--- title: "Windhill+Co. — General Contractors | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/windhill-co-pfvwus-pf~126024348 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~126024348.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: Windhill+Co. category: ["General Contractors"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/5133d3ac01951708_4888-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "16 Market Street, Ipswich, Massachusetts 01938, United States" latitude: 42.6809 longitude: -70.8494 phone: "(978) 356-8988" website: http://www.windhillbuilders.com rating: 4.9 review_count: 37 best_of_houzz_awards: 15 followers: 307 last_updated: 2026-09-08 --- # Windhill+Co. Original Houzz profile: [Windhill+Co.](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/windhill-co-pfvwus-pf~126024348) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** General Contractors - **Location:** Ipswich, MA - **Serves:** Lynn, Haverhill, Medford, Peabody, Salem, Beverly, Beverly Cove, Andover, Gloucester, Melrose, Danvers, Winchester, Marblehead, Newburyport, Amesbury, North Reading, Ipswich, Weston, Middleton, Georgetown, Boxford, Hamilton, Newbury, Groveland, Topsfield, Rowley, Wenham, West Newbury, Essex, Byfield, Hathorne, Lyn, Manchester, Merrimack, Prides Crossing, South Hamilton, Waterfront, West, West Boxford - **Houzz rating:** 4.9 out of 5 (37 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 15 awards (2014–2026), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 50,000 Ideabook Saves Windhill Builders is a designer and builder of distinctive custom homes and renovations located in Ipswich, Massachusetts on Boston’s North Shore. From Martha’s Vineyard to the suburbs of Boston, to Southern New Hampshire and Maine, our quality craftsmanship and dedication to serving the needs of our customers has left a lasting impression. We are proud of our reputation, earned through our quality and service from both homeowners and industry peers. We do more than build homes. We form the foundation of your story. Our knowledge and expertise covers all facets of construction, from conceptual planning to comprehensive design, excavation and structural build-out, to extraordinary finish work, and landscaping. We pride ourselves in our ability to provide exceptional customer service, complete projects on time and within budget, and deliver comfortable, stress free construction experiences for our customers. Our team is committed to a building process based on listening skills, ongoing communication, and a balanced collaboration between builder, architect, and homeowner. Ultimately, we can see our success in the invitations we receive to weddings, cookouts, and birthday celebrations from our past clients, still happy to have us around, still feeling connected by the journey we once took together. We look forward to meeting you in person, listening to your plans, being inspired by your ideas, and exciting you with ours. We take great pride in our work and look forward to seeing you and your family cross your new threshold to a finer quality of life. ### Services Provided - Home Remodeling - Kitchen Remodeling - General Contracting - Home Additions - Custom Homes - New Home Construction - Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) - Guesthouse Design & Construction - Garage Building - Outdoor Kitchen Construction - Home Restoration - Pool House Design & Construction - Project Management - Green Building - Barn Design & Construction - Sustainable Design ### Areas Served - Lynn - Haverhill - Medford - Peabody - Salem - Beverly - Beverly Cove - Andover - Gloucester - Melrose - Danvers - Winchester - Marblehead - Newburyport - Amesbury - North Reading - Ipswich - Weston - Middleton - Georgetown - Boxford - Hamilton - Newbury - Groveland - Topsfield - Rowley - Wenham - West Newbury - Essex - Byfield - Hathorne - Lyn - Manchester - Merrimack - Prides Crossing - South Hamilton - Waterfront - West - West Boxford ### Typical Job Cost $100,000 - 6 million ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Windhill+Co. | | Address | 16 Market Street, Ipswich, Massachusetts 01938, United States | | Phone | (978) 356-8988 | | Website | http://www.windhillbuilders.com | | License Number | CSL\# 84001 HIC\# 169079 | | Followers on Houzz | 307 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — http://www.facebook.com/windhillco - LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawncayer/ - Blog — http://www.windhillco.com ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Windhill+Co.](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/windhill-co-pfvwus-pf~126024348) - **Website:** http://www.windhillbuilders.com - **Phone:** (978) 356-8988 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - BONS Best of North Shore Home 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 - Best of Boston 2019 - Chrysalis Award 2015, 2016 - Best of Houzz 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 - **Best of Houzz:** 15 awards (2014–2026), for Design, Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.9 out of 5 — 37 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 48.0 - Communication: 47.0 - Value: 48.