Governor Paine Cottage
Project Details
Year: 2021-2024
Location: Prudence Island, Portsmouth, RI
Type: Reconstruction & Addition
Size: 1,550 sf
Status: Completed
Delivery Method: Design-Bid-Build
Architect: Pacific-Visions Studio LLC
Structural Engineer: Northeast Engineers & Consultants, Inc.
Civil Engineer: Mount Hope Engineering
Contractor: Allan Bearse
Photos: Pacific-Visions Studio LLC
Project Description
The Pacific-Visions team was hired to redesign a one-story cottage and construct an annex building on Prudence Island in Portsmouth, Rhode Island. Our client’s goal was to convert this 1940 cottage into a year round residence to share with their extended family. After careful consideration, it was decided the best route for the project was to demolish and reconstruct the building in place with the new scope of work planned for the property. Originally being built as a summer shack, the structure did not lend itself to an extensive renovation, however historic reconstruction work was carefully taken into account when rebuilding the shack in place. The annex building was designed to complement the style of the cottage along with adding additional space to the property as an art studio and flexible additional living space. The steep site created a unique set of challenges for reconstructing the building along with creating functional access from the road.
The Existing 1940s Cottage
View of the Cottage and Annex from the Road
One of the key elements for the new design of the cottage was to create a dedicated pathway down to the entrance from the main road. Previously, guests had to descend a series of uneven stone steps to reach the front door of the house. In the new design, large terracing steps meander down the hill from the road toward the entrance on the west façade. A series of planter beds have also been added along the pathway towards the entrance. The main entrance itself has been repositioned towards the north facade to provide additional headroom and a better approach.
“The new cottage, designed as a studio set up, features a spacious interior with views towards the East Passage while still creating a sense of privacy. ”
Interior Image of the Cottage Looking Towards the Water
Upon opening the front door to the house, guests enter a new mudroom with space for hanging coats and jackets. Guests can then proceed directly into the kitchen and access the living and dining areas. A new pantry, bathroom and sleeping area is located adjacent to the kitchen and dining space.
On the exterior, the new deck wraps around the east and south sides of the house connecting it to the annex. The east side of the deck is covered by a smaller gable roof matching the pitch and style of the main gable roof.
The new cottage design facilitates a modern open floor plan on the interior while providing plenty of new amenities on the exterior to enjoy year round.
Interior Image of the Cottage Looking Towards the Kitchen
The vernacular image of Prudence Island features quaint coastal shacks, cedar shingles, and modest detail, which was the main focus of the exterior.
The reconstruction and addition to this property was designed to fit in kind with the aesthetic and spirit of the island.
Some of the items from the former cottage were recycled and reused on the property such as the interior wood paneling. Vintage enamel cast iron sinks were also salvaged from properties around the East Bay and brought to the island to be used in this project showing the lifestyle of living modestly and using what you find.
Exterior Image of the Cottage Looking Towards the Rear Deck
View of the Cottage and Annex from the Road