Naturally Inviting

This charming Virginia Beach cottage combines the grace and serenity of its seaside environment, celebrating the surrounding ocean, sand dunes, and loblolly pines.

If you want to renovate your home, try drawing inspiration from the land that surrounds it. That's exactly what architect David Amory did when he designed Carvel Taylor's Virginia Beach home. With the Atlantic Ocean and a historic dune conservation park nearby, Carvel and David had a perfect canvas to begin their work.

True Cottage Appeal

What was once a one-story cinder block home is now an enlarged hideaway that's reminiscent of a 1920s Virginia Beach cottage. "We wanted to preserve the vintage seaside appearance," Carvel says. Contractor Bill Boykin preserved trees and made good use of the narrow lot by building the second floor behind the existing structure and away from the street.

Sturdy Materials

Because the beach is so close, Carvel and David chose materials such as unpainted red cedar shingles, roof overhangs with exposed rafter tails, and double-hung windows that would withstand the humidity, occasional heavy winds, and salty air. "The roof overhangs lend some shading and ventilation," David explains. "Even if it's raining, you can still open the windows."

Bringing the Outdoors In

Carvel and David also brought special elements indoors by adding new hardwood floors and low cedar ceilings in some areas, while designer Sukie Amory (Carvel's daughter and David's wife and partner) chose an off-white paint for the walls and a soft green for the woodwork.

These same features continue through the kitchen, living room, and dining area. Though all three are actually the same room, careful attention to details make these spaces feel separate. The natural wood ceiling, carefully placed windows, and exposed painted beams are just some of the ways David incorporated style and function.

Inspired by the Sea

Overall, Carvel's home celebrates its surroundings. "This house is exactly what we conceived-our words, thoughts, and love for the area were translated into exactly what I felt," Carvel explains. The home is an example of a team willing to make their vision a reality. AMANDA STOREY

Page 140: Architecture by Amory Architects, Brookline, Massachusetts, (617) 277-4111.

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Oct 2004
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