Farm Cottage

Farm Villa combines imagery of the New England farmhouse with that of the Neoclassical European villa. Columns vary according to a hierarchy of formality: plain square white columns for the entry porch, monumental paneled columns for the view-facing porch, and locally-milled timbers with metal connections for the outbuildings.

Exposed rafter tails and an oiled fir interior evoke the imagery and character of a rustic camp. Zig-zags and criss-crosses of wood are carried throughout the house as an ornamental theme.

Anchored to the land on a craggy stone foundation, Rocksyde sits perpendicular to the seacoast, addressing the waves below like a ship’s prow. A black and white floating staircase inside is inspired by the horizontal stripes seen in the layers of rock found in a canyon. Southern sunlight filters through the stairway to all three levels of the house.

Using common, humble materials, asphalt shingles and vinyl siding, it manages, with the help of ornamental swags and fluted square columns, to evoke a degree of elegance.