All Aboard: Life at Sea, at Home

(Photography: Anne Robertson Photography)

Saltonstall Architects designs a guesthouse suite fit for a modern day ship captain at heart.

Renovations are more than physical transformations—they are an opportunity to tell a whole new story. Under the expertise of Saltonstall Architects and Isabelle Construction, a modest guesthouse studio in coastal Marion, MA was reimagined as a stunning suite inspired by a ship captain’s quarters. Combining classic nautical charm with modern functionality, the studio offers guests a taste of life on a historic sailing ship.

(Photography: Anne Robertson Photography)

The homeowner, a business traveler and proud Tabor Academy alumnus with a love for the sea, envisioned a space that reflected the maritime spirit of his alma mater and the tall ship, Tabor Boy, which is an iconic symbol of the school. His vibrant vision for an authentically nautical, ship-inspired guest studio energized many of the design details that would come to life.

(Photography: Anne Robertson Photography)

“We started with a fairly simple space,” says Will Saltonstall, Principal at Saltonstall Architects, describing the unassuming drywall-clad room with a peaked ceiling. “The idea of transforming the studio into something reminiscent of a ship captain’s quarters came naturally, given the client's deep connection to the sea along with his initial ideas for the renovation.”

The reconceptualized guest suite offers a delightful contrast to the traditional Cape Cod exterior of the main house. “We hope guests feel a sense of wonder and surprise when they enter the studio,” Saltonstall shares.

(Photography: Anne Robertson Photography)

With rich mahogany wood, white painted panels, brass fittings, and portholes, the design boasts classic elements of traditional sailing vessels. Saltonstall even incorporated a subtle curved ceiling along with a Herreshoff finish—mahogany trim outlining white painted panels—to evoke the feel of a ship’s interior. 

(Photography: Anne Robertson Photography)

“On a boat, every inch of space counts, so we applied that same philosophy here,” notes Saltonstall. “Working in such a compressed space required us to carefully plan every detail.” The addition of two dormers created room for a bathroom, closet, and increased storage, while also allowing for more natural light. The studio is adorned with custom cabinetry and built-in furniture to maximize every square foot.

(Photography: Anne Robertson Photography)

From hand-carved newel posts at the entry to custom-built stair lighting that leads guests up to the “captain’s quarters,” handcrafted woodwork by Mike Isabelle of Isabelle Construction is showcased throughout. “Mike’s skillful attention to detail and contribution to the design process was key to the project’s success,” Saltonstall says, noting that many of the intricate elements were mocked up at full scale to ensure they felt just right within the tight quarters.

(Photography: Anne Robertson Photography)

Despite the historical inspiration, the guest suite is fully equipped with modern conveniences. The kitchenette, though small, is perfectly functional, with modern appliances seamlessly integrated into the traditional mahogany cabinetry. Open kitchen shelving with brass bars evokes the practical design of a boat, where dishes stay in place even in motion.

(Photography: Anne Robertson Photography)

The bathroom, adorned with brass finishes and a porthole window, blends nautical notes with a touch of luxury. 

(Photography: Anne Robertson Photography)

The bed was custom-built into a cozy niche with bookshelves on either side and storage drawers beneath. “The soft seating in the studio was modeled after a berth on a sailboat, serving both as seating and an extra place to sleep,” Saltonstall adds. 

(Photography: Anne Robertson Photography)

Ascending the stairs, guests enter the studio, where a curved balcony with stainless steel railings evokes the feel of a ship’s deck. The balcony provides a private outdoor space that extends the living area, allowing guests to experience a true sense of being “out on deck.”

(Photography: Anne Robertson Photography)

A seamless blend of functionality and creative vision, the freshly-minted guest suite offers the perfect retreat for a modern-day captain at heart.