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Christine Lewis, Sept. 2024** > We are so happy we picked Windhill Builders to do our home addition with kitchen and primary bedroom/bathroom update. We were very nervous about having construction in our home while still living in it with our young children, but Windhill made it seamless. What sets Windhill apart is not only their attention to detail and commitment to superior craftsmanship, but the vetting of their suppliers and tradespeople. Everyone we worked with from the tile store to the electrician and plumber were not only highly skilled and knowledgeable, but a pleasure to work with and have in our home. Thank you Windhill! We look forward to working with you again. **★★★★★ — Tyler Destefano, Dec. 2022** > Working with the team at Windhill was an amazing experience. We did a large renovation project, and we were nervous about the process. From our first meeting with Shawn, his experience was obvious and we immediately felt comfortable. Their commitment to a high end product was exactly what we were looking for. Their experience allowed them to anticipate every step of the project and manage our expectations. We are thrilled with the outcome of our home, and would be happy to show off our finished space . If anyone wants to see it, reach out to Shawn and he can make arrangements for a visit. **★★★★★ — sheilacurranwoelfel, June 2022** > Working with Shawn and his team was an absolute pleasure. They were with us every step of the way through design, permitting, building, etc. The entire team's responsiveness was unmatched, and everyone seemed genuinely interested in meeting our every desire. From top to bottom, they take great pride in their work, and it shows in the finished product. We have already recommended Windhill to several friends who are building, and will continue to do so. **★★★★★ — davidsmith5811, Jan. 2022** > Windhill remodeled our kitchen in 2021 and we were satisfied with the results. Work consisted of new cabinets, floors, and appliances. **★★★★★ — Doug Smith, Dec. 2021** > Shawn Cayer and his company, Windhill Builders are fantastic and I would highly recommend them. They recently built a modern barn for me and the entire Windhill team was incredible. They constantly communicated with me, were professional, and if an unexpected issue came up they were quick to come up with solutions, ask for my input and resolve. The quality of workmanship is exceptional. If you are building a high end home I would highly recommend them. **★★★★★ — HU-390228567, Oct. 2021** > The entire team is unbelievable. The best experience we have ever had with builders. Work is great, they are highly professional, timely, no mess, and provide great advice in making the right decisions for your project. **★★★★★ — lindsaypcowan, Oct. 2021** > We worked with Windhill over the course of two years to build our dream house in Annisquam. Shawn and Kevin were professional, responsive and responsible. They handled a couple of “surprises” with honesty and grace. We had many laughs along the way. Even though the construction wrapped up in July, they are still tying up loose ends as needed and it’s now October. We are grateful that they have not walked off and forgotten about our project. Jess in the office was proactive and organized. We are thrilled with the results. **★★★★★ — Swag Monkey, Feb. 2021** > I smile each time I enter my Windhill Built addition. From the initial meetings with the architect to the last details of the project Shawn Cayer and his associates were responsive and professional in every way. I am happy to have affiliated with this group and very pleased with both the outcome and the process. **Comment from Windhill+Co.:** > Linda, you were a dream to work with. Thank you for the review and I know we will be seeing you around! **★★★★★ — Emily Lawson, Sept. 2020** > We had such a great experience working with Windhill. The professionalism was top notch and each person that came to work at our house were able to answer all of our questions and concerns. **★★★★★ — Edward Soares, April 2020** > We vividly recall our first meeting with Shawn Cayer from Windhill Builders, when we discussed our building project. Friendly, professional, organized, and fully informed with the knowledge of a building expert, Shawn straightforwardly and thoroughly answered each and every one of our questions. He engendered our trust and confidence almost right away. After that initial discussion, we knew that Windhill Builders would be the right choice to bring our architect's vision and plans (Cummings Architects) into the reality of our new dream home. > > We cannot adequately express our appreciation for Kevin O'Connor, the Windhill construction manager who shepherded our building project from start to finish. Kevin was simply fabulous to work with. Always extremely reliable, communicative, and organized, Kevin truly made the building process so much easier for us. There were often daily texts, phone calls, and meetings, each helping us to move the project along. He inspired confidence and we always felt things were in good hands. But along the way, we also got to know Kevin on a more personal level and that made our interactions even better. Kevin always helped us keep things in perspective, and we also enjoyed his fabulous sense of humor. > > It is not uncommon to hear about issues with sub-contractors, but our experience with ALL of the Windhill Builder subs was terrific. We were extremely pleased with the high quality work they performed -- from