Living in Manhattan, the Miller family wanted a weekend home where they could get away from the stresses of the city. So when they laid eyes on an adorable saltbox-style beach house on Long Island, it was love at first sight.
Not only was the historic beach house absolutely charming, the family noticed something very special that solidified their decision to move in.
“We fell in love with the property immediately,”Jennifer Miller told Country Living, explaining that the real estate agent introduced them to the 1,000-square-foot charmer via the back door. “When we exited through the front we saw an exterior plaque that read ‘The Miller.'”
As it turns out, the home had previously belonged to the town miller named Lazurus Manley and was deemed a historic landmark. At that moment, Jennifer and Derrick Miller, along with their two children, knew the beach cottage was theirs.
With around 1,000-square-feet to work with, Jennifer had quite a bit of space to design the perfect, cozy home for her family.
In the welcoming living room, the Millers opted for a neutral-colored linen sofa, which is a contrast to their dark leather couch back at their home in Manhattan. An ottoman can also serve as additional seating if need be.
To stay warm, the family has a narrow wood-burning fireplace.
The hearth is just 28-inches wide, and an oil painting named “Grandpa Miller” (no relation) sits above the mantle. More salvaged wood can be seen here, used for the beams as well as the staircase railing.
Exposed wood in the gorgeous kitchen was salvaged from an old ship.
Even though the home is over three hundred years old, the kitchen certainly isn’t lacking in modern amenities. The large island is a great space for prepping food or chit-chatting with guests while cooking dinner. The hanging brass pendant above the island was salvaged from a shipyard as well, adding a bit of a nautical theme throughout the home.
Jennifer and Derrick chose the smaller bedroom in the home that they call their “makeshift master”.
Although there is a larger master suite upstairs, Derrick and Jennifer opted for the bright and airy downstairs bedroom that has easier access to their patio to relax after their kids have gone to bed. Jennifer chose to stick with the beachy theme of white and blue colors.
The kids’ suite, located upstairs, features a large wrought-iron canopy bed.
Jennifer loves all things ‘antique,’ but she finds that antique beds tend to be too small, which is why she opted for this beautiful choice instead. Plus, it’s large enough for the entire family to sleep in when guests are sleeping in the downstairs bedroom.
Also upstairs in the suite is a tiny children’s’ corner.
As it turns out, the family loves French bulldog artwork. “We’re just drawn to French bulldogs—oil paintings, prints, watercolors,” says Jennifer. “Everyone asks where ours is, and we don’t even have one!”
Forget the “She-Shed,” this family has a “We-Shed”.
The Miller family didn’t tear down an old dilapidated shed in the backyard, instead, they transformed it into an adorable multi-use space that the family uses as an art space, office, guest quarters, and playroom.
A little elbow grease and creativity went a long way for this family and their charming weekend sanctuary. Are you in love?
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