A gorgeous summer home on Prince Edward Island
Roberto Caruso
PEI Island living
Island living
It was love at first sight for architects David and Liz Sisam when they came upon quaint Sea View, P.E.I., on a vacation nearly 30 years ago. “I spent a few hours driving around to find the most beautiful spot I could on the island,” says David. “Then I knocked on the farmer’s door and asked to buy some land.” Now the whole Sisam family (which includes their three children) spends most of July and August there every year at the house they designed and built, with the help of Montgomery Sisam Architects. It was important to the pair that they respect the island’s indigenous esthetics. As a result, they chose details inspired by the quiet simplicity of old farm buildings, like traditional steeply pitched roofs and cedar shingles. “We also positioned the footprint of the house to focus on the ocean views and beautiful patchwork farm fields instead of the other cottages in the area,” says David. Glass sliding doors throughout allow for unobstructed sightlines from the front of the cottage straight through to the red-sand beach, just a few steps away. And with a small courtyard of wild roses on the back deck and a row of yellow Adirondack chairs to settle into, it might just be the dreamiest spot on the whole island.
Pick a massive table for big get-togethers
Summer living means slowing down and enjoying meals with family and friends. A large rustic harvest table surrounded by simple chairs sits plenty of people and is fuss-free. Blue lanterns and a chandelier of candles keeps the mood intimate and charming.
Stovetop clambake
This main includes some of the best seafood found along the coast of P.E.I. Get the recipe.
Stack colourful dinnerware on open shelves
Wood-lined walls with matching cabinetry are the perfect backdrop for a curated collection of bright and cheery jugs and pottery. Open shelving means even guests can easily find what they're looking for.
Green onion biscuits with Old Bay butter
Serve your clambake with a side of flaky biscuits spread with Old Bay butter. Get the recipe.
Blueberry-lemon cheesecake bars
The island’s homegrown wild blueberries make these squares a sweet end to dinner. Get the recipe.
Cocktail hour
Now all grown up, daughters Katie and Amy love nothing more than taking in the views from the back deck.
Decorate with local finds and homegrown antiques
Part of the fun of owning a summer home is filling it with treasures you stumble upon on your outings, especially if the region has a rich decorative history. Handmade quilts, folk art and vintage signage add a personal touch and speak to the surrounding area.
Rugs and pillows, Elte. Bed linens, Au Lit Fine Linens.
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