Perched on a windswept bluff between Old Montauk Highway and the Atlantic Ocean, this striking beach house in Montauk, New York State, seems to vanish into the landscape. Designed by South African firm SAOTA, the home embraces its rugged coastal setting with quiet confidence, blending architecture and nature in a way that feels both intentional and effortless.
From the street, the house is barely visible. Only the uppermost portion peeks above the terrain, quietly referencing the region’s barn vernacular. Clad in shou sugi ban, a charred timber technique known for its weather resistance, this dark, sculptural volume anchors the home in local architectural tradition, while offering durability against the coastal climate.
Stepping down towards the home, large pavers appear to float above a shallow reflective pool, framed by soft green moss that adds rhythm and contrast. Rugged stone walls anchor the space with texture and warmth, while the vertical wood slats filters sunlight and casts dynamic shadows.
Framed by a sharply pitched roof and clad in wood shingles, the expansive floor-to-ceiling windows serve as a striking visual anchor, seamlessly connecting the interior living space to the surrounding landscape. The angled glass panels echo the geometry of the architecture, while offering unobstructed views of the ocean and sky beyond.
The interiors, imagined by acclaimed designer Rafael de Cárdenas, are soft, luminous, and tactile. Warm woods and subtle hues reflect the sandy tones of the nearby beach, creating an airy contrast to the home’s bold exterior. This interior-exterior dialogue, light and dark, open and enclosed, runs throughout the house, offering a sensory narrative shaped by the elements.
Visitors enter from the street level, where the architecture choreographs a descent through space. As one moves down the stairs, the Atlantic slowly reveals itself, framed by architecture that feels both protective and immersive.
The living spaces, perched higher on the bluff, are rewarded with sweeping ocean views, which pour into the interior through expansive floor-to-ceiling windows that define the home’s open layout. Natural light floods the warm and partially wood-clad interior, where clean lines and minimalist furnishings emphasize craftsmanship and comfort.
A sunken seating area with soft blue tones creates an intimate gathering space, while artful touches, like a sculptural wooden bench and abstract painting, add character without overwhelming the serene aesthetic.
A sleek, horizontal fireplace anchors the living room with minimalist elegance, its dark firebox contrasting the pale wall. Surrounded by sculptural furniture and soft tones, it serves as a refined focal point that blends warmth with modern coastal style.
The layout of the home is composed of three distinct forms, which can be seen from the rear of the home. There’s a barn-like structure for the main suite and study, a granite-clad base embedded into the earth for guest and entertainment areas, and a glazed, transparent heart that houses the kitchen and social zones. This central core dissolves the boundary between indoors and out, allowing light, vegetation, and sea air to flow freely through the home.
Outside, a sequence of terraced platforms steps down to the swimming pool, echoing the site’s natural descent. Lush plantings and crisp stonework integrate the architecture with its hillside surroundings.
With panoramic ocean views as its backdrop, the lower terrace is anchored by an infinity-edge pool and flanked by generous lounge areas. A glass-walled pool house opens onto the terrace, while a built-in BBQ area nearby invites outdoor entertaining.
Perched at the edge of the bluff, an intimate firepit lounge offers panoramic water views. Framed by low glass railings, the built-in seating creates a wind-sheltered retreat that blurs the line between comfort and coastline.
Back inside, the dining room combines soft textures and natural materials for a relaxed, coastal feel. A sculptural wood table anchors the space, surrounded by upholstered chairs with warm wood frames. Sheer drapery filters the light, while woven pendant lights and a colorful abstract painting add layers of warmth and character.
Tucked into corner of the open-plan living space, the breakfast nook with a built-in banquette creates an intimate dining zone.
Anchored by a pair of dramatic stone islands, the kitchen strikes a refined balance between natural warmth and sculptural elegance. Wood cabinetry wraps the space seamlessly, concealing appliances and enhancing the minimalist aesthetic.
A home bar anchors the far end of the open-plan living space, while open shelving niche showcases a curated display of ceramic vessels and glassware. A streamlined wooden pool table introduces a playful touch, complemented by a plush sofa and layered textures that lend the room a relaxed yet refined feel.
A sunken home theatre pairs luxurious sofas with rich brown tones and satin accents, creating a cocoon-like space for immersive viewing.
A minimalist home office is enveloped in warm wood panelling, with integrated shelving displaying curated objects and books that bring a sense of character to the serene workspace.
This Montauk retreat is more than a home. It’s a calm, thoughtful response to its coastal setting, shaped by nature, light, and everyday living.