Some homes are built for show, others for practicality, and then there are those rare places that quietly understand the rhythm of real life. This East Hampton home sits on a cove overlooking the ocean and was created for a couple who wanted a place that felt grounding for everyday living yet ready to grow when family arrived. The result is a thoughtful design that takes cues from local traditions, gently folds into the landscape, and reveals a smart way of living that suits both peaceful mornings and lively weekends.
A Home Made for Two but Ready for Many
Bates Masi + Architects shaped the house around the idea of comfort first. Most days it would be just the couple at home, so the spaces needed to feel intimate and calm. But with children, grandchildren, and guests visiting often, the home also had to expand with ease. The layout follows historic New England connected farms, where different structures come together over time, each with its own role. Here that idea becomes a collection of volumes arranged around a courtyard, giving privacy when it is needed and connection when it is wanted.
Design Rooted in Local Traditions
The house blends into its pastoral surroundings by echoing the vernacular buildings that define the area. Traditional shingle style homes and barns informed the design, allowing the architecture to feel settled in its landscape. The individual structures sit slightly offset, giving each space light and air while keeping the ensemble visually unified.
Cedar Shingles and Screens That Shape the Exterior
Cedar shingles, a familiar sight in East Hampton, were scaled up to the size of boards and used across the roof and sidewalls. Cedar screens soften the light and add privacy without blocking the views or the breeze. This simple material palette ties the entire property together.
The Marble Plinth That Lifts the Home Above the Land
The house rests on a marble plinth filled with sand, gently elevating it above the floodplain. This plinth also acts as a smart environmental feature, creating drywells that handle storm water runoff while grounding the structures visually.
Warm Wood Interiors That Open to the Outdoors
Inside, the atmosphere shifts to warm wood and inviting textures. Wood covers the ceiling, and oak floors run throughout the home. Large sliding glass doors open to the patio, letting the interior merge seamlessly with the outdoors. It creates a sense of calm that suits daily life for two but also works beautifully when the house is full.
A Kitchen Made for Casual Gathering
The kitchen is bright and streamlined, with white cabinets and a spacious island for relaxed cooking. A round table sits under a minimalist chandelier, giving the couple an everyday place to share meals while keeping the mood easy and effortless.
A Quiet Alcove With a View
Between various parts of the home sits a small alcove with a large picture window. It is the kind of space that instantly becomes a favorite. A quiet corner to sit with a book, watch the yard, or simply look out to the water.
Crafted Cabinetry With Clean Lines
Throughout the home, cabinetry is detailed with built-in drawer pulls and a light countertop that keeps everything feeling refined. The joinery is subtle but beautifully made, adding to the sense of calm that runs through every room.
Stairs Wrapped in Sculptural Wood Slats
A wood slat partition wraps around the stairway, hiding lighting within the slats. It adds a sculptural element that leads the way to the upper floor while keeping the palette warm and connected to the rest of the home.
This East Hampton home may appear simple at first glance, but every part of it has been shaped with intention. It honors the history of the area, respects the landscape, and answers the very real needs of a couple who wanted a peaceful place to live that could also embrace the joy of a growing family.