Like the lunar pull on the ocean tides, so too are humans endlessly pulled to life on the water. Throughout history, humans have built homes on serene lakefronts, atop the banks of rushing rivers, and along sandy seashores. Whether it’s the sound of lapping waves, the briny smell of an ocean breeze, or the breathtaking views, life on the water has universal appeal.
WHY WE LIVE ALONG THE WATER
Waterfront living offers a unique blend of both tranquility and vitality. Water is simultaneously calming and ever-changing—with the seasons, the tides, and even the time of day. But it’s not just about aesthetics, it’s about a lifestyle—one that feels deeply rooted in and connected to nature, a grounding force that provides much-needed respite in our restless modern society. From swimming, boating, and fishing, to beachcombing and leisurely strolls, water provides a bounty of recreational activities and a stunning backdrop against which one’s life can play out.
The psychological benefits of life on the water are also well documented. Numerous studies suggest that proximity to water reduces stress, boosts cognitive function, improves mood, sleep patterns, and immunity, and positively impacts physical fitness by encouraging an active lifestyle. It’s no wonder that waterfront properties are a coveted dream for many.
ARCHITECTURAL STYLES ASSOCIATED WITH WATERFRONT LIVING
Often reflecting the desire to harmonize with their natural surroundings, the architectural styles of waterfront living take advantage of the myriad aesthetic benefits while offering practical solutions to the unique challenges of these locales. Here are some prominent styles of life on the water:
BRITISH WEST INDIES
Capturing the elegance and practicality of Caribbean colonial architecture, British West Indies style is characterized by its use of symmetry, high ceilings, and ample cross-ventilation—all of which are essential elements for comfort in a tropical climate. Large windows and open spaces facilitate a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living, allowing homeowners to enjoy the beauty of their surroundings while staying cool. Key features include:
- Symmetry and proportion: British West Indies architecture often adheres to classical principles, with balanced facades and harmonious proportions.
- High ceilings: High ceilings not only allow a space to breathe, but most importantly, they aid in air circulation to keep interiors cool.
- Cross-ventilation: Large, strategically placed windows and verandas encourage air flow and reduce reliance on air conditioning.
- Stucco walls: Stucco provides a durable and weather-resistant exterior that is well-suited to the elements of harsh coastal environments.
- Classical Palladian influences: Elements such as columns and arches add a touch of grandeur to the design of these stunning structures.
The Ocean Reef Club Residence in Key Largo exemplifies the British West Indies style, with its elegant proportions and emphasis on both luxury and functionality. Similarly, the Key Largo Coastal Retreat on Angelfish Key showcases how British West Indies architecture takes advantage of its tropical surroundings while providing a sophisticated and contemporary living space.
CRAFTSMAN
Inspired by the British Arts & Crafts movement, the Craftsman style is an American architectural tradition that emerged at the turn of the 20th century. The style emerged as a reaction to the mass production of the Industrial Revolution; as such, it emphasizes simplicity, the beauty of natural materials, the artistry of handcrafted detail, and manual construction. Key features include:
- Gable roofs: These distinct, triangular roofs provide a classic look while also aiding in water drainage.
- Overhanging eaves: Often paired with exposed rafters and beams, overhanging eaves protect the home from the elements and enhance its visual appeal.
- Front porches: A hallmark of Craftsman homes, the porch serves as a welcoming transitional space and turns the outdoors into liveable square footage.
- Natural materials: These homes employ an extensive use of wood and stone, often featuring handcrafted details and built-in furniture, such as benches and bookcases.
The North East Riverfront Residence captures the essence of Craftsman design with its emphasis on natural materials and integration with the surrounding landscape. The Eastern Shore Retreat, still in the design phase, promises to continue this tradition by blending practical design with the captivating beauty of its waterfront location.
COTTAGE
The Cottage style evokes a sense of quaintness and simplicity characteristic of rural retreats and the English countryside. Originating in Medieval Europe, this style has evolved to embody comfort and charm, and is most often associated with smaller, more intimate settings. Key features include:
- Steep, gabled roofs: Gabled roofs—originally thatched—provide a cozy, rustic appearance and help with snow and rain runoff.
