On a secluded island near the South Carolina coast, Ginger and Ed Mitchell enjoy fabulous views of a salt marsh from their home. "The Mitchells' site on Spring Island is wonderful," says residential designer Jim Strickland, president of Historical Concepts in Peachtree City, Georgia. "All the views are oriented back to the marshes. It's like having a great painting that's a delight."

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Coastal and Casual
Jim and his associates--Terry Pylant, David Bryant, Ryan Yurcaba, and the late Philip Windsor--collaborated on the design, a unique interpretation of a classic coastal vacation home. "The Mitchells talked about the style of old Pawleys Island cottages," Jim says. By adapting characteristics of early Carolina beach houses and incorporating many windows and glass doors, the innovative plan brings both views and light to the house.

Round pilings elevate the 2,730-square-foot home, capturing breezes and placing it above flood level. Distinctive scissor brackets support the 8-foot eaves of the standing-seam metal roof.

Working with builder Monty Jones, the design team created a vaulted gathering room with 12 x 12 cedar beams. The galley kitchen adjoins the gathering room, yet it still feels separate.

Keeping the Light
Shed dormers at the front allow light into the kitchen and the gathering room. From dormers located above the large screened porch, light passes through the French doors and the clerestory windows above.

Terry says, "French doors that open and fold back bring the screened porch into the living space so they feel like one."

The Mitchells' shingle-clad home speaks of timeless Lowcountry ease.