Discover a Modern Waterfront Sanctuary in Nantucket’s Pocomo Harbor

A Contemporary Coastal Home That Blends Serenity with Architectural Brilliance

Tucked into a grove of mature trees and gazing out over the serene waters of Pocomo Harbor in Nantucket, Massachusetts, this extraordinary waterfront residence redefines the concept of coastal luxury. At first glance, the home appears to be a cluster of traditional New England-style gabled cottages. However, this architectural illusion conceals a sprawling 5,500-square-foot single-family residence—a masterpiece of modern design carefully disguised in a timeless exterior.

Crafted by the renowned New York-based architectural firm Workshop/APD, this tranquil retreat seamlessly fuses minimalist interiors with natural textures, allowing the views and curated art collection to take center stage. While the shingle-clad exterior honors Nantucket’s historic vernacular, the interiors depart from tradition with a distinctly contemporary, zen-like atmosphere. 

A Home Designed for Connection, Not Convention

Rather than opting for the traditional layout that places a grand formal living room at the center of the home, the homeowners envisioned something more personal, relaxed, and connected to the landscape. They asked Workshop/APD to design a network of casual, human-scale spaces that encourage family connection and effortless flow between indoors and out.

Key gathering spaces include:

• A spacious open-plan kitchen and dining area, anchored by dual custom steel islands
• An adjacent screened-in lounge, perfect for quiet mornings or breezy summer evenings
• A comfortable family/TV room designed for daily living
• Multiple outdoor patios and terraces that capture Nantucket’s soft light and panoramic harbor views 

This approach to spatial planning enhances daily life while honoring the homeowners’ desire for relaxed, unpretentious luxury.

Interior Design That Prioritizes Peace and Presence

Inside, the home radiates a sense of quiet luxury. The palette is warm and minimal, with bespoke white oak millwork, clean architectural lines, and cool terrazzo flooring that reflects light while offering durability. There’s an intentional absence of visual clutter, allowing every detail to breathe.

Workshop/APD’s design philosophy centers on framing the natural surroundings—Pocomo Harbor’s ever-changing hues become part of the décor. Floor-to-ceiling windows and strategically placed skylights flood the interiors with natural light, connecting every room to the sea and sky beyond.

Key interior elements include:

• Minimalist cabinetry in oak and soft matte finishes
• Integrated lighting that highlights architectural lines without intrusion
• Soft, sculptural furnishings that blend seamlessly into the home’s architecture

This understated elegance allows the owners’ remarkable art collection to truly shine.

A Gallery-Like Backdrop for Bold Modern Art

The homeowners, passionate collectors of contemporary art, use the home as a canvas to showcase vibrant, thought-provoking works from globally recognized artists. Each piece is thoughtfully positioned within the serene framework of the house, allowing for a dynamic yet harmonious interaction between art, space, and nature.

Their curated collection features:

• Etel Adnan – Renowned for her vivid landscapes and abstract compositions (Etel Adnan Estate)
• Carol Bove – Known for her large-scale sculptural installations that merge industrial materials with organic form (David Zwirner Gallery)
• Antonio Calderara – An Italian master of light and space, revered for his minimalist paintings
• Jennie C. Jones – Celebrated for her intersectional work exploring sound, abstraction, and cultural history (Guggenheim Museum Profile)
• Ugo Rondinone – A Swiss-born conceptual artist known for his vibrant color palettes and meditative themes (Gladstone Gallery)

The art enlivens every space, from the kitchen to the hallways, adding a powerful layer of personality and depth to the minimalist interiors.

Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Living

A signature aspect of this Nantucket retreat is how fluidly it embraces its surroundings. Workshop/APD prioritized indoor-outdoor connection at every turn. The home features expansive sliding glass doors, screened verandas, and shaded terraces that blur the line between home and harbor.

Outside, lush coastal plantings and native grasses soften the hardscape, creating an atmosphere of effortless calm. Whether you’re sipping coffee in the morning fog or watching the sunset over the harbor, the property offers multiple vantage points to immerse yourself in the landscape.

The outdoor experience includes:

• Screened sitting areas protected from summer bugs
• Alfresco dining spaces designed for evening gatherings
• Private garden zones for reading or reflection
• Direct access to the shoreline, with stunning water views throughout

A Case Study in Modern Coastal Architecture

This waterfront home stands as a testament to what modern architecture can achieve when it respects both its environment and its occupants’ way of life. The design strikes a delicate balance: rooted in Nantucket’s heritage, yet unapologetically modern in its execution.

From material choices to spatial flow, every decision made by Workshop/APD reflects their expertise in crafting homes that feel lived-in yet elevated, grounded yet aspirational. Their collaborative approach allowed the clients’ lifestyle, personality, and values to guide the final form—resulting in a deeply personal coastal escape.

Notable Collaborators & Features

Final Thoughts: Where Art, Architecture, and Nature Align

This Nantucket waterfront home isn’t just a beautiful structure—it’s a carefully orchestrated experience. From the illusion of separate gabled forms to the cohesive, serene interior, every element invites you to slow down, breathe, and connect—with nature, with art, and with the people you love.

For design enthusiasts, collectors, and coastal dreamers, this home sets a new standard for modern waterfront living—one where architecture is art, and nature is the ultimate muse.