and a physical connection to the local vernacular.

Inkberry, juniper, Dwarf Mugo Pine, boxwood and Northern Bayberry provide structure and year-round interest to the plant palette. Drifts of sage, lavender, Meidiland Shrub Rose, Endless Summer Hydrangea, sedum varieties, and Montauk Daisy provide a vibrant display of color and texture in high-use areas.

LOCATION: Rockport, MA  |  ARCHITECT: Treehouse Design, Inc.