Homes on the Water

Sitting with my daughter, Claire, on the dock as we watch ducks bobbing by, paddling with my family in kayaks in the morning light, or floating quietly as I listen to waves lap the shore—these are the best kind of escapes. They’re also the essence of Homes on the Water. This issue showcases the magic of living in homes that are meant for getting away from it all. Inside, you’ll discover 11 dreamy beach houses, charming cottages, and rustic lake retreats. Enjoy the color splash of a Galveston, Texas, bungalow in “Playful Twist,” page 60. Tap into a Texas-meets-Florida romance in “Shore Thing,” page 28. Cozy up in a nature-inspired hideaway in “Rugged Comfort,” page 44. Dive into a sophisticated take on coastal style in “Simply Stated,” page 68. Each…

MARITIME INSPIRATION If the sea calls, ride the wave with a streamlined take on nautical style. Anchor an outdoor dining area with a table that looks like it has weathered the storm. A navy and white scheme (especially in crisp stripes) with a bit of red will help channel the look. If you’d like a more traditional ode to the sea, toss in an accessory or two sporting graphic signal flags, knots, or anchors. Get the Look OUTER LIMITS Furniture and textiles labeled as “indoor-outdoor” are superstars for low-maintenance outdoor living. Today’s woven and wicker furniture (even the bamboo legs on the chair below) is often synthetic, making it easy to clean and ensuring it won’t become dry and brittle in the sun. Outdoor pillows and cushions resist moisture (water…

Most people know that buying a home on the water comes with certain caveats. It may require hurricane proofing, flood insurance, or adhering to neighborhood ordinances. But turtle codes? “We had no idea,” Jack and Sharon Luther say together. They laugh as they recall learning about a regulation requiring special placement of ocean-facing artificial lights and installation of tinted glass on windows in order to protect the hatching patterns of loggerhead turtles along the beach. In the scheme of things, turtle codes were one of the smaller issues the couple faced when remodeling an oceanfront property in Jupiter, Florida. “Jack and Sharon lived in Palm Beach for years, but in a house that didn’t have water views,” says Lisa Peterson, who, with design partner Melanie Hayes, was in charge of…

It started with an orange fridge. When clients of Savannah designer Curry Salandi requested the bright orange appliance for their Tybee Island, Georgia, cottage, Salandi knew the project would shape up into something fun. And she wasn’t all that surprised by the request. After all, vacation homes have a way of bringing out the carefree side in people, including these empty-nesters whose year-round home is decorated in beige. “They wanted this house to be the opposite of that,” Salandi says. “That meant white walls and bright color in the furnishings and accessories. A vacation home is a chance to do something different.” Conversation-starting features—some part of the architecture—are visible throughout the home. In the entry, a replica of Tybee Island’s historic lighthouse is built onto the staircase. From the living…

Memories of a favorite family vacation spot can be powerful. Just ask Kristin and Robert Gauntt. “When our boys were in junior high school, ‘30A’ was the only place they wanted to be for spring break,” Kristin says, referring to the resort community of WaterColor on Florida State Route 30A. Five years ago—a few decades after their first visit to the area—she and Robert agreed it was the place to build a getaway. “The whole area was so picturesque, and the memories stayed with us,” Robert says. Interior designer Georgia Carlee and architect John Thurber delivered the Houston couple a second home with a mix of urban flair and rustic charm. The three-story house in the Florida Panhandle features graceful proportions, a welcoming scale, and old-world craftsmanship. Reflecting the family’s…

It wasn’t all about the water. Fiery orange sunsets were also the big draw of this New York property. Architect Mark Schwartz knew that when strategically siting his clients’ home along Hashamomuck Pond on Long Island’s north fork. He also knew that taking full advantage of the setting would require a few stylistic compromises. “Although the client expressed a preference for a traditional Craftsman, we found it necessary to evolve that style to make the most of the surroundings, including the pond, which affords beautiful waterfront and sunset views,” he say. What ensued was a beautiful merger of Craftsman, cottage, and traditional styles. Schwartz called for large arch-top windows on the home’s second story to allow more light into the main living spaces, but he added decorative grilles that mimic…