Reminiscent of old lifesaving stations along the Outer Banks and the Northeast coast, the house has a steeply pitched roof, a cupola, dormers, multipaned windows, and cedar shake shingles. The barrier island's orientation gives the house a southern exposure facing the ocean. This allows deep wraparound porches and balconies to take advantage of prevailing summer breezes and sunshine in mild winter months. The site also capitalizes on views of the sun rising on the Atlantic and setting on the broad waters of the mouth of the Cape Fear River. Although the Brewsters longed for a home that felt well worn and welcoming, they also wanted the comfort and convenience of a contemporary house.
Views are abundant throughout the house, thanks to French doors and windows of varying sizes.
Instilling instant age, floors are reclaimed fir and bedroom walls are painted horizontal planks Beaded-board wainscot and exposed joists and rafters enliven the walls and ceilings. An old-fashioned brick fireplace with a distressed mantel anchors a prominent wall in the living room. Bamboo fishing rods, an antique model sailboat, and seashells add drama to the composition. Furnishings are a combination of shabby chic and Yankee ingenuity. The doors to the pantry and coat closet were recycled fro the New Jersey farmhouse.