Lake Street Studio

architecture + interiors

A writers cottage formerly perched on a bluff overlooking outer Vineyard Haven Harbor was discovered on a trailer in a power line after being saved from demolition. We bought it and moved it to our property above town and placed it on a full foundation.

As an example of the ‘quintessential cottage’ found throughout the island towns, the mission became to preserve the integrity of the cottage while winterizing it for year round use as a guest house, subsequently commandeered for Lake Street Studio’s home.

The charm in these cottages lies in the simplicity of the exposed frame and pine boards that clad the structure viewed from the inside, so we added insulation on the exterior and recreated a trim package unique to these simple structures.

After adding a full bath with claw-foot tub and a galley kitchen, the space was white-washed for brightness, with painted grey floors. A gas fireplace surrounded with salvaged materials, vintage custom and industrial lighting and painted floors finish the space.

Architecture: John M. Fuller, AIA, LEED AP

Interiors: Mary A. Rentschler

Photography: Gil Jacobs & Nina Bramhall