those who excavated and poured the foundation, to those who framed the house, insulated, painted, implemented the electrical plan, created the custom built-ins and cabinetry, installed the flooring, AV systems and alarms --- they were all pleasant, professional, friendly and terrific at their jobs. > > Windhill also provided wonderful inside administrative support. Billing and accounting was always clearly spelled out and specified. Any questions we had were always promptly answered, and we knew that Jessica was there ready to help with anything we needed. She always communicated the same high level of enthusiasm for the project and she played a crucial role in the success of the project. When we saw her in person, there was always a welcoming smile to greet us and a hand extended to help. > > Our beautiful new home is everything we hoped for, reflecting the inspiration of Mat Cummings and his team at Cummings Architects and the "make it happen" team of talented, professional team of builders at Windhill Builders. **★★★★★ — Andrea Bernard, April 2020** > We don't have enough good things to say about Windhill! We hired them for a significant renovation on our home which took 8 months and included an addition, all new kitchen, bathrooms, laundry room, new plumbing, heating, electrical, windows, etc..... It was a big project and these folks were amazing to work with every step of the way. They are very knowledgeable, do great work and are all around very good people. While we have never done a project of this scale, we have renovated other homes, and this is by far the best experience we have ever had with a construction project. We couldn't be happier with the finished product and we are so grateful to Windhill for all of the amazing work that has made our home so wonderful. Photo Credit: Eric Roth **★★★★★ — Sherry Pearl, April 2018** > We hired Windhill Builders to do an addition/ kitchen remodel. The project was pretty involved and included a new addition/ foundation , kitchen,mudroom, powder room, and new laundry. There were a lot of moving parts and they did a phenomenal job. Their craftmanship was top notch and the attention to every detail was impressive. The project was on time and they communicated with us on every detail. We are thrilled with the results and enjoyed working with them. I would highly recommend them and would use them again ## Selected projects - [Lobster Cove - Annisquam](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lobster-cove-annisquam-pj-vj~6786176) - Location: Gloucester, MA - Photos: 14 - Description: On the banks of the Annisquam River, overlooking Lobster Cove, sits this gem of a Gloucester property, which had been part of the clients’ family for generations. A young family of four envisioned a gracious new home executed in the Federal style. Its new-old silhouette honors the village’s historic character but also stands on its own as a finely crafted addition to New England’s architectural canon. This four-bedroom, six-bathroom residence greets with a formal courtyard in front; to the rear,… - [Sophisticated Farmhouse - Weston MA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sophisticated-farmhouse-weston-ma-pj-vj~6783873) - Location: Weston, MA - Photos: 30 - Description: The convenient yet tucked-away locale on a winding road crowned by the hilltop setting of this former 1940s Cape Cod style home was a location that the homeowners were not willing to give up. Raising the charming, read “small”, outdated, existing home was the answer to preserving their dream backdrop while constructing their dream home. Sophisticated Modern-Farmhouse in the grandest of style defined by vertical architecture, soaring ceilings and fine finish woodwork are just some of the details… - [Bon Vie - Winchester, MA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bon-vie-winchester-ma-pj-vj~6048455) - Location: Winchester, MA - Photos: 9 - Description: This family’s intention was clear – to create a well-functioning home for their busy family that will continue to be just as well-functioning in the future. With a wish list that included open kitchen and dining spaces, a guest bedroom, and a fresh, modernized master suite, this renovation left the owners delighted. The shifting of the kitchen created a mudroom area resulting in a happy landing space for the family returning from activities. The new mudroom casts a warm glow with an ample black… - [Peach's Point - Marblehead, MA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/peach-s-point-marblehead-ma-pj-vj~5794463) - Location: Marblehead, MA - Photos: 35 - Description: Set on the calm blue back drop of the Atlantic Ocean sits Peach's Point in Marblehead, Massachusetts, just 16 miles northeast of Boston. Once a tired grand estate, this complete renovation has rejuvenated this home, returning it to its original grandeur but with all the modern luxuries and amenities! Designed for entertaining and living on a grand scale, the cool palette, awash with its blue, white, black and wood shades, reminiscent of the seashore, promises relaxation and joyful memories for t… - [Beach House Dreams Really Do Come True - Seabrook Beach, NH](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/beach-house-dreams-really-do-come-true-seabrook-beach-nh-pj-vj~7044291) - Location: Seabrook, NH - Photos: 14 - Description: The shores of New England are