Pleasant Bay
Orleans, MA

Dense coastal woodland and a dramatic ocean bluff overlooking Pleasant Bay and the Atlantic Ocean make up this interesting landscape. A gravel drive weaves through the woodland and dips down to arrive at a sunny landscape of rolling meadow dotted with groves of American Hollies, Red Cedars, and a massive Weeping Willow. The house, breezeway, and outbuildings rise and dip with the land. Following along the breezeway, the path leads to a set of grass and granite steps that formalize the natural topography at the house. The main house is sited on the rise with a long granite terrace along the south face to capture water views and southern light. The terrace is defined by a poured concrete wall and steps down gently from east to west with the existing grade. The topographical change is also marked by a shallow reflecting basin that spills into a runnel along the wall and empties into a basin filled with beach rocks and shells. Granite is used for all exterior paving and the major rooms of the house.

Collaborators
Charles Rose Architects

Photography
designLAB Architects