In Sandwich, Massachusetts, a historic 1639 shingled cottage serves as a cozy family home for interior designers Stephenie and Chase Watts, along with their two children. This charming residence, which the couple describes as a “time capsule,” features original post-and-beam construction, low-beamed ceilings, and multiple fireplaces made from local Barnstable bricks. After spending two months on the market, the Watts family discovered the cottage during a casual online search, leading Chase—who is as well a real estate agent—to note, “I guess not everyone wants a house that’s more than 380 years old.”
For the Wattses, the cottage is more than just a residence; it embodies their journey as a couple and their passion for design. High school sweethearts, the couple spent their early dates exploring home decor stores like Pottery Barn and Restoration Hardware, dreaming about their future home. Today, they channel that early enthusiasm into their interior design studio, Watts Design House, where they curate intentional spaces infused with personal touches and historical significance.
A Home Rich in History
The cottage, with its original features and quirks, tells a story of its past. A keepsake bundle found in the attic—a collection of lace, a lock of hair, and an old recipe—reveals the life of a merchant and his wife who lived there in the 1800s. Stephenie reflects on the discovery, saying, “Everyday moments perceive special here. It’s unhurried and intentional, so even a summer lunch or autumn night by the firepit feels extra special.”
The couple’s renovations have been light, focusing primarily on cosmetic changes. The Wattses sought vintage furnishings and decor from local shops and platforms like Facebook Marketplace, aiming to create an ambiance reminiscent of a “salty old sailor” returning from sea. They have infused the house with saturated classic New England colors, vintage ship paintings, and shelves lined with well-worn books and collected seashells.
Design Choices Reflecting Character
The living room, crowned with a sparkling crystal chandelier, is described as elegant yet unpretentious. A Federal-style bullseye mirror, found for just $75, hangs prominently, showcasing the couple’s knack for integrating unique pieces into their design. “That boat cleat is the kind of nautical we like—real things that are useful,” Chase mentions, highlighting their intention to blend functionality with aesthetic appeal.
In the kitchen and dining areas, where the ceiling height is a mere six feet, charm is packed into every detail. The couple replaced Corian countertops with Carrera marble, painted existing cabinets, and lined the walls with light-reflecting tiles. A rustic pine farm table serves as the kitchen island, enhancing the cozy atmosphere while unlacquered brass shelving adds an aged shine.
Creating Inviting Spaces
Stephenie and Chase are dedicated to creating spaces that invite comfort and connection. The dining room features a fireplace mantel stripped to reveal its original rough-hewn pine, creating a warm gathering place. “When we light a fire, this is the coziest place in the house. It just draws you in,” Chase affirms.
The couple’s sunroom, transformed into a den, showcases vintage oil paintings that inspired a moody gray-and-blue color palette. The room is layered with velvet and wool fabrics, contributing to its cozy feel. Stephenie’s design philosophy embraces the idea that no surface is off-limits for display, creating an inviting environment filled with stories. “I printed it on high-quality paper then had it mounted on foam board and cut to the size of the frame,” she explains about the art displayed around their home.
Outdoor Serenity and Family Life
Outside, the cottage overlooks Shawme Pond, where the family enjoys a dock for their rowboat, aptly named The Great Heart 2. “She’s a little wobbly, but you can’t swim in the lake since You’ll see giant snapping turtles,” Stephenie humorously notes, adding that the pond is also home to swans that return yearly with their ducklings.
The Watts family’s commitment to preserving the history and character of their home reflects their broader design philosophy. As they continue to curate both their home and their design projects, they aim to create spaces that resonate with history and personal storytelling, inviting others to experience the same sense of warmth and connection they cherish.
As the Wattses seem to the future, they plan to expand their design studio and continue exploring new ways to harmonize history with modern living. Their journey illustrates the beauty of living in a home that is both a canvas for creative expression and a testament to the enduring charm of history.