sprinkled with pockets of darling cottages, full of history, memories, and traditions, fraying at the edges, longing for a new chapter. When this north shore family of three found themselves in transition they realized it was time. Their darling ocean front seasonal cottage had been at rest in the dunes of Seabrook Beach, waiting for its turn. A decade of summers-only was no longer enough, so, they called us. We couldn’t have been more excited! The single story ‘box… - [Take Me Back to Merrimac!](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/take-me-back-to-merrimac-pj-vj~5609839) - Location: Merrimac, MA - Photos: 8 - Description: Photos by Eric Roth - [Love at First Sight](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/love-at-first-sight-pj-vj~2796378) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 17 - Description: This Winchester home was love at first sight for this young family of four. The layout lacked function, had no master suite to speak of, an antiquated kitchen, non-existent connection to the outdoor living space and an absentee mud room… yes, true love. Windhill Builders to the rescue! Design and build a sanctuary that accommodates the daily, sometimes chaotic lifestyle of a busy family that provides practical function, exceptional finishes and pure comfort. We think the photos tell the story of… - [Rustic & Traditional Farmhouse - Ipswich, MA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/rustic-and-traditional-farmhouse-ipswich-ma-pj-vj~2855790) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 15 - Description: We gave this rather dated farmhouse some dramatic upgrades that brought together the feminine with the masculine, combining rustic wood with softer elements. In terms of style it was a blending of traditional and elegant with rustic and outdoorsy. The result was the perfect fit for this very special farmhouse in Ipswich, MA. Character details create a visual statement, showcasing the melding of both rustic and traditional elements without too much formality. The new master suite is one of the mo… - [Inside Out - Outside In](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/inside-out-outside-in-pj-vj~5424641) - Location: Ipswich, MA - Photos: 12 - Description: INSIDE OUT, OUTSIDE IN – IPSWICH, MA Downsizing from their sprawling country estate in Hamilton, MA, this retiring couple knew they found utopia when they purchased this already picturesque marsh-view home complete with ocean breezes, privacy and endless views. It was only a matter of putting their personal stamp on it with an emphasis on outdoor living to suit their evolving lifestyle with grandchildren. That vision included a natural screened porch that would invite the landscape inside and pr… - [We’re Not In Wellesley Anymore! Great Neck- Ipswich, MA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/were-not-in-wellesley-anymore-great-neck-ipswich-ma-pj-vj~2748563) - Location: Ipswich, MA - Photos: 9 - Description: With a location-to-die-for on Great Neck-Ipswich, MA, this perfectly perched home was desperate for an upgrade. The clients, anxious to downsize and create a lifestyle more true to their hearts, left their hectic Wellesley address behind and set out, with kayaks in tow, for life on The Neck! Once a cookie-cutter spec-home, this reinvented craftsman style, now reminiscent of Martha’s Vineyard and the like, will inspire you to rub your eyes, blink hard and say, “We’re not in Wellesley anymore!”. T… - [Lynnfield Farmhouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lynnfield-farmhouse-pj-vj~747578) - Location: Lynnfield, MA - Photos: 29 - Description: 2015 Chrysalis Award for Whole House Remodel When Cummings Architects first met with the owners of this understated country farmhouse, the building’s layout and design was an incoherent jumble. The original bones of the building were almost unrecognizable. All of the original windows, doors, flooring, and trims – even the country kitchen – had been removed. Mathew and his team began a thorough design discovery process to find the design solution that would enable them to breathe life back into t… - [Rustic & Traditional Farmhouse - Phase II- Ipswich, MA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/rustic-and-traditional-farmhouse-phase-ii-ipswich-ma-pj-vj~6786143) - Location: Ipswich, MA - Photos: 13 - Description: Phase II of this expansive farmhouse included new windows, shutters and an exterior facelift complete with refreshed landscaping. Inside improvements included finishing off a calming blue laundry room, editing the study and making the common areas light and bright. The mudroom floor was updated with a herringbone brick. The shiplap lined ceiling in the hallway landing is a new, sun soaked resting area completing this traditional farmhouse for now. - [Car Enthusiast Barn – Ipswich, Massachusetts](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/car-enthusiast-barn-ipswich-massachusetts-pj-vj~7045940) - Location: Ipswich, MA - Photos: 9 - [What Makes an Ocean Wave, Wave?](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/what-makes-an-ocean-wave-wave-pj-vj~785090) - Location: Ipswich, MA - Photos: 12 - Description: The quintessential New England ocean-front cottage poised for perfection, how could you possibly improve? What was already an amazing property on the shore in Ipswich, MA, gave way to a ‘face