Photography by Brian Distad | Aerials by Hunter Davis
THE PROJECT: A modest 1940s cottage with expansive river waterfrontage. The structure had been weathered by time, wind, and shifting ground. The goal was a thoughtful transformation that would create a structurally sound, light-filled home that honors both its setting and its past.
THE PLACE: Tucked at the end of a narrow, one-lane road that winds down a steep slope, the home sits within a secluded enclave where the Severn River is so close it feels as though it is almost within arm’s reach.
EXECUTING THE PLAN: This homeowner chose HD Squared Architects of Annapolis and its principal Melanie Hartwig-Davis initially to conceive a more advantageous main level floor plan that would open up some dimly lit spaces and create a more intuitive flow for entertaining and family gatherings. However, soon after meeting with Hartwig-Davis and assessing the structure’s potential, the homeowner felt she was ready to explore some additional upgrades to the dwelling that she would share with her life partner.
Photography by Brian Distad | Aerials by Hunter Davis
Legacy is a construct that is borne of time and circumstance. Our feature homeowner had the good fortune to have grown up in one of those cherished private neighborhoods in Annapolis where the streets were like narrow, windy paths that rewarded you with a Severn River vista when you arrived home.
After having moved out of that community where she experienced living with several relatives in their own houses as neighbors, our homeowner has re-settled decades later in a cottage that once belonged to a beloved uncle.
Addressing Structure
For Hartwig-Davis, the project stood out immediately—not just for its picturesque yet challenging setting, but for the deeply personal connection the homeowner had to the property.
Unfortunately, the house was found to require more than simple updates after a thorough examination was conducted. Several significant structural concerns came to light including the toll of long term exposure to strong winds coming off the river, and more notably, the discovery that subtle shifts had occurred causing a structural wall to begin to separate from the foundation.
“It was one of those moments where it was immediately clear—we needed an engineer on site,” Hartwig-Davis says.
While a comprehensive renovation that balanced preservation with reinvention was recommended, Hartwig-Davis points out that the home had undergone several thoughtful improvements over the years that were already enhancing its aesthetic and value.
The homeowner had invested in a substantial waterside deck, supported by large columns, along with a beautifully designed stone walkway and mature landscaping. Yet, she says, the house itself felt comparatively understated.
“The deck and the columns were almost oversized for the house,” Hartwig-Davis explains.
“Our goal was to allow the home to grow into that scale—for it to become what it wanted to be.”
Photography by Brian Distad | Aerials by Hunter Davis
First Thoughts
That evolution began with a series of design explorations. Initially, the homeowner’s priorities were focused on improving the main living spaces—opening up the kitchen and dining areas, updating finishes, and enhancing access to river views.
Like many renovation projects, however, the scope began to expand as possibilities came to light. When presented with various schematic options, one in particular stood out: a bold reimagining that involved removing the existing roof and creating a second story, complete with dormers.
“That’s when [the homeowner] got hooked,” Hartwig-Davis says. “She saw what it could be.”
The transformation of the upper level is perhaps the most dramatic aspect of the renovation. What had once been a cramped attic—complete with low, sloping ceilings, no air conditioning, and a single small window—has been reimagined into a spacious primary suite.
The highlight is a series of well-proportioned windows that frame sweeping waterfront views flooding the space with natural light and creating a serene retreat that the homeowner can experience every morning upon waking.
Photography by Brian Distad | Aerials by Hunter Davis
Finding the Light
Hartwig-Davis carried this emphasis on light and views throughout the home. The HD Squared design team carefully reconsidered the placement and scale of windows to maximize sightlines and enhance the indoor-outdoor connection. In one instance, the main entry was relocated, and an interior coat closet was repositioned, to allow for an uninterrupted view of the river the minute you step inside. The result is an interior that feels airy, welcoming, and intrinsically tied to its surroundings.
Smaller details would also play an important role in the renovation. Enter a tale of two windows in the form of modest dormers that were placed with particular intention. One is located in the primary shower, offering a quiet, unexpected view of the water, while the other sits at the top of the stairwell, drawing natural light into the center of the home.
Inside, the floor plan was reconfigured to improve both functionality and flow. The original layout featured two separate staircases—one leading to the attic and another to the basement—positioned at opposite ends of the house. By consolidating and then stacking these stairs, the design team created a more logical floorplan providing greater efficiency.
The kitchen and dining areas were opened into a single, cohesive gathering space, supported by structural beams of stained fir wood that now serve as defining architectural elements. Below, the homeowner chose multi-tonal Acadia wood floors for their durability and style. A once-dated kitchen is now alive with deep navy custom cabinetry and Fantasy Lux Quartzite countertops. A gorgeous Equip La Riveria ceramic tile was chosen for the backsplash above the range.
Throughout the house, spaces that were once compartmentalized have been reimagined to support a more social, connected way of living.
The upper level, which was once limited to two rooms, now features two bedrooms, two full baths, convenient walk-in closets, and multiple storage areas which were neatly tucked beneath the eaves.
The home’s third bedroom, a suite with bath, is located on the main level which brings a total of three bedrooms and four full baths to the residence. Even the lower level was slightly reconfigured to address previously obstructed views, opening up for better engagement with the waterfront.
Photography by Brian Distad | Aerials by Hunter Davis
Why Not Make it Sustainable?
While the homeowner did not initially set out to achieve LEED certification, Hartwig Davis says, she quickly recognized its value as the project progressed. Now the home meets higher standards for energy efficiency and performance, qualifying it for a substantial tax credit—an added benefit that speaks to the long-term advantages of thoughtful, forward-looking design.
Throughout the renovation, the homeowner remained closely involved, particularly in shaping the interiors. With a strong personal vision and a keen eye for detail, she worked collaboratively with the design team and suppliers to select materials and finishes that reflect both her aesthetic and the character of the home.
Today, this legacy residence stands as a testament to what can be achieved when technical expertise meets emotional connection. What was once a more fragile, aging cottage has been transformed into a resilient, contemporary dwelling that not only withstands its environment, but celebrates it. More importantly, it provides a setting where this homeowner’s past and present can converge—offering the perfect setting for gathering, reflection, and the creation of new memories for her next era in Annapolis.
