An outdated home with vastly underutilized potential laid ripe for opportunity on this coveted lot on Assawoman Bay in Ocean City, Maryland. The owners, who previously lived just down the street, jumped at the chance to “trade up” for the bayside home when it hit the market. Enticed by the prospect of sunset views from three sides of their home and a proper waterfront recreation venue, they envisioned a lush retreat to host their family and friends.
A complete transformation was performed to rejuvenate the home’s appearance and performance. Capitalizing on its orientation, the rear side of the home was activated by several new floor-to-ceiling openings. This saturates the formerly dull interior with natural light reflecting off the water.
The exterior was completely resurfaced in wood shake, replacing a deteriorating existing stucco veneer. Existing windows, balconies, and terraces all were re-imagined and refined through new detailing with coastal vernacular-inspired brackets, shed roofs, and railings.
Reconfiguring the original floor plan, inhabitable space was reclaimed over the existing two-story family room to craft a relaxed entertainment destination while also nimbly inserting an additional bedroom suite. On the ground floor, an expanded kitchen and a properly designated dining venue replace the original south wing of the home, which was inhibited by a cramped and dysfunctional combined layout.
The master suite received a comprehensive alteration to improve its capacity and finish level—a new walk-in-closet and five-fixture bath both benefit from added light and privacy. The rear porch was revitalized with brighter materials, retractable screens, versatile seating, and stair access to the waterfront patio. Now, on the most idyllic days, the new bi-fold glass door is opened to capture coastal breezes coming off the bay and create a pleasantly seamless indoor-outdoor room for relaxing.
Project Credits:
Contractor – T&G Builders
Interior Design – Christie Leu Interiors LLC & Mary Strittmatter
Photography – Stacy Zarin Goldberg
Kitchen Design – Jamie Rollins: Cabinetry Unlimited
Landscape Design – Danny Merrill: Chesapeake Landscaping
Decorative Painter – Dee Lenahan: Lenehand Studios
Bar Shelving – Steve Shafer: Once a Tree
Bunk Room Ladders – My Le Nguyen: 1925workbench
Draperies – Ellen Roberts: Fabric Creations
Windows – Viwinco & Anderson; Doors – Western Windows (Source: The Sanders Company)
Automatic Screens – Phantom Screens
For more information, visit wcralston.com.
