CURB APPEAL
A dark and dated cottage gets a face-lift.
The owners of this 1990s timber-frame home
were attracted by the proximity of Gibson Island, Maryland, to their primary residence in Washington, D.C. and the beauty of the Chesapeake Bay and the Magothy River. While the location is idyllic, the home left a lot to be desired. The interior spaces were dark and dated, and the outside setting lacked entertaining spaces.
The homeowners enlisted Jim Rill of Rill Architects to help them navigate the whole-house renovation that was needed to make their summer getaway the relaxing retreat they wanted to share with family and friends. Jim designed a new wraparound porch that immediately enhanced the home’s curb appeal, as well as providing outdoor living spaces with a swing flanked by seating and dining areas plus cascading steps, instead of railings, on two sides. A new screened porch with built-in heaters along the back provides a year-round gathering area. The porch ceiling and trim are painted a soft aqua to complement the interior colors.
This once dated timber-frame home now has a beachy vibe and an abundance of curb appeal. The foundation, which was previously flimsy at best, is now sound. The owners spend months at a time in their updated retreat and can now enjoy their home away from home on idyllic Gibson Island.