Mid-Century Modern Gem

Tucked away at the end of a long, winding driveway on Cape Cod, a once neglected property finds new life as a newly-built mid-century modern home under the expertise of Mullen Building. 

"Every time I drove by, I wondered what lay at the end of that driveway," says Doug Mullen, President at Mullen Building, a family operated, luxury home builder on Cape Cod. The previous house—a weathering Cape that once served as an old turkey hunting lodge—had been abandoned for years, overrun with vegetation. Yet instead of seeing an eyesore, the team saw potential. "When the homeowners approached us with their vision for a dream home on this site, I was genuinely excited,” Mullen recalls. 

(Photography: Jana Cevolo Photography)

The homeowners came to the table with a clear plan, which included designs from Lindal Cedar Homes, a company known for Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired structures where height and light are prioritized over square footage. “While we're accustomed to building traditional homes like those you commonly see driving along Cape Cod streets, it was exciting to take on a modern design,” Mullen shares. 

(Photography: Jana Cevolo Photography)

The first step was to clear the overgrowth and demolish the existing structure. “Along with custom home building, we are land and real estate developers,” Mullen shares. “We took this project on with the mindset of a new development.” Once the land was opened up, the team could stake out the site for not just one, but two new buildings: a sleek, modern main house, and a beautifully designed accessory dwelling unit (ADU).

(Photography: Jana Cevolo Photography)

The selected designs for the two structures complement one another in both design and functionality while maintaining their own unique qualities: the ADU features a gently sloped roof, while the main house boasts a bold, flat roof. Both structures, however, share the same design language—ample windows to bring in natural light and exposed beams that extend through the exterior walls, showcasing the intricate structural elements of the homes.

“We always like to add something unique and custom to each build,” says Mullen. Here, the homeowners’ request for a minimalistic-designed pergola that connects the house to the detached garage was brought to life.

(Photography: Jana Cevolo Photography)

“The real finishing touch on this project was the landscape design and installation,” shares Mullen, who credits Jay MacMullan from MainStay Landscape for expertly crafting a detailed design  that blends seamlessly into the property’s natural surroundings. 

(Photography: Jana Cevolo Photography)

“Since it's in my hometown, I often drive by and catch glimpses of the homes we built through the trees,” Mullen reflects. “None of this would have been possible without our incredible team and trade partners, particularly our Project Manager Brian Mullen, who took great pride in this project.” Nestled into the fabric of Cape Cod’s distinctive landscapes, the beauty of this contemporary haven reflects the entire team’s dedication to fine craftsmanship, seamless communication, and unwavering teamwork from start to finish.

(Photography: Jana Cevolo Photography)

Homeowners' Testimony: Behind the Build