A soon-to-retire couple envisioned a modern coastal home to host family and friends, nestled in a golf community with stunning bay views. However, the narrow lot and direct frontage on a fairway posed design challenges.

To harmonize with coastal ordinances, we designed a low-pitched, sheltering roof that complements a series of shingled volumes and thoughtfully placed openings, optimizing views, natural light, and privacy. Dark fenestration highlights the home’s volumetric form, while light sill bands and eave lines unify the design with a traditional vocabulary, meeting community guidelines.

Inside, high ceilings and transom windows create airy, light-filled spaces under deep sheltering eaves. The owners and designer chose a neutral palette for walls, contrasting with dark openings that echo the exterior fenestration. Clean, minimal detailing—including flush baseboards, trim-less door and window casings, and soffits aligned with openings—ensures seamless transitions between spaces. Select areas feature elevated volumes, highlighted by simple ¼-round crown molding and textured, wood-toned ceilings for warmth and character.

Fireplaces play a central role, reflecting the owners’ vision to create many places for friends and family to gather. The living room showcases a sleek, modern fireplace with a floating hearth, hidden TV, and travertine surround. Two corner fireplaces on the terraces transition indoor and outdoor living spaces with their ambient glow. A three-sided fireplace in the primary bedroom suite divides the sleeping and sitting areas while maintaining the granite chimney volumes that frame the breathtaking water views.

The design achieves a balanced interplay of modern and traditional elements, creating an inviting, timeless retreat for the owners to live and entertain.