A Typical 1960’s three story A-frame: a spiral staircase splitting down the middle, four cramped dark bedrooms, a leaky roof and a cracked pile foundation – not the pristine vacation home that is so often associated with Fire Island Pines. However, the potential was there and the poolside sunsets over the Great South Bay were not to be discounted. But blocking that great view and occupying the heart of the house was the old six foot diameter steel spiral staircase. “The stair must go” the clients said and were willing to sacrifice a bedroom or two to make it happen.
With the lot coverage at its limit, Bromley Caldari took advantage of a local law that permits bay windows to project a maximum of two feet out from the building envelope. The new stair would tuck into two large bay windows staggered at different elevations on each side of the house with a cat-walk balcony off the master bedroom to connect the two sides. Weaving across from one side to the other as you work your way up the three floors, views of the bay are framed at each elevation.
On the main level a double height living room/dining room stretches the length of the window clad North façade. The open kitchen and house utilities run along the south side. The master bedroom suite has full height glass sliding doors to take advantage of the view. Although the doors mostly stay open, when guest are present and privacy is required, the sliding glass doors fog up at the flick of a switch.
Under the peak on the third level is a quiet second bedroom and den (that acts as the third bedroom when needed). The two rooms are connected by a walk-through bathroom – a glass shower enclosure on one side and a glass enclosed powder room on the other. Pocket doors at each end allow for privacy.