By Ali Ikhwan 
Is there anything dreamier than a house on the water’s edge? For longtime clients of AD100 interior designer Gregory Rockwell, this idyllic vision has been realized in a meticulously renovated lakeside property in Maine. The project, which involved a comprehensive overhaul of a 1930s cottage, centered on the undisputed crown jewel: a wraparound porch that now offers an immersive, almost houseboat-like experience of the surrounding natural beauty.
"We kind of rebuilt the house around that porch," explains the owner, reflecting on the property’s unique charm. Erected in an era before stringent setback regulations dictated how close structures could be to the water’s edge—now often around 175 feet—this cottage boasts an enviable proximity to the lake. This historical advantage was a key factor in the design strategy, allowing the expanded structure to fully embrace its waterside location. The result is a dwelling that feels inextricably linked to its environment, a sanctuary designed for both intimate relaxation and vibrant entertaining.
A Legacy of Lakeside Summers
The history of this Maine property is deeply intertwined with the owner’s family legacy. His grandparents acquired the land in the 1940s, originally a summer camp, and subsequently expanded it into a rustic family compound. For the owner, these grounds represent a cherished childhood landscape, a place where summers were spent immersed in nature.
"We were in the water all day long or crashing through the woods, building forts, and coming up with different games to play to keep ourselves entertained," he reminisces, painting a vivid picture of a pre-digital era where imagination and the natural world provided boundless entertainment. The sentiment of leaving each year, he confesses, was met with tears, underscoring the profound emotional connection to this lakeside escape.
Now, with his own family grown, the owner seized the opportunity to transform one of the oldest structures on the property into what he affectionately calls "our adult house." This renovation, executed with the expertise of Gregory Rockwell, was envisioned as a sophisticated retreat for the couple and their friends, while children would reside in a neighboring dwelling. Rockwell, whose previous collaborations with the clients span properties in New York City, Aspen, and Vermont, aimed to elevate and refresh the near-derelict structure while meticulously preserving the "campy atmosphere" and, crucially, the breathtaking views that define the property.
Design Philosophy: Enduring Materials and Campy Soul
Gregory Rockwell, who himself grew up spending summers in Kennebunkport, Maine, brought an innate understanding of the region’s architectural vernacular to the project. "I always felt like I knew exactly how a summer house in Maine is supposed to feel and function," he states. This guiding principle translated into a design ethos focused on "nothing super precious, good hardy materials," ensuring the home would withstand the elements and the test of time, much like the enduring spirit of a traditional Maine camp.
The transformation involved a complete gut renovation, stripping the structure back to its studs. Working in conjunction with Massachusetts-based Olson Lewis + Architects for structural components and Timothy Ferreira as the contractor, the team, with interior architecture by Micah McKelvey-Quiñones, meticulously brought the dilapidated cottage into the 21st century. Despite building restrictions that mandated adherence to the original footprint, the team ingeniously extended the structure’s height by 15 feet. This crucial alteration created space for more gracious guest rooms, a testament to their ability to navigate regulatory constraints while enhancing functionality and comfort.
"We had to do some puzzle work to get everything they wanted," Rockwell explains. "Privacy but some open concept; this is a house they wanted to enjoy, just the two of them, but also entertain in." This delicate balance between private retreats and convivial gathering spaces was a central challenge and a significant achievement of the renovation.
Interior Design: A Harmonious Blend of Rustic Charm and Modern Sophistication
The interior design of the lakeside haven masterfully balances rustic charm with contemporary elegance. Walls are clad in a sophisticated combination of walnut-stained oak board and batten and crisp white shiplap, evoking a sense of timeless coastal design. A lofty upstairs bedroom is sheathed in reclaimed barn wood, sourced from a nearby farm, lending an authentic, historical character to the space.
A custom stair railing stands out as a particularly striking architectural feature. Designed with graphic cutouts, it injects a touch of 1930s modernity, reminiscent of Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s iconic designs. "A standard stair rail was not going to cut it," the designer quips, highlighting the deliberate attention to detail that elevates every element of the home.
The furnishing strategy, developed in close collaboration with project designer Jane Brooks, aimed to create a narrative of collected treasures. "We wanted it to feel like our clients might have inherited or collected these things over many decades," Rockwell elaborates. This approach results in an eclectic yet cohesive aesthetic, where each piece tells a story and contributes to the overall sense of lived-in comfort and character.
Living Spaces: Comfort and Connection to Nature
In the living room, a custom sofa anchors the space, complemented by an armchair upholstered in luxurious Pierre Frey tweed. A Victorian reclining chair, sourced from Obsolete, adds a touch of vintage elegance, while a slate-topped 1970s Danish cocktail table from Nickey Kehoe provides a functional and stylish centerpiece. The lighting is thoughtfully curated, with a Lee Rosen ceramic table lamp from Avery and Dash and a flush-mount light fixture by Lawson Fenning.
