I visited Polhemus Savery DaSilva Architects website and fell in love with a Cape Code house renovation that they feature. The house is aptly named Riptide and is easily seen from the water, “as it is a tall colonial revival house sitting high above the harbor.” Polhemus Savery DaSilva Architecture renovations are all stunning and this “Historic Chatham, Massachusetts house” is a standout.
Polhemus Savery DaSilva’s renovation took this house from its previous older dark interior, poor family navigation, and useless window views to an inviting sun-lit fully functional dream home. You will see some before and after renovation pictures of the entrance door, hallway and kitchen. I have included pictures of the arbors, whimsical urn-shaped banisters, a custom-made kitchen apron sink, wonderful windows, decorative doors, Cape Cod decorating, and details down to a picket fence and a mailbox made to be removed so snowplows don’t mow it down.
They had a quarter-board Riptide sign made for the street view side.
Before exterior and after exterior renovation.
Before exterior and after exterior harbor side renovation.
I love how the arbor matches the window.
Whimsical banisters inside and out including on the lookout as seen above.
Entrance before and after renovation is amazing. Their project details state “Everyone entered through the mud room.”
This reveals how having contractors come in and do a renovation to an existing house makes it brand new as if you moved somewhere else entirely. Good-bye old and dreary and hello light and bright.
Now that I have seen these frosted-glass pantry doors nothing else may suffice.
My personal favorite is this custom-made apron style sink.
Family room off the kitchen with a noticeable coral-colored coffee table.
Unobstructed bedroom ocean views.
Great photo showing how this “grand old house” appears along the beach and from the water.
You can see and read more about this renovation at Polhemus Savery DaSilva.





I backlinked to this post and I’m so glad I did. OMG! Where do I begin? The windows, the doors, the cabinets, the frosted glass pantry???? No wait- the kitchen apron sink. No- the flat banisters. The house sign? It’s all gorgeous! I wouldn’t change a thing- except who’s on the title- ME!!!!
Cheryl Nicholl recently posted…Planting Popping Pruning & the other ‘P’s
Glad you found this post from the past that I love too, especially the apron sink and frosted pantry doors.
Sue recently posted…Fun Retro Kitchens
It is beautiful and light and bright as you pointed out. But…. ooooooh how I wish these contractors would keep more of the original features – like that old front door! I hope it was sold for salvage rather than ending up in the landfill!!
House Crazy Sarah recently posted…The Feusier Octagon House in San Francisco
I know how much you love old homes Sarah. It was a nice door too. I am thinking contractor stalking could be a series to do.
Sue recently posted…Custom Brick Home
I could move right in here. I love everything about it – the colors, the light, the decor – it’s practically perfect.
Sharon Greenthal recently posted…J. Lo and Me – an Afternoon with Ellen Degeneres
I like the house, the location, and the casual beach style decorating, and the builders/renovators of this Riptide house.
Sue recently posted…Glowing Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas and How-To Guide Part 2
I like how the decorating is casual for beach living too. It had not occurred to me how the windows would be battered by the salt air, so thanks for adding that. I am coming over to see you now.
Sue recently posted…What’s Ur Home Story – Guest Post is a Cottage
One of my very favorite house styles and it just fits beach living. One of my friends has a very similar house sitting right on the ocean a few lanes over from me. I envy her morning view. But, I don’t envy her window washing from the salt air. She can afford to pay someone to keep them clean for her.
thanks for sharing this beautiful home.
Carol recently posted…With a Little Help From Others