In the early 19th century, homes were built for shelter, not for scenery. Windows were small to conserve heat, and layouts were compartmentalized to trap warmth. This historic reality often presents a cruel irony for owners of 1830s homes in East Greenwich: they own a property with a million-dollar view of Greenwich Bay, but the house was originally built to ignore it. Project Eighteen was an exercise in reversing this history without erasing it.
The Challenge: Capturing the Bay This 1830s home sits in an enviable position above the harbor, yet the original interior turned its back on the water. The rooms were dark and segregated, and the primary living spaces felt disconnected from the coastal landscape just outside. The challenge was to introduce modern transparency—large glass, open sightlines—into a structure that was framed nearly 200 years ago using heavy timber and closed concepts.
The Design-Build Solution: Our team executed a complete reimagining of the first and second levels. On the main floor, we relocated the kitchen to become the central gathering space, opening walls to allow light to penetrate deep into the home. Upstairs, the transformation was even more dramatic. We redesigned the primary suite to take full advantage of the home’s elevation, installing expansive windows that finally framed the breathtaking harbor views the home had missed for two centuries.
The Result: A Room with a View Completed in just six months, the renovation bridges the gap between the 19th and 21st centuries. We installed custom cabinetry and millwork that respects the historic provenance of the structure, while the new open layout and glasswork deliver the “wow factor” of a modern waterfront estate. It is now a home that honors its 1830s roots while fully embracing its position on the bay.
View the gallery of this Historic renovation East Greenwich.