A pair of circa-1970 Swedish pine armchairs are positioned near a midcentury Belgian vaulting bench, repurposed as a cocktail table. This piece, acquired from RT Facts, serves as both a functional surface and a visual anchor, its worn-in character adding to the home’s narrative. Beneath this arrangement, a mossy-colored floral print rug by Doris Leslie Blau adds a grounding layer of texture and color. "It feels like the bench came from his great-grandfather and the chairs were from his kooky aunt," Rockwell muses, conjuring the desired eclectic narrative.
The dining area, designed as an unofficial puzzle zone, features a custom dining table and banquette, perfect for the homeowner’s passion for puzzles. Vintage Palecek chairs surround the table, offering comfortable seating with a timeless appeal. The proximity to the water views makes this space ideal for both focused activity and leisurely enjoyment. "My client loves puzzles," explains Rockwell. "She really wanted to sit and do [one] and look at the water."
Kitchen: The Heart of the Lakeside Home
Given the remote location—with limited local dining options and a considerable drive to the nearest grocery store—the kitchen was designed to be highly functional and aesthetically pleasing, capable of handling everything from casual breakfasts to elaborate potluck dinners. These meals are almost always enjoyed on the porch, weather permitting.
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The kitchen boasts floor-to-ceiling subway tiles, a generous island, and deep-green millwork from Plain English, which artfully conceals essential appliances and storage. "It’s a good cook’s kitchen," reports the client, emphasizing its practical design. "Usually there’s a puzzle on the table, so we’re eating at the island if it’s raining." This highlights the kitchen’s dual role as both a culinary hub and a casual dining and activity space.
Bedrooms and Bathrooms: Private Sanctuaries
The primary bedroom offers a serene retreat, featuring a vintage tramp art mirror positioned above a Lawson Fenning bed. This is flanked by grasscloth bedside tables and glazed ceramic lamps, both sourced from 1stDibs, creating a harmonious and inviting atmosphere. Chic chik blinds and drapes from Namay Samay add a touch of texture and privacy, while an antique rocking chair, found at the Cabot Mill Antiques market in Brunswick, Maine, provides a perfect spot for quiet contemplation.
The guest bathroom provides a charming contrast, with walls clad in white shiplap and a floor of Rustico cement tiles. The guest bedroom itself features a custom bed adorned with vintage quilts, locally sourced to enhance the home’s regional character. Curtains made from Namay Samay fabric, DWR sconces, and Lesser Miracle nightstands complete the cozy and inviting space.
The primary bathroom features a striking aesthetic, with walls paneled in real tree bark from Bark House, a bold choice that infuses the space with a unique, natural texture. This is complemented by a granite sink and a Victorian-style Devon and Devon toilet, creating a visually arresting juxtaposition. An Allied Maker sconce and a cafe curtain made of Robert Kime fabric add further layers of detail and sophistication.
The guest bath is a playful exploration of pattern and color. Walls are clad in hand-painted Emery & Cie tiles featuring a seaweed motif, a deliberate choice to evoke the local environment. "I thought it’d be kind of radical to pair it with this checkerboard floor and just have a little fun," says Rockwell, underscoring the design’s intentional whimsy. Waterworks fixtures provide a touch of classic elegance.
Embracing the Maine Spirit: Local Touches and "Just Trust Us" Moments
A significant aspect of the renovation was the incorporation of local Maine flavor, a request from the clients. Rockwell and his team actively sourced local antiques, including a twig table for the living room and a set of French folding dining chairs for the deck. This commitment to regional sourcing not only adds authenticity but also supports local artisans and heritage.
Further integrating the home with its surroundings, the olive green tile in the guest bathroom was custom-painted with a motif inspired by grasses found at the bottom of the lake. This subtle yet significant detail reinforces the connection to the immediate environment.
Some design decisions, Rockwell admits, were what he calls "just trust us" moments. The inclusion of outdoorsy ephemera like boat oars, snowshoes, and flags, as well as the unconventional choice to clad the powder room in tree bark—a nod to rustic Adirondack camp interiors—initially sparked some apprehension from the clients. However, the homeowners report that in each instance, the risk proved worthwhile, ultimately enhancing the home’s unique character and charm.
A Timeless Retreat for Generations
The success of the renovation is evident in the homeowners’ deep satisfaction. "A lot of people have just torn it down," says the homeowner, reflecting on the property’s age and potential for modernization. "But they made it feel like we had been living there forever, from the minute we moved in. It felt like a camp that people had been coming to for years and years."
This sentiment encapsulates the essence of the project: a successful fusion of modern comfort and timeless charm, deeply rooted in the spirit of a classic Maine lakeside camp. Gregory Rockwell and his team have not only renovated a structure but have revitalized a cherished family legacy, creating a haven that is poised to be enjoyed by generations to come, a true testament to the enduring allure of waterside living and thoughtful design.