A Retirement Retreat In Maine

Our clients were retiring to Maine from California and wanted a home that would let them fully enjoy the location. They sought a home that was energy-smart and resilient, used natural and locally sourced materials where possible, and offered a strong connection to the outdoors and the ocean view. The lot is narrow, deep, and sloped. A meandering driveway leads to an attached garage, with living spaces tucked behind, where they open up to it. 

The home’s first impression emphasizes simple, traditional shapes and natural materials. The exterior is clad in locally sourced white cedar shingles, with inset windows and doors featuring shingled returns. These deep returns highlight the substantial wall thickness while creating rich texture and shadow lines, adding character and a sense of craftsmanship. Stone skirting at the garage visually anchors the house, while a welcoming deck and entry carved into the main volume draw the eye beyond the garage toward the water. The floor plan is efficient, providing a lot of function on a modest footprint, with spaces arranged to balance privacy, flexibility, and daily living so the home can feel open when shared and private when needed. 

The main level is organized into functional zones. A utility area between the garage and main spaces includes a generous rear mudroom and entry designed for their dogs. The great room—comprising kitchen, dining, and living areas—features high ceilings and expansive glazing that frame the view, bringing light and openness to the main living areas. The primary suite enjoys views from both the bedroom and bathroom. The walkout lower level includes a guest suite, an exercise room adaptable as a bedroom, and a dedicated space for a swim spa for health and therapy. 

The building enclosure emphasizes comfort, efficiency, and durability. Double-stud walls are filled with R-40 dense-packed cellulose, and the vented, trussed roof contains R-60 cellulose. Foundation walls are insulated on the interior to R-26, with R-24 foam beneath the basement slab. Windows and exterior doors are triple-glazed (U-0.088 / R-11) with low solar heat gain coatings and high visible light transmission, maximizing daylight while minimizing energy loss. These material choices are durable, low-maintenance, and age gracefully. 

Mechanical systems include ducted air-source heat pump units on each level, an independently ducted whole-house ERV, and a separate ERV for the spa room. Domestic hot water is provided by a heat pump water heater, supporting efficient, comfortable living year-round.