This Eastern Shore Guest Cottage Blends Coastal Style with Country Charm

Text by Charlotte Safavi

Charming doesn’t begin to describe this one-bedroom, 908-square-foot guest cottage built to accommodate overflow from its main historic farmhouse located on pristine waterfront property in the Chesapeake Bay area.

“We designed the cottage in a style that complements the existing farmhouse, with beaded lap siding, black shutters, and a metal roof, all reflecting other materials used throughout the farm,” says architect Christine Dayton, who worked on the cottage with local builder Ted Boettger from 2020 to 2021.

Perhaps the most striking feature is the cottage’s wraparound porch, which features tongue-and-groove Ipe decking and a beaded board ceiling painted haint blue. The porch adds an additional 835 square feet to the cottage, which features an en suite bedroom, a half bath, and an open-plan kitchen and living room.

Jamie Merida of Easton, Maryland-based Jamie Merida Interiors and his lead designer, Melanie Donohue, became involved in designing the project while the cottage was being built.

“Our primary design objective was to capture the Eastern Shore vibe, which is laid-back yet traditional, combining modern and fresh elements,” Jamie says. “And, of course, we wanted to be true to the existing old house.”

Exterior waterfront views played a big part in influencing palette, finishes, and furnishings, as did the historic farmhouse itself.

All the shiplap interiors are painted crisp white to complement the wood floors. Powdery blues play with soft creams in the color scheme while a balance of checks and stripes in accent pillows and upholstery choices build upon the theme of blending country with coastal. Performance fabric and easy-to-wipe leather are also ideal for the tidewater setting. The case goods are painted—and, in some cases, distressed—and the upholstered pieces are all about comfort.

“The design direction was classic Eastern Shore country house—lots of shiplap, pine floors, cozy rugs, easy fabrics—nothing fussy,” says Melanie.

In the en suite bedroom, the mood shifts a little. With its soothing seaglass palette, the bedroom features a timeless four-poster bed draped in luxe linens, and the grass cloth wallpapered bathroom, with its glassed-in shower and integrated mirrored sconces, exudes a spa-like feel.

“We went with a retreat within a retreat,” says Jamie. “When you have a good guest suite, you always want your guest to feel extra special, like they’re experiencing a high-end hotel.”

In the bedroom, an overscale framed photograph of tidewater marshes is tucked into an armchair nook. This artwork, reminiscent of the exterior, inspired the space’s palette and mood.

“We made an effort to capture a water view from all the living spaces,” says Christine, “And the wraparound porch offers a space to catch summer breezes or to cozy up to the warm fireplace on cooler nights while hosting larger gatherings.”

Melanie furnished the porch with dark faux wicker and contrasting white cushions with espresso-brown piping, making the wraparound porch one for prime lingering while soaking up the serene views.