J.P.Franzen Architects, Kaesmann Builders, Moore House Design Interiors, Photographed by Tim Lenz
J.P.Franzen Architects, Kaesmann Builders, Moore House Design Interiors, Photographed by Tim Lenz
Welcome Back to the Connecticut Captain's Cottage.
You already know the story — an 1834 sea captain's colonial perched on Southport Harbor, freshly gracing the pages of Architectural Digest and starring in our Loloi Rugs partnership that dropped February 23rd. But if you thought the first floor was something, just wait!
This house is everything we love about a great restoration. Originally built for Captain Ward Bulkley — yes, that Bulkley, whose name still drifts through Southport's harbor air — the cottage was reimagined from the ground up. We stripped back the clutter of centuries, let the original sash windows breathe again, and built something that feels equally at home in the Cotswolds and on a Manhattan mood board. Brass. Plaster. Reclaimed stone. Rift-sawn oak. Every detail a quiet act of devotion to craft.
And as Sabrina Carpenter would say… "Do you want a house tour — I could take you up to the first, second… third floor."
Part 1 gave you the ground floor. Now we're climbing the stairs.
— THE MAIN SUITE WALK-IN-CLOSET —
Let’s swing these gorgeous custom french doors open and step into the main walk-in closet, that even Carrie Bradshaw would crave to have. Floor-to-ceiling cabinetry in a beautiful wood wraps the room, with carefully detailed drawers, shelving, and hanging storage. Original windows were preserved, bringing in natural light and framing views of the harbor and natural sunlight as it moves across the millwork throughout the day. The closet crafted to sit between the bathroom and the bedroom for full function layout, creating an easy, natural flow throughout the space. From here, you’re led directly into the bedroom.
Pair of Sculptural Leather & Wood Milo Baughman Ottomans
True Vintage
A striking pair of c. 1960s, USA, with curved black leather cushions supported by a circular veneered base, designed by Milo Baughman, for Thayer Coggin, Waterfall ottomans - very rare sculptural ottomans featuring curved wood bases and organic black leather tops. The biomorphic shape and material contrast give them a bold, collectible presence.
True Vintage
Bronze Bankers Lamp by I.P. Frink c. 1920 - Signed. A progressive design, this brass lamp features fluted mirrors along the interior to evenly reflect light. It offers soft accent lighting. Rewired to US standards with double twist cord. Exceptional patina.
True Vintage
A beautifully crafted ceramic jar featuring the classic “双喜 (Shuangxi)” meaning double-happiness. The motif is historically associated with joyous occasions and marital bliss in Chinese decorative art.
True Vintage
Anglo Indian hammered silver plate chased with floral designs and adorned with a decorative edge of petal-like depressions. An early example of Deccan silverware.
— THE MAIN SUITE —
Designed by Moore House Design, Styled by Philippa Branswaite Photographed by Tim Lenz
Designed by Moore House Design, Styled by Philippa Branswaite Photographed by Tim Lenz
Our vision for the main suite was to create a bedroom that felt calm, balanced, and deeply connected to the history of the home, while still reading as modern and livable. We focused on color, materiality, and layout, introducing custom double doors that open to the outdoor deck and allow the bedroom to feel truly lived in and connected to its surroundings.
The palette is grounded in warm creams, soft taupes, and natural wood tones, creating a sense of ease and cohesion throughout the space. These neutrals were intentionally selected to support the red accents, allowing them to feel calm, layered, and considered rather than overpowering. Paired with the softness of the yellow rug and the depth of the dark wood side tables, the result is a main suite defined by thoughtful layering, material balance, and a sense of breathability, enhanced by the new connection to the outdoor deck overlooking the pool and backyard.
- Shop The Main Suite -
New Vintage
Rooted in quiet luxury and timeless proportion, the Bromley Queen & King Bed brings sculptural elegance to the primary suite. Defined by subtly flared arms and
softened edges, its tailored silhouette nods to mid-century Belgian design with a modern sensibility.
Crafted to order, the Bromley comes upholstered in your choice of Roweam’s curated fabric selection or COM (Customer's Own Material).
New Vintage
Sleek and sophisticated, our petite Ghent side table in solid white oak is a modular masterpiece. Stacked with storage, featuring soft-close inset drawers and push latch hardware, this minimal side table is fit for use as a bedside chest or end table.
1980's Modern Brass Floor Lamp
True Vintage
A striking pair of vintage floor lamps featuring open brass frames, black paper pyramid shades, and solid bases. These sculptural pieces bring height and elegance to any space.
Rewired to US standards with a double twist cord.
