Saco, ME Camp Ellis Cottage Revamp
Case Study: coastal cottage with interior living challenges
This homeowner came to us with their GC with the goal of renovating their summer home to accommodate large family get-togethers while designing a floor plan and primary bathroom that is ADA compliant.
Client: Homeowner
Client Goals:
Create an adaptable open-concept floor plan for family gatherings
Remodel the primary bathroom for ADA compliance to meet homeowner health needs
Integrate the closed off porch into common living space
Create an additional bedroom on the main level to meet homeowner health needs
Open up and remodel the original kitchen to accommodate cooking demands for the family, and adapting to traffic flow during larger gatherings
Kitchen Before
Kitchen After
Living Room Before
Living Room After
Obstacles/Design Challenges & How They Were Addressed:
The home was built in 1936, and over the years there were many “handyman specials” performed on the home.
Client hired a custom builder to gut and reframe the entire first floor.
Doorways were too narrow and needed to accommodate wheelchair access.
Doorways were widened and pocket doors were installed to maximize space and eliminate the swing radius, which can often obstruct wheelchair movement.
Original flooring and ceilings had been covered or replaced over the years, resulting in a patchwork of different flooring and an additional 4 layers of material.
All layers of flooring and drywall were removed, subflooring was replaced and floor leveler was used in the bathroom.
The gutted space benefited from and additional 11 inches, which was happily factored into the design. To ensure the cabinets’ visual appeal, our designer used an extra tall stacked crown all the way to the ceiling.
The primary bathroom was undersized and had a barrier to enter the shower, making it difficult to navigate in a wheelchair.
We designed a barrier-free shower with bench seating and grab bars for safety.
Bathroom Before
Bathroom After
Porch Before
Porch After
Features We Love:
Our designer paired Taj Mahal Quartzite countertops with sleek white and maple slab-front cabinetry, creating an eloquent and unexpected warmth throughout this coastal cottage.
A wall of windows was maximized by adding steel beams ensuring full view of the sunsets over Saco River from all viewpoints in the home. All white painted custom millwork gives an elevated finish without taking away from the real feature.
Custom ADA bathroom vanity has discreet pocket doors which fully open and slide back for ease of sink access with a wheelchair.
Custom installed pocket doors that latch for privacy.
What was the outcome / How did it perform?
This coastal home has been transformed into a warm and inviting space, retaining its original "cottage" charm while offering all its guests a spacious and functional retreat.
Designed with ADA compliance at its core, the home now features wide doorways and seamless transitions making it safe and accessible for all.
The kitchen boasts plenty of counter space, cabinets, and brand-new appliances for a large family who likes to cook.
Natural light floods the space through the custom-framed window wall, featuring large energy-efficient windows.
Client Feedback
The client was very happy with the remodel. It has given their summer home new life as it now accommodates the needs of their family.
