Front Exterior-This 1890’s Newburyport Fisherman’s cottage overlooks the Merrimack River and is within walking distance of downtown. When the homeowners found the cottage, they knew it had great bones and loved the incredible water views. Without adding to the square footage, the fisherman’s cottage was transformed to a light-filled, modern home that is highly efficient and functional.
Back Exterior-The homeowners purchased the house with a vision of balancing preservation with innovation. They wanted to celebrate the home’s history and nautical feel, while incorporating modern living features and maximizing space, without changing the footprint.
Spiral Staircase to Roof Deck-prior to the renovation the only access to the roofdeck was through a 2nd floor window.
The new staircase provides a connection to the previously inaccessible roof deck, the perfect spot to watch spectacular sunsets.
View from Roof Deck
Renovated Kitchen - The inside of the house felt like the interior of a ship – small and efficient, with handcrafted millwork details.The goal was to create a minimalist, clean, serene interior that allowed the occupants to absorb the breathtaking exterior views. The kitchen island is narrow, to fit the small space, but highly functional, with a double-sided cabinet underneath, and enough space for guests to congregate around it while meals are being prepared.
Lighter stone countertops and new shaker style blue cabinets offer a modern, subdued feel.
Dining Area closeup. Flooring throughout the first floor is antique wide plank pine.
View from Kitchen to Dining Area-A visual connection between the first-floor spaces was created by removing walls and using detailed moldings, shiplap wall paneling, and beadboard ceiling paneling throughout.
A double-sided fireplace replaced a solid wall between the living room and dining room. The Dining Room mantle is a piece of driftwood the homeowner found on a morning beach walk on Plum Island.
The new fireplace is a walk-around, with built-in bookshelves and a cabinet tucked away at one end, maximizing storage in this small space. Natural light now streams into the entire first floor.
Living Room side of double sided fireplace. The living room mantle is an old timber found during demolition and salvaged.
A TV room is connected to the living room. The original French doors that separated the two spaces were converted to sliding barn doors, offering better views through the living room to the water beyond.
Closeup of sliding barn doors. Shiplap and beadboard paneling continue into the TV room, creating a connection to the rest of the first floor.
An old gas stove was replaced with a sleek, slim built-in that features a modern gas fireplace below, with TV above.
Second Floor landing with view to roof deck --original balusters were replaced with a cable rail, modernizing the staircase, allowing light to flow through.
Owners Bedroom - The walls remain rustic to maintain the feeling of a ship's cabin. Though the home remains small, it feels spacious and serene, and invites its occupants to absorb all the outside beauty that surrounds it.

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