Pair of Vintage Italian Art Deco Club Chairs - Brown Velvet
True Vintage
This original pair of 1930s Italian Art Deco club chairs features sculptural, curved arms and a strong, grounded silhouette, reupholstered in rich brown velvet for a warm, updated feel. The exposed wood trim and rounded proportions speak to the refined craftsmanship of the era.
Fully reupholstered and refinished for modern living, while retaining their original character and timeless appeal.
New Vintage
A sculptural accent from the New Vintage collection, the Disc Pillow is compact, playful, and endlessly versatile.
At 15" in diameter, it’s ideal for layering on beds, chairs, and benches, offering shape, texture, and subtle color in eight carefully chosen textiles.
Framed Vintage Birch Tree Etching
True Vintage
Vintage etching depicting a stand of birch trees rendered with fine linework and soft tonal contrast. The artwork is centered within a wide mat and presented in a wood frame. The etching shows subtle variation and printmaking technique.
Wear consistent with age
True Vintage
Antique French stoneware decanters in glazed tan finish. Mid 20th century.
Two available. Sold separately.
True Vintage
Etching entitled "Entree D'impasse". New matte in vintage frame. Signed by Belgian artist Kurt Peiser (1887-1962).
— THE MAIN SUITE BATHROOM —
Designed by Moore House Design, Styled by Philippa Branswaite, Photographed by Tim Lenz
Designed by Moore House Design, Styled by Philippa Branswaite, Photographed by Tim Lenz
Walking through the walk-in closet, you arrive at the main suite bathroom, my absolute favorite space in the home. I envisioned the client seated at her vanity, gazing out toward the harbor, much like Captain Ward Buckley’s wife might have done while waiting for his return. It felt important that this room honor the home’s history while evoking a sense of stillness, craftsmanship, and historic beauty.
Designed by Moore House Design, Styled by Philippa Branswaite, Photographed by Tim Lenz
Designed by Moore House Design, Styled by Philippa Branswaite, Photographed by Tim Lenz
The bathroom was designed with a custom his-and-hers vanity, allowing for both functionality and a sense of personal space. A delicate, feminine stool with a velvet cushion introduces softness, its iron craftsmanship playing beautifully against the traditional tilework.
The shower mirrors the industrial custom design seen in the au pair bathroom in Part 1, creating a cohesive design throughout the home. Finished with thoughtfully selected hardware designed to patina over time, the space feels layered and timeless. A soaking tub positioned to look out onto the backyard completes the suite, an intimate, reflective place meant for slowing down and taking in the surroundings.
- Shop The MAIN SUITE BATHROOM -
18th c. European Silver Shaker
New Vintage
18th Century Northern European solid sterling silver beaker. Detailed lip and base. Stamped. Wear consistent with age and past use.
True Vintage
The Leo Mirror features elegant gold accents that enhance its classic appeal. While it shows some signs of wear and a lovely patina that reflects its age, these details add character and history to the piece. A perfect addition to any decor, it brings a touch of timeless elegance to your space.
True Vintage
Slender silver plated bud vase with tiered trumpet base. Adorned with delicate detailed rim.
True Vintage
Brass vessel with wide body and flared rim. Hand-formed with subtle band detailing around the center. Warm golden patina.
— THE KIDS ROOM —
Designed by Moore House Design, Styled by Philippa Branswaite, Photographed by Tim Lenz
Designed by Moore House Design, Styled by Philippa Branswaite, Photographed by Tim Lenz
The clients wanted the primary suite close to their children, so when we reconfigured the layout, we knew these two rooms would become the children’s spaces. In the nursery, it was important to honor the history of the home, we chose this printed grasscloth wallpaper by August Abode and a timeless convertible crib from Pottery Barn. Soft brass lighting, a plaid rug, and a Jake Arnold for CB2 ottoman layer in warmth and texture while keeping the space calm and grounded.
The second child’s room, slightly larger and more independent, was designed to feel vintage and old-school. We anchored the room with a custom leather patchwork headboard made from locally sourced remnants, layered in a vintage Togo lounge chair, a Henredon Italian Neoclassical nightstand, and a Patterson Flynn rug. Original artwork from the client’s collection, including the “G” baseball, adds personality and history, giving the room a collected, lived-in feel that will grow with the child.
- Shop The KIDS ROOM -
New Vintage
Sleek and sophisticated, the Vintage Ghent Side Table is a modular masterpiece crafted in solid white oak. Designed with inset drawers, push-latch hardware, and clean architectural lines, it brings both form and function to any space. Perfect as a bedside chest or refined end table.
