Perched along the shores of the Long Island Sound, Tyde at Walnut Beach is an architectural homage to Milford, Connecticut – celebrating its coastline, community, and the legacy of Costa Azzurra, the beloved restaurant and wedding venue that once called this site home. Thoughtful design elements, deeply tied to the waterfront, embrace the spirit of its predecessor while creating a modern space that enhances the coast's natural beauty. Each detail reflects a dedication to honoring the past while crafting a place where new memories are born.
Though Costa Azzurra may be gone, its essence lives on in Tyde’s philosophy. “Costa Azzurra was full of love and friendship,” the owner shares. “It was a small family-owned business, just like we are. We wanted to continue that tradition of being a community staple.” In that spirit, Tyde is more than just a venue – it's a gathering place with a vision rooted in community, drawing inspiration from its scenic surroundings and the close-knit bonds that define Milford.
The owners envisioned a space that connects guests to Walnut Beach's beauty, with the water just steps away. “The water comes so close to the building, all we could think of was hosting an event with guests enjoying cocktails on a rooftop balcony, listening to the sound of waves,” they said. This sentiment became a guiding principle of the design.
While Tyde’s architecture celebrates the coast and its legacy, it also serves as a hub for community connection. The rooftop balcony, featuring a fire pit and panoramic water views, creates an inviting space for guests to gather, share stories, and make memories. It’s an environment that invites people in, bringing them closer to nature and each other.
The building’s location in a hurricane zone necessitated new structural considerations and Costa Azzurra’s demolition. Still, Tyde’s design honors the original footprint with elevated features that meet modern standards while maintaining a connection to the waterfront. This coastal tribute finds expression in every corner, from the open-plan, Hamptons-inspired main floor to the more intimate Nantucket-themed second floor, which has a stunning natural rock fireplace and light wood accents that drive home the light-spirited energy of the ocean.
The architecture itself is a dialogue between the past and present. High ceilings, neutral tones, and expansive windows work in tandem to provide a genuine connection to the site's context. Tyde’s architectural through-line can be described as “modern elegance inspired by Long Island Sound.” It carefully balances respect for coastal heritage with contemporary design that enhances the guest experience.
Beyond the coastal themes, custom details truly set the design apart. Throughout the venue, chandeliers represent different flowers, creating a personal and symbolic touch that complements the overall aesthetic. In the bridal suite, a Madonna Lily chandelier—drawing on the owners’ Italian heritage – symbolizes happiness and good luck. These gorgeous flowers are a staple in Italian bouquets. The ballroom, adorned with ten Amaranthus-shaped light fixtures, reflects a theme of everlasting love. These touches form an architectural narrative that seeks to embody family values and a genuine appreciation for its guests.
“We spent an unforgettable day hanging the chandeliers as a family,” the owner recalls. “My sisters, parents, and I were in awe of how beautiful the ballroom looked once everything came together.” It was a labor of love, and the personal involvement shines through in the design – from the choice of materials to the selection of details that give the space its unique character.
Tyde also regularly waives site fees for charitable events, hosting fundraisers for causes such as the Barnum Festival and the Rape Crisis Center of Milford. Most recently, Tyde donated its space to raise $45,000 for the Charles Island Restoration Project, a testament to the owners’ ongoing commitment to preserving the natural beauty that inspired the venue’s design.
This beachfront building is a venue for celebrations that has carefully crafted its space, embodying a vision of community, connection, and the beauty intrinsic to the Long Island Sound. Every architectural element, from the rooftop balcony to the sweeping shoreline views, illustrates an understanding of how intentional design can inspire and shape experiences for generations. As the family continues to host weddings, fundraisers, and all manners of community events, Tyde serves as a prime example of how thoughtful architecture that honors the past, engages with the present, and looks toward the future can bring people together to appreciate what great design feels like – home.
"We wanted to continue that tradition of being a community staple."
"We spent an unforgettable day hanging the chandeliers as a family."