- Large chimneys: Typically a central feature of these inviting homes, large chimneys add to the cottage’s charm and provide a welcoming focal point.
- Covered porches: Serving as an extension of the structure’s living space, covered porches are a quintessential feature of Cottage-style homes.
- Small windows and closed-off rooms: These features reflect the traditional use of space, creating a homey and snug atmosphere.
The Greenville Cottage is an archetypal example of Cottage style, with its sharply gabled roof and charming facade. Deceptive in its design, this residence looks more compact than it is; inside is a home that is spacious and highly functional. Also pictured here, the Cape May House (not yet featured on our website) embodies the classic Cottage style, where what it lacks in footprint is made up in spades with cozy character and appeal.
SHINGLE
Shingle style emerged in the late 19th century and is known for its emphasis on irregular, often complex forms and textures. It is particularly well-suited to coastal environments due to its adaptability and use of materials that weather gracefully. Key features include:
- Multi-gabled roofs: Typically irregular or gambrel in shape, Shingle-style roofs give these structures their distinctive look.
- Wood shingle siding: Wood shingles lend this style its name; as they age in the salty air, the shingles provide a unique look and texture that only enhances and deepens the home’s rustic charm.
- Expansive porches: Often wrap-around, these porches provide plenty of perches from which one can take in the scenic panoramic views.
- Asymmetrical facades: This style breaks from traditional symmetry, creating a more dynamic and casual appearance than other architectural styles.
- Heavy foundations: Often built with stone or brick, these foundations provide stability and a solid base for the structure.
- Complex floor plans: An informal living environment is created by non-symmetrical layouts with multiple levels and interconnected spaces.
The Crossways Stone and Shingle Manor illustrates this style’s grandeur and complexity, integrating extensive shingle siding with a robust stone foundation. The New Summer Cottage takes on the regional vernacular Cape Cod Shingle style while offering a distinctive architectural presence. With its asymmetrical layout and multi-paned windows, the Shingle Style Renovation in Wayne (pictured below, not yet on our website) is an archetypical example of this distinct form.
BRIEF HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURALLY SIGNIFICANT WATERFRONT TOWNS
Several towns readily come to mind when considering the architectural heritage of the waterfront lifestyle:
- Cape May: This coastal New Jersey town is renowned for its well-preserved Victorian architecture and its status as a premier example of 19th-century seaside resorts. Located at the state’s southern tip, Cape May’s historic district is celebrated for its charming, ornate homes and buildings, which attract visitors seeking a glimpse into a bygone era of American coastal elegance. The homes and inns that dot the shore have withstood the test of time and the harsh ocean elements, reflecting a deep understanding of local conditions.
- Annapolis: Celebrated for its colonial charm and maritime heritage, Annapolis’ architectural significance is deeply tied to its history as a major port and a center of political activity in early American history. The capital of Maryland, Annapolis features structures that were built to endure—its historic district remains a testament to sustainable and resilient waterfront design.
- Cape Cod: Cape Cod is an iconic region known for its distinct architectural style that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and is characterized by its use of natural materials and its adaptation to the challenging oceanside environment. With its iconic Shingle-style homes, Cape Cod exemplifies how traditional architectural styles can adapt to and withstand harsh conditions. The region’s architecture reflects a blend of practicality and aesthetic charm, tailored to its alluring landscape.
- Charleston: This South Carolina destination is celebrated for its well-preserved historic homes and buildings. The city’s architecture showcases techniques developed to deal with the humid and often punishing coastal climate, ensuring durability and timeless appeal. Charleston is renowned for its historic preservation and its architecture, which reflects its rich past as a major port city and cultural center in the American South.
These towns were built with an intimate knowledge of and profound respect for their environments, utilizing materials and designs that complement their waterfront settings. As newer towns grapple with environmental challenges, these historic places stand as models of enduring architectural wisdom.
Waterfront living is deeply rooted in a blend of natural beauty, psychological comfort, and architectural ingenuity—and its style is as varied as the landscapes it graces. But one constant remains: humans have forever been—and forever will be—drawn to life by the water.