Perched on a strip of land along a tributary of the South River near Annapolis, this sprawling Shingle Style home was conceived to take full advantage of 180-degree views. “It’s a nice, deep lot right on the water, so we stretched the house out to get as much of an uninterrupted view as we could,” says architect James McDonald who helmed the project.

The clients, a family with teen-to-college-age children, desired a permanent waterfront residence that would evoke a distinctly New England sensibility, both indoors and out. “They wanted to bring the Nantucket-inspired exterior elements inside the house and keep the color palette and use of materials simple,” explains the architect.

That casual, coastal aesthetic can be seen in the centrally located kitchen and breakfast nook, which open to the vaulted family room on one side and abut the cozy hearth room on the back. A neutral palette of grays and creams, natural materials and transparent light fixtures create a relaxed vibe while making sure the focus stays on the main attraction—that glorious waterside setting.