For the final installment in our House Tour Series, we go to Castine, Maine for a look at the idyllic vacation home of antique expert Loi Thai.
All Photos Courtesy of Loi Thai and Tone on Tone
Built in 1863 and situated on Penobscot Bay, Thai and his partner purchased the “handyman special” in 2015 and embarked on what would become a total renovation.
While they expected to make significant improvements, once the couple got to work they found more problems than anticipated. Rather than slap a few band aids on the structure, which (unfortunately) can happen in these situations, the couple committed to doing things right.
And we are so grateful for their decision! After 18 months of hard work, what was once a run down cottage is now a stunning architectural gem.
From the welcoming green front door to the period-appropriate siding and windows, the seaside cottage received new life to carry on for centuries to come.
Shop Similar:
As an Amazon Affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Just inside, visitors are greeted with perfectly-curated interiors, which is no surprise thanks to Thai’s extensive background in antiques and design.
In the family room, wicker mixes with upholstered pieces and vintage finds, like the blue shutters (seen in the first photo above).
Soft white walls and watery blues bring the sea inside, while jute and sisal rugs throughout emphasize the easygoing aesthetic.
Shop Similar:
The blue and white palette extends to other rooms of the house, like the living room, where multiple hues play together nicely. Slip covers make for fuss-free living, and locally-sourced decorative objects imbue the space with a collected feel.
Shop Similar:
In the corner, a rustic cabinet with weathered gray-blue paint provides a resting spot for a collection of wooden shorebirds. A simple glass lamp keeps the focus on the birds, and an oil painting is reminiscent of Penobscot Bay.
Shop Similar:
Behind the sofa, a metal console table holds a variety of books and vintage finds, like the bowl of blue glass floats. Underneath, baskets keep snuggly throws and magazines close at hand. Above, Thai created a gallery wall featuring a collection of sailing and ocean-related paintings. We absolutely love it!
Shop Similar:
Adjacent to the living room, the dining room includes the home’s original fireplace. The couple was able to salvage it, along with the staircase and upstairs flooring during the renovation.
In addition to a pine table and a chest that serves as a bar, plenty of windows capture the beauty of the surrounding gardens and ocean views.
Shop Similar:
In the kitchen, marble counters top cabinets painted a pale gray, offering just a hint of color against the white shiplap walls. Brass lighting and wood cutting boards warm things up, while a collection of spongeware finds a home on the open shelving.
Shop Similar:
The master bedroom showcases more coastal touches with off-white, tan, and blue bedding. Colorful ceramic lamps accent simple tables on either side of the bed, and a series of sailboat paintings add small pops of color.
Shop Similar:
At the top of the stairs in the guest bedroom, a Jenny Lind bed is outfitted with bold blue and white striped bedding. The antique chest and gilt mirror offer a touch of glam.
Shop Similar:
Outside, Thai’s exceptional gardening skills are on full display. Limelight hydrangeas create a gorgeous “fence” with views of the bay in the background.
In the garden, perennials like geranium and blue delphinium blend with evergreen boxwood and mugo pine for a lush planting that echoes the colors of the house and the ocean.
All of the elements converge on the delightful bluestone patio: whitewashed wicker, blue cushions, pots overflowing with blue and white flowers, and that breathtaking view. It’s a spot designed for long-term lingering.
Maine is lucky to have residents willing to save its historic seaside cottages. Many thanks to Loi and Tom for their incredible work in reviving this idyllic home. And special thanks to Janet at Shabbyfufu for first sharing the story of this wonderful place!
If you enjoyed this cottage tour, be sure to check out the others in this series.
And if you’re enjoying this blog, we’d be delighted for you to join our list of subscribers! You can sign up here.