Weekend escape

Summer houses frequently offer a luxury not always available in city residences space. And for many homeowners, the ultimate luxury is a spacious bathroom that provides a place to unwind and relax in peaceful surroundings, preferably with a view.

Architect Erica Broberg says creating a master suite that is also a private retreat is a priority for many people who own a vacation home.

"For the owners of this renovated waterfront cottage, the bathroom is the nicest room in the house. Its central position not only affords the best view of the harbor and the twinkling lights at night, it also captures the sun during the day."

The bathroom features another essential element for a retreat a large tub. Broberg says a soaking tub or spa bath is a priority for such master suites, with the style of the tub determining a room's overall look.

"In this instance, a slipper tub sets the tone. But while it has a traditional feel, it is also a pared-down look. There is a clean-lined simplicity that has been reinforced in the design of the cabinetry."

The drawers in the painted wood cabinetry are flush, but the doors match the beadboard wains-coting. Broberg says that although the entire second floor of the cottage is new, the architecture both outside and in reflects a traditional Hamptons' influence.

"The beadboard wainscoting, painted in a warm white shade, is part of that language of the beach," she says. "So, too, is the gabled roofline, which adds to the sense of space in the bathroom and allows for a small high window above the tub. I call this a happy detail. It draws the eye upwards to the blue of the sky."

Simplicity is also a feature of the tiled flooring. Limestone tiles have been laid on the diagonal to avoid a hotel look. A patterned inlay reflects the gold and green colors of the nearby dunes.

A spacious corner shower with a frameless glass door reinforces the streamlined look.

Story by: Trendsideas