Shelter Island House

Shelter Island House, completed by MR ARCHITECTURE+DECOR in 2021, stands on a waterfront property in Shelter Island, New York, serving as a seasonal residence and boathouse for its owners. The architects were tasked with transforming a mid-century Arts and Crafts–style house, which had previously undergone a 2004 modernization, into a retreat geared toward relaxation and informal gatherings. The project called for a near total rebuild, maintaining the original footprint to preserve site relationships while opening the home to improved views of the surrounding landscape and water. The design centers on a double-height living room rendered in blue and white, its volume softened by built-in shelving that displays books and collections. Public and private spaces throughout the house feature furnishings from varied eras, aimed at creating a layered effect without sacrificing ease of use. Custom elements include chandeliers by David Wiseman, lighting by Thomas Boog, and bespoke furniture by Carol Egan. The property is organized as a small compound, comprising the main house with its screened porch and terraces, as well as a guesthouse, garage, infinity pool, and tennis court laid into rolling terrain that leads down to the dock.