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The approach to Whales Pod

Whales Pod

Set along the shores of Southport, this property’s original cottage was built
by the homeowner’s father in 1964 from an L.C. Andrew kit.

A family retreat gets an upgrade

For more than 60 years, the cottage was the site of countless summer memories, although as the homeowners looked to the future, the home required re-imagination to fit their changing needs. Their wish list included a home that functioned as well for hosting a crowd as it did for times when it was just the two of them, with inviting spaces to showcase their art and antique collection and capture the property’s expansive water views.

The approach to the cabin at Whales Pod
The floor plan was extremely cut up as a result of multiple additions, and it would have been impossible to correct.
– Homeowner, Whales Pod

A new design takes shape

Taking a collaborative approach, Knickerbocker Group created a welcoming aesthetic, melding old and new to design a traditional-style residence that felt aligned with its coastal setting. “We went out into the middle of the bay, took photos of the house, and then superimposed pictures of the model to make sure they were comfortable with the elevation,” explained Randy Smith, the project’s lead designer.

Interiors that incorporate a love of antiques

With the couple’s art collection in mind, special attention was given throughout the design process to ensure ample wall space and lighting were available throughout the home. The formal living room’s mahogany millwork and coffered ceilings lend to showcasing much of the homeowner’s nautical artwork, as well as antique rugs and furniture. The room feels as if you are stepping back in time.

The interiors were very much client driven. Our goal as a team was to understand their vision, put our professional spin on it, and make their dream a reality.
– Elena Duralde, Interior Designer, Whales Pod

A kitchen for a crowd

Arguably the heart of any home, the homeowners had very specific ideas for the kitchen design. The oversized island offers ample space for preparations, while the room’s open layout allows the couple to feel connected to adjacent spaces. Crisp white cabinets were paired with a soft blue island to add contrast and dimension. The kitchen opens to the dining room, which features a curved wall of windows overlooking coastal Maine.

Intricate ceiling detail in primary bedroom
We love to cook, but the previous kitchen was no larger than a closet, and you couldn’t see the water…it was a lot of fun bouncing around ideas and coming up with a solution.
– Homeowner, Whales Pod

Spaces for all seasons

A casual sunroom features softer tones and a custom-designed retractable partition that thoughtfully conceals the television with a prized painting. The three-season room serves as another gathering spot fit for any season, with folding doors and windows that can be opened in warmer months along with a large stone fireplace that creates a cozy refuge in cooler weather.

Rooted in familial connection

As a nod to the home’s heritage, rhododendrons planted by the homeowner’s father were carefully uprooted, transported to a temporary garden, and replanted amongst the new landscape.

The new home also blends with the original guest house on the property—a small cabin named “The Popover” by the husband’s father, who built it as a place for his “Pop” to stay over and now serves as overflow space for the couple’s three grown children. These touches from the past ensure that the home’s history is firmly rooted in its future.

Additional Details

Architect + Builder

Knickerbocker Group

Interior Design

Knickerbocker Group

Photography

Darren Setlow

Photo Stylist

Patty Boone

Recognition

Maine Home + Design, October 2022