On the banks of the Annisquam River, overlooking Lobster Cove, sits this gem of a Gloucester property, which had been part of the clients’ family for generations. A young family of four envisioned a gracious new home executed in the Federal style. Its new-old silhouette honors the village’s historic character but also stands on its own as a finely crafted addition to New England’s architectural canon.

This four-bedroom, six bathroom residence greets with a formal courtyard in front; to the rear, its full-depth porch features French doors off the main living spaces, a Chippendale-paneled railing, and cove views. Inside, fine woodwork like tongue-and-groove paneling, wainscoting, coffered ceilings, elegant built-ins, and mahogany floors lend period charm to the bespoke interior.

To reflect the clients’ love of sailing, ship-worthy details include a sapele mahogany-and-maple floor in the master bedroom, evocative of a teak-and-holly deck on a Hinckley yacht. Show-stopping pendant lights over the kitchen island mimic the look and heft of lighthouse lenses. A hinged table in the kids’ playroom, yacht club burgees inset into the laundry room floor, unlacquered brass fixtures, cleat hardware, and nautically inspired lights contribute to the coastal flair.

Our crews completed this distinctive home efficiently in 13 months, and the clients graciously exclaimed, “We keep pinching ourselves. We can’t believe you’ve made our dreams come true…”