Take it outside: Open-air elegance

A few inspired changes to an ingenious concept allowed this cozy cottage to enjoy a massive outdoor space.

Story by Barry Kaufman + Photos by Ellis Creek Photography

Along with adding a third bedroom onto the second story, the biggest alteration to the concept created by Pearce Scott Architects was the enlargement of the screened-in lanai. Originally designed to fit the other side of the house, this outdoor space shared part of the cottage’s footprint with a separate indoor space that was later eliminated. The result is a breezy porch that allows for year-round comfort.

Fireplace finesse

The blissful outdoor fireplace was a part of the original plans, making it easier to eliminate the fireplace in the great room.

Lapping up luxury 

The original plans called for an outdoor kitchen at one end convenient to the table. Removing and replacing the kitchen with an eye-catching shiplap accent wall opened the space even more. 

Defying dimensions 

Rather than keeping with the cottage scale of the house, the doors to the porch were stretched in size, creating opportunities for melding indoor and outdoor relaxation.