The home's rear facade features large windows and doors overlooking the sloping, waterfront lot. A multi-leveled deck provides several areas for entertaining guests and enjoying views.
“My favorite room is the kitchen,” says Nicole. “We wanted it to be the center of the home. When people come over, everyone goes there.” The room's contemporary design features a 10-foot marble island and large windows to frame picturesque views of the waterfront landscape. "We love that we can see the sunset when we are preparing food or talking to friends—the sun shines through and it’s just fantastic," adds Alex.
We love that we can see the sunset when we are preparing food or talking to friends—the sun shines through and it’s just fantastic.
The family’s kitchen features a large island to ground the space. Adding to the bright and airy feeling are two large picture windows, which the couple selected instead of upper cabinetry.
"When we began the remodel, we honed in on the materials that were going to make the biggest impact," notes Nicole. For her and Alex, the flooring, along with the doors and windows, were those things. "We ended up choosing beautiful European white oak, wide-plank flooring. Yet, when it came to the windows and doors, it was a little bit harder." Seeking a sleek, modern look and maximum thermal protection for the harsh Northeast winters, it was suggested to consider the VistaLuxe® Collection by Kolbe Windows & Doors. Kolbe's VistaLuxe Collection includes a wide selection of windows and doors, with low-maintenance extruded aluminum exteriors and warm wood interiors.
Just off the kitchen is a bright family room offering unobstructed water views through a large sliding door and casement windows. Clerestory windows illuminate the beamed ceiling.
From the main entry courtyard, floor-to-ceiling windows create sightlines through to the water and surrounding greenery. Large expanses of glass also wrap around the rear of the home, providing glimpses of wildlife living among the treetops. Even during the long winters, the views of nature inspire the family to get outside. "In the Northeast, each season is so beautiful," comments Nicole. "Having so many windows makes it a magical place to live."
The front driveway leads down to a courtyard and the home's main entrance. Floor-to-ceiling windows and doors allow for views directly through the home.
During the warmer months, a large deck off the dining room offers the family more space to relax and entertain. "When we are having a dinner party and we open the folding doors, our guests are blown away," says Alex. "We had always envisioned bringing the outdoors in," adds Nicole. "We were so excited to find out Kolbe offered a 10-foot folding door. It's just so fun."
We had always envisioned bringing the outdoors in, we were so excited to find out Kolbe offered a 10-foot folding door. It's just so fun.
Folding doors open the home's dining room up to a large deck. Developed collaboratively with architects, Kolbe's VistaLuxe Collection includes a wide selection of windows and doors, with low-maintenance extruded aluminum exteriors and warm wood interiors.
The home's connection with nature extends to the bedrooms as well. A large picture window and door connects the master suite to a private corner of the deck, compete with a live plant wall, stainless-steel hot tub, and water views. Of all the home's features, it's the connection with land and sea that the Bender family loves most. "The views are why we bought this home and to be able to capture that is pretty magical," concludes Nicole.
The master bedroom offers direct access to a private corner of the deck, complete with a live plant wall and hot tub. An oversize picture window and several smaller awnings above the bed allow natural light to warm the space.
The views are why we bought this home and to be able to capture that is pretty magical.
The master bathroom offers a similar aesthetic, with warm oak flooring and a cool, crisp color palette. Windows surrounding the tub and the shower allow the sun's rays to fill all corners of the space.
Large direct set windows allow plenty of natural lighting for work, study and relaxation spaces, while framing the courtyard views.
Direct sets and casement windows in a corner bedroom admit an abundance of light, airflow and wrap-around views of the seaside.
Photography: Phillip Ennis Productions