Vernacular architecture uses regionally-specific materials, methods, and design characteristics. Construction anywhere on Nantucket must meet extensive design regulations that place it into a vernacular deemed appropriate by historic district legislation. While the wisdom of such restriction is debatable, it does not mean that design for, and building on, the island eliminates creativity or the need for carefully considered work. It just means creativity must occur within tightly-controlled conventions. Meadowcrest was conceived to succeed on these terms—it fits into the local vernacular but is not identical to any other house on the island. It is unique to its site and specific to the needs and desires of a client whose family had retreated to a previous house on the beautiful Arcadian site for generations.

The property is large and open, and sits on a quite side road. Here, on the southern side of the island, it is a flat coastal plain adjacent to beach and open ocean. There is little historic development, and it feels quite rural. Once on the property, the lightly wooded approach to the house is enhanced by a driveway that winds through the woods and keeps the house invisible from the street. At the front of the house the driveway enters a clearing and becomes a circle centered on the front door and a large flagpole. It then continues around one side to the garage/guest house, set well back on the property and near the mudroom entry to the main house. Behind the house and next to the guest house, a large field for play is partly bounded by a swimming pool, fire pit, and generous outdoor living spaces. There is subtle harmony between the main house, guest house, and outdoor spaces—it feels like a true private precinct, a peaceful oasis, away from everyday hurry and stress.