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Living the Dream

After coveting a property for decades, a couple builds a home on Ninigret Pond with an eye on sustainability and spectacular views

When Patty Higgins’ parents bought a beach cottage in Charlestown in the ‘80s, little did they know they were sparking a lifelong love of the area in their then-teenage daughter. Today, with three grown kids of her own, recent retiree Patty and husband Bill live in a house they built just over a year ago on property she admired for quite some time, just a stone’s throw away from that original summer place. “I like to think of my parents, now deceased, as having a major influence on our living on this beautiful piece of land on the Ninigret,” she says.

Accents in blue connect zones in the open floor plan

The Higgins were already living a few lots away when they purchased their current property in 2019 from the previous owners who had lived there since the ‘80s and had known Patty’s parents. Mindful of FEMA’s flood elevation requirements, Patty and Bill decided to build fresh. “We worked with Lisa Carlisle, our architect, and Ken Nelson, our builder, to create a home that would care for the land, take advantage of south-facing views, and meet our desire to share this special location with family and friends,” she explains.

The house festooned with patriotic bunting for summer Multiple decks offer unobstructed water views

With water surrounding the property, the Higgins take their responsibility in helping to protect Ninigret Pond seriously. The home – deemed “the lookout” by Carlisle – has been equipped with a state-of-the-art septic system, permeable outdoor surfaces, and an extensive rain garden that filters runo from the house. “We have expanded the plant material on the property to create a habitat to attract butterflies and birds and to rejuvenate the over-50-year-old blueberry and shade trees,” notes Higgins.

Photos courtesy of Lisa Carlisle Architect

A console table makes use of narrow space

The main floor was designed so the couple could live on a single level while also having ample space for entertaining, and features a floor plan that has access to the outside deck from several egress points. The upper floor has three more bedrooms; one of which has its own deck and is outfitted as either an office or bedroom, and another doubles as an art studio. Walls throughout the main living areas are a neutral soft gray, and furnishings and accents in a range of deep blues take their cue from the coastal location.

“My priority is always comfort and spaces that encourage gathering and relaxing with an uncluttered feel,” Higgins says. “The unobstructed view of nature right outside the windows and from the decks doesn’t need dressing up. We love having the space to welcome loved ones and to continue building memories that began when my parents first brought us to Ninigret Pond.”

GET RHODY STYLE

Homeowner Patty Higgins shares ideas and resources for making the most of living in the Ocean State.

CHARLESTOWN “We love the quiet and natural beauty of Charlestown. Access to the salt ponds, beaches, and the ocean, as well as Ninigret Park and Wildlife Refuge and the extensive conservation land and walking trails are rare treasures right in our backyard.”

LOCAL LOVE “Simple Pleasures, Mills Creek, Fantastic Umbrella Factory, Books on the Pond, Compass Hardware, Charlestown Wine and Spirits, Ocean House Marina, Ninigret Landing Marina, Quonnie Farms, The Breachway Grill, The Bakery, and the soon-to-reopen General Stanton Inn.”

FORAGED FINDS “I love using natural materials that are all around us to create accents. Shells, dried grasses, flowers, and stones can be collected, painted, arranged, and enjoyed indoors.”

ABOUT THE ARCHITECT Lisa Carlisle founded her business in 1997 and specializes in shingle style residential design, building a solid rep for collaborating with clients to design new homes, renovations, and additions that respond to their wants and needs. Learn more at lisacarlislearchitect.com

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