When a couple from Massachusetts approached Great Northern Builders (GNB) with a unique challenge, they were clear about the vision for their beloved family summer home. “We don’t want to tear it down,” they insisted. “Can you help us save it?” While other builders recommended starting with a clean slate, the couple found a partner in Great Northern, a woman-owned firm from South Berwick known for its passion and expertise in restoring old homes.
Their Perkins Cove cottage, built in the early 1900s, is more than just a house; it holds priceless history in its 100-year-old walls. Purchased in the 1970s by the homeowner’s father, the cottage has been the backdrop for over 50 years of holiday gatherings and summer fun. However, after the patriarch’s passing, it became clear that preserving this legacy for future generations required a thoughtful update.
Restoring such a home is no small undertaking. It requires technical skill, craftsmanship, and problem-solving to navigate the potential surprises hidden within the aging timbers. The family sought a partner who not only possessed the skills to execute vision but also one who shared their enthusiasm for preserving the home’s rustic charm.
On a brisk December day in Maine, when GNB sat down with the couple, listened to the family stories, and explored the home’s structure, the excitement about the possibilities was palpable. Maya Bogh, GNB President, explains why this project was such a perfect fit for their team. “Being in the Seacoast area—home to some of the oldest housing stock in the nation—we’ve developed an appreciation for the style of architecture characteristic of historic New England. Understanding the family’s emotional attachment to the property and their desire to maintain the original style, restoring the property felt better than doing a complete teardown.”
The home is one of three properties snuggled together in a picturesque spot in Perkins Cove. The cottage aesthetic needed to blend in with the other two buildings seamlessly. “It wouldn’t have looked natural or felt the same if we rebuilt it in the modern beach house style that has become popular these days,” explains Melanie Merz, GNB Project Developer.
To restore and preserve the property authentically, the GNB team utilized accent pieces original to the home while integrating modern materials. They replaced the exterior sheathing where needed and installed cedar shake siding to give it that classic Maine cottage look. The team also installed new wood windows with iron-clad protection to protect the structure from the salty sea air.
Inside, the restoration honors the home’s past. The bedrooms are outfitted with tongue and groove accent walls that mirror the original paneling found throughout the house before the restoration. The main studio room, once an artist’s haven, now displays family memorabilia. Aside from adding structural integrity, new windows, and refinishing the fir floors to recapture their beauty, the room was left intact, including the original fireplace and mantel.
The kitchen, previously a cramped galley and the former main entrance to the home, was transformed and expanded into a 250 square-foot open space with cathedral ceilings, ensuring the family can host their large family for holiday dinners and other celebrations in comfort and style. This newly designed welcoming space is outfitted with all new cabinetry and appliances, including a motion-activated faucet to take advantage of modern conveniences. An exposed fir beam added for function and aesthetics is reminiscent of the previously exposed wood collar ties.
Another highlight of the renovation and a favorite family hang-out space is the new screened-in back porch featuring a mahogany deck with ocean views. The project doubled the porch size, providing a perfect setting for summer evenings filled with relaxation and music. Another modern convenience, the outdoor rinse station, done in mahogany with a privacy fence, is handy for washing off sandy feet after a day at the beach.
Completed just in time for children and grandkids to gather and enjoy another fun-filled summer in their much-loved Ogunquit beach home, the couple is grateful for how this thoughtful restoration has preserved their historic cottage by the sea, promising it remains a place to create cherished memories for generations to come.