Bold Ocean Cottage

"Bold Ocean Cottage" is located on a ledgey ocean site nestled among rocky outcrops in midcoast Maine. This 3200 square-foot, three-bedroom cottage, and its adjacent guest house, appear to grow out of the rocks that contain it, perfectly capturing the drama of its location. Bold stone retaining walls, built from the same local stone, provide walkways and create grassy areas and gardens with a pallet of plant material appropriate to the environment. Entering the cottage at mid-level through a trellised walkway and porte cochere, the visitor is introduced to a dramatic, yet modest, cathedral-like volume surrounded by beautifully finished Douglas Fir trusses and paneling, with local granite tile floor, to the living-dining area below, through which one's eye is drawn to a three-season porch beyond and, on occasion, crashing waves spreading far below. Downstairs, living, dining, kitchen and study all face east to the dramatic view below and out to the distant islands of Monhegan and Manana. Up a short flight of stairs, an elegant bridge of marine cable, reddish-brown powder-coated stanchions and smooth mahogany railings give access to the master suite, in one direction, and two guest suites in the other, providing wonderful privacy,and a feeling of exclusivity, to all in residence. Bold, beautifully finished Douglas Fir roof trusses, paneled upper walls, custom-designed cove lighting troughs, reminiscent of Arts and Crafts forebearors, compliment random-width red birch flooring and the bold mahogany handrails across the bridge. Colorful area rugs further define the space. Guest and master bedroom suites alike have private decks from which to enjoy the magnificent views. Outside, just steps away along a walkway of local, natural-split granite, an adjacent Guest House completes the modest compound, providing full amenities for an additional couple in an airy, beautifully finished "escape" of enjoyable spaces.