Little Neck Modern Cottage

Little Neck in Ipswich, Massachusetts, on Plum Island Sound, is a treasured family spot for Gerry Donovan and his family since 1942 when his grandfather purchased the original 660-square-foot cottage for just $800 post-World War II. The cottage was to be a retreat of fresh, salt air and swimming for his wife and three daughters, one being Gerry’s Mom. Gerry’s mother later passed the coastal cottage on to Gerry and his family.

Gerry and his wife, Lyndie, wanted to give the wind-swept cottage a new life and modern, open look, and enlisted Ben Nutter and the BNA team for a creative approach. As a tear down, this new construction project was a challenge of small space needing lots of functionalities for three young sons. First step:  concept design with an allied site design professional to determine lot-size limitations, view restrictions, and its sloped site. BNA came up with a split-level design which takes advantage of the sloping site. To reference the waterfront location, an open, airy living plan complete with expansive glass facing the marsh and ocean views was developed. Sloped interior ceilings at the upper floor add some vertical height for a small footprint.

All was complemented with the use of shiplap, creative built in storage for functionality, and the ultimate space saver: a bunk room using Queen size beds. For a thoroughly contemporary look, exposed interior structural steel is visible throughout. On the exterior, classic white cedar shingles were used for long – lasting durability and coastal flavor. To further realize the client’s aesthetic of “fresh” vision, BNA teamed with interior designer Kristina Crestin, of Kristina Crestin Design, and well-known as an HGTV Designer of the Year and from Farmhouse Fixer fame. Kristina is a North Shore native herself - also living, studying, and building a business locally. Kristina used lots of creativity with splashes of color – blues and turquoises – and modern industrial vibes with concrete floors and countertops, embracing the spiral ductwork in ceilings.

The “new, modern cottage” honors Gerry’s family and memories, while being a new take for the future generations on “The Neck.”

Awards

BRAGB 2019 PRISM Gold – Most Creative Use of Space

BRAGB 2019 PRISM Silver – Best Detached Home under 2,000 square feet

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In Media

Northshore Home Spring 2024

New England Home

HGTV

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