Vacation homes are often sought as retreats that embody relaxation and personal expression. For chef Chris Willis and his wife, Pam, their recently completed holiday abode on Martha’s Vineyard was intended to resonate with joy and habitation from the start. Known for their celebrated restaurant, Pammy’s, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, this culinary duo embraced an approach that avoided overly sleek or sterile design in favor of a space that instantly felt lived-in and welcoming.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Architect: Maryann Thompson
Interior Designers: Karie Reinertson and Laura Evans
Location: Martha’s Vineyard
Project Manager: Doug Jack
Landscape Designer: Michael Van Valkenburgh
Dining Table Designer: Nickey Kehoe
Constructing this vibrant vision was a four-year collaborative journey, drawing insights and talents from a seasoned design team. Interior designers Karie Reinertson and Laura Evans were pivotal in interpreting the Willises’ desire for a dynamic and flexible living environment. They were joined by architect Maryann Thompson, who crafted the distinctive “pinwheel” layout of the home. This design optimally integrates the surrounding landscape into the living experience, creating outdoor “rooms” that leisurely extend from the architecture itself.
Aimed at enhancing natural beauty, Thompson’s pinwheel design opens up the home to its serene setting. The property is ideally located between the ocean and a neighboring family residence known as Summertime. The Willises humorously named their new home Suppertime—a nod to their love of entertaining. A central dining area is furnished with a substantial table by Nickey Kehoe, ready to accommodate up to 20 guests. Overhead, pendant lights can be repositioned to clear space for larger gatherings, allowing the area to transform easily from an intimate dinner to a bustling party hub.
The versatility of this design is echoed throughout the home, particularly in a glass-walled room where the couple’s teenage daughters often play piano for visitors. The home’s layout flows seamlessly into the beautifully landscaped grounds designed by renowned landscape architect Michael Van Valkenburgh. This seamless indoor-outdoor transition makes the property a lively canvas for entertainment, where guests can spill into nature, enriching their experience of the environment that surrounds them.
The collective effort of designers and homeowners yielded a dwelling that is at once adaptable and visually compelling, nodding to both modern sensibilities and timeless elements. As a testament to collaboration, the various creatives involved were encouraged to innovate, contributing their expertise to bring the imaginative concept to life. The open flow and inviting aura reflect the Willises’ deft blend of culinary and hospitable intuition with architectural ambition.
Ultimately, the Willises’ Martha’s Vineyard retreat illustrates the power of creative harmony in residential design. It serves as a reminder that homes, especially those created for relaxation and entertainment, thrive on personal touches and a connection to their environment. This project stands as an example of how thoughtful design can shape living spaces that are both personal sanctuaries and vibrant social venues.