lift’. The ocean facing roofline with steep pitch created a blank canvas, our favorite! Constructing an eyebrow shaped dormer transformed the second floor by ‘opening the home’s eyes’, adding a master bedroom suite and reading nook…to die for. Ocean views and natural light were maximized by the strong use o… - [The Johnson Thompson House - Restoring History](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-johnson-thompson-house-restoring-history-pj-vj~1327238) - Location: Winchester, MA - Photos: 20 - Description: The Johnson-Thompson House, built c. 1750, has the distinct title as being the oldest structure in Winchester. Many alterations were made over the years to keep up with the times, but most recently it had the great fortune to get just the right family who appreciated and capitalized on its legacy. From the newly installed pine floors with cut, hand driven nails to the authentic rustic plaster walls, to the original timber frame, this 300 year old Georgian farmhouse is a masterpiece of old and ne… - [Over the Merrimack River and Through the Woods](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/over-the-merrimack-river-and-through-the-woods-pj-vj~935405) - Location: Amesbury, MA - Photos: 9 - Description: Set back from the road in a picturesque plush green setting flanked by towering 90’ pine trees with seasonal views of the Merrimack River, this 1960’s home was an ideal location to support this amazing kitchen transformation. The privacy, views, peaceful environment and very little traffic provides this family with the lifestyle they’ve grown to love and therefore decided was well worth the investment. Thoughtful space-planning solutions, creative layout and focus on function produced this aesth… - [Farmhouse Flair](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/farmhouse-flair-pj-vj~2793104) - Location: Ipswich, MA - Photos: 29 - Description: Nestled in the woods of Ipswich, this charming home had enough space for the family of four but the layout of some of the rooms wasn’t working and the interior details were dated. The homeowner wanted to give the home a rustic interior character reminiscent of a farmhouse to complement the wooded backyard. The pantry features a painted barn door, slate floors, and custom shelving with a wood countertop. The powder bath has a new reclaimed wood vanity with custom vessel soapstone sink, and wide b… - [Main Streets and Back Roads](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/main-streets-and-back-roads-pj-vj~757377) - Location: Lynnfield, MA - Photos: 16 - Description: The homeowners fell in love with this spectacular Lynnfield, MA Colonial farmhouse, complete with iconic New England style timber frame barn, grand outdoor fireplaced living space and in-ground pool. They bought the prestigious location with the desire to bring the home’s character back to life and at the same time, reconfigure the layout, expand the living space and increase the number of rooms to accommodate their needs as a family. Notice the reclaimed wood floors, hand hewn beams and hand cr… - [Life's A Beach...](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/life-s-a-beach-pj-vj~747709) - Location: Ipswich, MA - Photos: 6 - Description: Along the Eastern Shore of Massachusetts lies an unexpected beauty. Great Neck, Ipswich, Massachusetts, once pasture for the town’s sheep and cattle, remains a New England secret, a hidden jewel, an oasis for wildlife and beach lovers. The homeowners, long-time Ipswich residents and avid boaters, left their previous Ipswich address, longing for the Great Neck lifestyle, for the fresh salt air, the birds, the beaches and the ocean breeze; NOT for the dark, cramped kitchen that came with this hous… - [New Construction & Natural Character - Ipswich, MA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-construction-and-natural-character-ipswich-ma-pj-vj~7233159) - Location: Ipswich, MA - Photos: 24 [See all 37 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/windhill-co-pfvwus-pf~126024348) ## Community Q&A **Q: Exterior paint colors** *(in Photo Questions)* What are the exterior paint and trim colors used on this house? Beautiful! A: The exterior paint color is Stuart Gold by Benjamin Moore-HC10 and the trim is White Sand by Benjamin Moore-964. **Q: where did you get the stools** *(in Photo Questions)* Where did you buy the stools A: These are Noir Furniture Abacus Counter Stool Customized with Brunschwig & Fils fabric- Stools: https://noirfurniturela.com/categories/543961/stools/products/gstool201hbs-c/abacus-counter-stool,-hand-rubbed-black  Fabric: https://www.kravet.com/brunschwig-fils **Q: what is the ceiling height in this room?** *(in Photo Questions)* What is the ceiling height in this living room. I loved the coffered detail. A: These are 10' ceilings. **Q: Windows** *(in Photo Questions)* Are these casement windows? Brand? A: Yes, casement. Jeld Wen Windows. **Q: what is the patio material** *(in Photo Questions)* Hello, stunning home! What is the patio flagstone material. Bluestone? Slate? How thick are the slabs. I am assuming they have been mortared in place? Thanks A: Irregular Bluestone Thermal is the material. **Q: counter material please** *(in Photo Questions)* What are the counters please. Quartz?or a marble. Many thanks A: Tahiti Quartzite --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-08.*