Coastal living magazie usually has a collection of things in it including decorating and homes. I got some nice ideas there.

I also like these plans and they have some coastal designs.

http://www.architecturalhouseplans.com/

Here is a picture of our house which is similar in style to the two you posted. Not a great picture - it's overcast and the snow covered roof blends into the sky, but you get the idea. We are in southern Maine about 3 miles from the ocean, on a pond (pond is in the back). We are thinking of adding black shutters to some of the windows, and we will probably add round windows in the front gables.

You might also try architectsnw.com

Sue I LOVE your porch so much! What a pretty picture with the snow!!!!

Sue, what Kelly said: that wrap-around porch is just beautiful.

Sue - your house is so beautiful - definitely my style! Thank you so much for posting a picture!!
Ajpl- you're right about coastal living magazine - I'm always cutting pictures out of it...thank you!

mcfromct,

Hi, I live in Mystic. I love both of the houses in your original post but neither of them are anything like what's around here on the CT coast. In fact, it would be hard to actually define a single style house since the New England coastline's development spans 400 years of building.

I 'think' though what you're thinking about is sorta what's known locally as the Nantucket Style which dates to the first quarter of the 20th century...think Newport. It can be spotted by the shingle siding & front porches; but is also known for its distinctive landscaping without which it just wouldn't be a Nantucket. Anyway, searching plans under 'Nantucket' may be worth a try.

Features you will see here along the CT coast are windows that have been replaced with salvaged ports. There's a marine salvage yard here in Mystic but they are all along the shore area. Garage & doors lights again from marine salvage. Instead of a wreath, we hang PDF Type IV life rings either on the siding or front door. We use a lot of teak...for instance, we have an all wet-room bath & the cabinetry is teak. You'll also see small floor areas done in teak...as example, a small galley kitchen.

MUST HAVEs for an authentic New England coastal look in the landscaping include: Hydrangeas (and more hydrangeas!), lilacs, Black-eyed Susans, Shasta daisies, lots of ornamental grasses, lavender-lined walkways, rosa rugosa (beach roses) & clemetis vines. If you have enough of these plants you can create a coastal look with the addition of just 3-5 trees typical of New England (maple, white pine, etc.).

We live on a small peninsula jutting into Mystic Harbor about 75-100' from the shore on 3 sides. The architecture is typical varied New England...everything from cottage to Victorian to Nantucket to Italianate to New Englander to Cape to Saltbox...to Colonial...well, you get the picture. No one style defines the shoreline.

Might be a fun afternoon to drive our coastline & snap pictures of your favorite houses along the way to use as inspiration. Heck, if you're near the Connecticut River...just drive down to Old Saybrook & Niantic. Lots of inspiration!

Good luck...sounds like it's going to be a wonderful house!

/tricia

Also, try Cottage living and Hutker architects.

Thank you so much linley1 and tricia.
Linley1- those are such great websites for inspiration.
Tricia - You are so right in everything you said. And your point about flowers is so true. Hydrageas just scream nautical. I planted 'endless summer' hydrangeas all over the yard in our current house. I wrote down the others you mentioned to keep in my 'dream home' folder. I'm such a dork!
Mystic is so beautiful - you are a very lucky woman to live there! What a great post - thank you again.