Fire Island House

Fire Island House

Cherry Grove, NY

An existing beachfront home in Cherry Grove was expanded and reimagined while working within Fire Island’s strict environmental regulations, including multiple approval processes with the local authorities.  The interior of the home elevates the simplicity of a beach-side cottage aesthetic with a disciplined palette, while celebrating the expansive views of the water and being nestled in its unique location between bay and ocean.  

Two volumes define the main areas of the home - the living room and the kitchen.  An open living  room has expansive views of the ocean with a series of sliding doors and clerestory windows in the double-height space.  Two functional zones build-off the main living area - a wet-bar and a daybed/ reading nook that doubles as extra space for overnight guests.  The kitchen runs the width of the house in the lower volume with direct access to a screen-in dining porch.

The main bedroom also opens to the deck with expansive views of the water.  A walk-in closet and bathroom complete the main suite.  A wing of secondary bedrooms and a bathroom comprise the rear of the home.  Bathrooms clad in terrazzo tile reference the beach and sandy dunes nearby, while painted shiplap paneling clad the majority of the walls elevating the beach cottage aesthetic, while functionally avoiding humidity-prone materials.  The kitchen backsplash with it’s 3-dimensional tile piles up on the striation of the shiplap paneling while adding depth and dimension.  A massive eat-in kitchen island with a statement stone countertop completes the kitchen.  Pops of blue appear repeatedly, in particular the wet bar and reading nook recessed off the main living area.

Glass sliding doors maximize the connection to the outdoors, while roof decks above the lower volume offer additional opportunities for experiencing the beachfront and island views.

Credits for all photos (with IG tags)

Photo © Ashok Sinha @ashoksinhaphoto