Cape Cod Times, August 9, 2019
WEST YARMOUTH — The gated community known as Great Island has been referred to as the hidden gem of the Cape, and for good reason. Only three dozen or so homes sit on this 500-acre “island,” lined with miles of white sandy Nantucket Sound beaches and private marinas with deep water docks. Exclusive as it is, this woodsy, sandy community has a pretty relaxed vibe, and the simple Scandinavian design of this week’s House Hunt makes this home fit right in.
This is what Scandinavian architecture is known for — fitting in with the natural surroundings. It’s characterized by its simplicity of design, and integration of natural light and angles. Take, for example, the pitch of the roof: from the top, straight down to the side of the two-car garage is one continuous slope. In between the garage and the living space, we see large angular windows designed to bring in the light. The yard is simple and private, surrounded by pine trees and abundant plantings of rhodies in the front — nothing too fancy, yet just enough.
Photo Gallery: Take a look inside this home
Entering the home, the stairs bring you up to the kitchen and living room, for Scandinavian design is not only about simplicity and natural beauty, it’s also largely about the inverted floor plan — kitchen and living room upstairs, bedrooms down. The idea is to maximize views and natural light. In this case, with three sliding glass doors out to a large wraparound deck, those pleasant ocean breezes are maximized as well. You’ll delight in the sounds of the birds chirping while you sit out here with your morning coffee and paper. “It’s geared toward summer living, outdoor living,” says Realtor Rick Shechtman. It could, however, be lived in year-round, he adds.
An open floor plan, the chef’s kitchen is contemporary, with granite countertops and a hidden fridge that matches the cabinetry. Recessed lighting gives the kitchen the modern flair and pendant lights over the island give it individuality. In the back, a spacious master suite also opens up to the wraparound deck.
The downstairs, too, has an open floor plan, with a central living space and three bedrooms off of that, one with its own private deck. An outdoor shower waits for you in the backyard. And with beaches and association dock just minutes walking distance, this is the perfect getaway: exclusive, but not too fancy. It’s just right.
