Gail and Steve are part of the 6,000 year-round residents in Chatham, Massachusetts. They worked with Patrick Ahearn Architects and Whitla Brothers to design a home that felt cozy and comfortable in the winter, but could serve as a gathering place in summer. Like the town, Gail and Steve’s home becomes busy with guests when school lets out and the days stretch longer. “We have a lot of family and extended family in the area,” says Steve. “So it’s not unusual for us to have a big crowd on a Saturday night.”
That’s the way they like it, too. The Great Room, as they call it, is a place to catch up on all occasions. “We’ve had big crowds here and then if we only have two or three couples for dinner in the winter, we can make it more cozy and intimate,” says Gail. The room’s gray fieldstone fireplace takes center stage with a floating wooden beam cutting across as a mantel.
In the entry way, a detailed transom, designed by architect Patrick Ahearn, draws the eye up. The home is open and airy. “We wanted the air to flow right through and to be able to see the beach as soon as you come in the front door,” says Steve.
We can see why. Out the windows are views of the shoreline that change as much as the local weather. “Much of the year we have our French doors open just like this,” says Gail. “The outdoors just comes right in.”
Watch the full show of Episode 2 of Season 1.
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