Seaside Magic

DESIGN by JUDY OSTROW photography by CHIP RIEGEL

Above: The suite’s main floor offers meticulous detailing; its gorgeous wood trim is finished with gleaming layers of hand-applied varnish.

The Morgan Suite feels like a whimsical and luxurious yacht—without setting sail

Above: A marine theme is suggested by the color palette of the lower level and outfitted throughout with built-in entertainments.

Above: Shutters in the bathrooms open to bring natural light and views to these interior spaces. Below: The lower level offers a second kitchen, plus indoor and patio spaces for suite guests to gather.

In addition to its unsurpassed location on the Atlantic coast and award-winning hospitality, Ocean House has sought to define itself by the unique qualities of its public and private spaces. While every guest accommodation offers special details and amenities that are sure to please the luxury traveler, each of the resort’s Signature Suites lives up to its promise of an unparalleled experience. And one of the most noteworthy of these splendid spaces is the Morgan Suite.

The two-level, three-bedroom, 3,500- square-foot space overlooks the ocean from every window. It is partially named for the Charles W. Morgan, the only wooden ship that remains from the 19th century American merchant whaling fleet, and it’s now an attraction of the nearby Mystic Seaport Museum. Morgan is also the middle name of Ocean House’s proprietor, Charles Royce, and the design for this meticulously finished, ocean-facing accommodation was created by Hayward Gatch and overseen by Royce and his wife Deborah. Gatch had worked on the Royces’ home in Watch Hill, and most recently completed the couple’s reconstruction and restoration of the 18th century Pendleton-Chapman house at Avondale Farm.

Gatch was inspired by the potential of the space—originally designed as two units, one on the floor directly above the other—which offered commanding water views and sent him on a quest to study images, plans and appointments of historic vessels and early 20th century yachts. The Royces’ intent with this reimagining would provide a unit that could accommodate an entire extended family. Gatch’s vision included a structural plan requiring comprehensive woodworking and cabinetmaking skill. So, his first task was to find a team that could execute the interiors with a level of craftsmanship that would express the design ideas he shared with the Royces.

“It was exciting to assemble the team to create this suite,” says Gatch. “We used a group of 10 highly skilled carpenters, who were essentially creating the space as if they were working within a heavy marine structure, with everything condensed as it would be in a ship. Just one example of their artisanship is the staircase that connects the suite’s two levels. We wanted to install it at a good angle and with a gracious scale. So much individual effort was

Above left:

The galley kitchen’s centerpiece is a hand-built Molteni range.

Above right:

A local foundry created the unique fireplace surround.

Left and right:

Interior designer Iliana Moore found subtly nautical textiles and accessories for every room.

Right:

A hidden porthole in the powder room medicine chest provides an unexpected ocean view.

Far right:

The suite’s backlit skylights add another “below deck” element to the yacht-like space.

These tech-savvy bunks feature their own sound systems and televisions.

involved in creating this special element—and frankly, every facet of the project—that it was sometimes difficult for our large crew to work without tripping over each other. But the result is amazing. The effect—with all the handvarnished woodwork, the gridded backlit stair treads, the custom brass hardware—makes you feel that you are moving between two decks of a very fine yacht.”

Gatch sought out luxury materials from around the world to create the structure of the suite’s upper level. To bring the views from the front windows throughout the space, the primary bedroom floor has been raised and shuttered windows can be opened and closed in the bedroom and bath, so that the ocean may be seen from every vantage point. In a bit of whimsy, which both Gatch and the Royces appreciate, the back of the upper level’s powder room medicine cabinet was equipped with a porthole and a water view—another small surprise built into the Morgan Suite’s plan.

“One should never underestimate the charm of small spaces and interior windows,” says Gatch. “They can be magical.”

Some of the suite’s other details stand out. The galley kitchen, for example, belies its functional name with its central feature, a handmade, custom-crafted Molteni range. Guests can sit at the semicircular breakfast bar and watch their meals being prepared; a stay at Ocean House provides the possibility of reserving a private chef to cook up breakfast, lunch, dinner, or create a personalized cooking class. A drop-down video screen above the cooking surface lets guests watch while the chef works.

“We wanted everything to be special, and reflect the place where the guests have come,” notes Gatch. He had an artist hand paint tiles for the kitchen backsplash with lifelike portraits of bluefish—one of local saltwater anglers’ favorite fighting fish. The living room’s custom fireplace surround was cast at a local foundry; its centerpiece is a relief sculpture— also depicting a bluefish.

Such details whisper the nautical environment of coastal Rhode Island. And children who are part of the Morgan Suite guest roster—it sleeps 10—will love the bunks, built in next to the formal dining area, complete with their own sound systems, televisions, and a sailor’s eye-view of all the goings-on.

On the lower level, another primary suite, living area and kitchen open out to a spacious private terrace, so guests can enjoy the salt air and views without leaving the suite. For quiet moments, a cozy reading nook also offers an ocean prospect from its spot at the foot of the stairs. Its many facets will keep new guests in the process of discovering the Morgan Suite’s delights well beyond the first night of their memorable stay.

“Many guests remark on the beauty of this suite,” adds Gatch, “but they also love the fact that we’ve built in plenty of fun.”

Whimsical Style

Inspired by vintage yachts, the Morgan Suite puts a seaworthy smile on fine design.

Iliana Moore, principal of Columbine Antiques and Decoration, has worked with Deborah and Chuck Royce on more than a dozen projects.The Morgan Suite’s luxury built-in structure gives it the bespoke feel of a fabulous yacht; Deborah and the designer injected a bit of whimsy with a subtle nautical theme. “Every Ocean House suite is a great experience, and this one is particularly special,” says Moore. “We made our references to the sea with lighthearted and amusing details,

Top: Grid-patterned cubby doors on the bunk beds add a belowthe-deck feel. Middle: A shiny propeller is repurposed into an elegant side table, while the rope reading lamp defines nautical with a twist. Bottom: Marine hardware lends a coastal look for a sleek, shipshape statement.