Nantucket, known for its historical charm and captivating ocean views, has been celebrated in American culture, from the pages of “Moby Dick” to the silver screen in “Summer of ’42.” For Houston-based Clare Casademont and Michael Metz, the island represents more than a backdrop—it’s the setting of their enduring love affair. Their journey began with idyllic summers in Siasconset, eventually leading to a small home on the south shore, where the limitations of space prompted a search for their perfect island retreat.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Architect: Andrew Kotchen
Location: Nantucket, Massachusetts
Design Firm: Workshop/APD
Initially drawn to Nantucket’s unpretentious Surfside area, the couple experienced the limitations of their compact home firsthand. The cramped interior made entertaining challenging, and their growing art collection needed a more appropriate display setting. “It was more like a cottage than a home,” reflects Casademont, highlighting the constraints they faced despite the location’s natural allure. To find a more suitable dwelling, they embarked on a search that spanned several years without much luck, until they stumbled upon a distinctive property in Monomoy.
The Monomoy home, a classic shingle-style structure built in 1999, had remarkable curb appeal but was uniquely configured for its previous owners. It presented both challenges and opportunities for transformation. Michael Metz describes the initial condition as having “great bones” but an interior layout that was less than ideal. Enlistment of the architectural mastery of Andrew Kotchen from Workshop/APD became crucial to the home’s evolution. Kotchen, well-acquainted with Nantucket and its contemporary interpretations, was tasked with a vision of turning the house into a functional, open space befitting the couple’s lifestyle and social needs.
The renovation was extensive, effectively a complete overhaul that retained the home’s classic charm while optimizing its layout. Kotchen spearheaded a redesign that tore the interiors down to the studs, orchestrating a harmonious flow between spaces. The project included sizeable structural adjustments, like repositioning the kitchen and expansion of a bedroom on the second floor. The compartmentalized nature of the original layout was replaced with openness. Obstructive chimneys were removed, and walls that hindered ocean views were taken down, allowing the grandeur of the Atlantic to naturally infuse the living spaces.
Central to the redesign was understanding the couple’s vision of a home that balanced artfulness and hospitality. While the couple thoughtfully curated furnishing and positioned artworks, they desired a beach house that felt livable rather than museum-like. Reflecting on the rationale behind design choices, Casademont underscores their preference for casual, inviting spaces. The dining area, for instance, features a welcoming banquette instead of a formal dining table, emphasizing comfort and the island’s character.
In the end, the reimagined Monomoy home embodies a synthesis of breathtaking views, modern design, and personalized elegance, capturing both the spirit of Nantucket and the essence of its owners. Integrated with the surrounding landscape and steeped in the culture and style of the island, the transformation of Casademont and Metz’s Nantucket residence illustrates a narrative of love, art, and architectural prowess—elements that have turned their vision of an ideal home into a tangible reality.