True Vintage
Vintage Philips metal table lamps Circa 1950 with wire frame shade and metal base. Powder coated with a patina consistent of age. Rewired to US standard with neutral double twist cord.
2 available.
Paula McArdle Framed Serigraph – “Watching” Limited Edition Art
True Vintage
Framed serigraph by Paula McArdle, titled “Watching,” features a whimsical scene rendered in soft shades of blue, aqua, and earth tones. The composition includes a stylized figure and a car placed within a simplified landscape, showcasing McArdle’s signature blend of minimal linework and dreamy color fields. The print is signed, titled, and editioned along the lower margin.
True Vintage
Vintage mirror featuring a small rectangular shape framed in solid oak with warm, natural wood grain. The frame has gently tapered sides and subtle Art Deco–inspired geometry. The mirror glass shows light aging and natural patina. Compact in size and rich in texture.
— THE KIDS PLAYROOM —
Designed by Moore House Design, Styled by Philippa Branswaite, Photographed by Tim Lenz
Every kid’s dream. This room was designed with storage in mind, because anyone with children understands the need to tuck toys away when guests arrive, while still keeping everything easily accessible for playtime. The walls are painted in Farrow & Ball’s Old White in a dead-flat finish, creating a soft, timeless backdrop that can evolve as the children grow. A custom coffee table was designed to emulate a puzzle, adding a playful, interactive element to the space.
Custom Roweam storage ottomans upholstered in Design of the Times wool ground the room while offering function without visual clutter. A vintage-inspired rug adds warmth and durability, while sculptural vessels introduce moments of form and curiosity. Finished with custom Roman shades in Westbury Textiles linen, the playroom feels thoughtful, practical, and effortlessly lived in.
- Shop TheKID’S PLAYROOM -
New Vintage
Brutalist and soft. Our take on a staple ottoman adapted with a chunky square body. Meant to be partnered, yet strong enough to stand alone.
New Vintage
Custom turned legs crafted in oak and stained in a medium brown hue, this coffee table is an elevated, one of a kind design.
Shown in size 55" with our authentic finish.
Disc Pillow - Celestine Mohair
New Vintage
A sculptural accent from the New Vintage collection, the Disc Pillow is compact, playful, and endlessly versatile.
At 15" in diameter, it’s ideal for layering on beds, chairs, and benches, offering shape, texture, and subtle color in eight carefully chosen textiles.
True Vintage
Classic mid-century black domino tiles with inset cream dots. Full set. Wear consistent with age.
— THE OFFICE —
Designed by Moore House Design, Styled by Philippa Branswaite, Photographed by Tim Lenz
Designed by Moore House Design, Styled by Philippa Branswaite, Photographed by Tim Lenz
We saved the best for last, the office, designed for a husband working in the New York City financial district. The goal was to create a space that felt separate from the main living areas, tucked upstairs for privacy, yet still connected to the home. We leaned into a moody, masculine atmosphere, layering industrial windows for light and structure with custom prohibition-style storage to give the room a subtle Mad Men edge.
A fully custom Roweam sectional, rug, ottoman, and desk anchor the space, upholstered in a reversible fabric from 4spaces for durability and comfort. Vintage Falcon chairs, an Eames Executive desk chair, and sculptural lighting, including a 1940s M.G. Wheeler floor lamp and a Bent Karlby table lamp—, add depth and authenticity. Finished with artwork by Edward John Stevens, vintage National Geographic styling, and custom pillows in beautiful lush velvets, the office feels tailored, private, and deeply personal—a true retreat designed for focus and longevity.
Designed by Moore House Design, Styled by Philippa Branswaite, Photographed by Tim Lenz
Designed by Moore House Design, Styled by Philippa Branswaite, Photographed by Tim Lenz
Designed by Moore House Design, Styled by Philippa Branswaite, Photographed by Tim Lenz
- Shop The OFFICE -
Pair of Mid-Century Paul McCobb Club Chairs - Taupe Velvet
True Vintage
This pair of mid-century club chairs features clean lines, tailored silhouettes, and tapered wooden legs. Upholstered in a soft taupe velvet with subtle tonal patterning, they offer both comfort and understated elegance.
New Vintage
The custom disc desk features ornate, geometric leg turnings. Made from oak wood with a balance between minimal and maximalist design, they are sure to meld beautifully in any space.
Shown in our ebony finish.
New Vintage
A sculptural accent from the New Vintage collection, the Disc Pillow is compact, playful, and endlessly versatile.
At 15" in diameter, it’s ideal for layering on beds, chairs, and benches, offering shape, texture, and subtle color in eight carefully chosen textiles.
True Vintage
A striking pair of vintage floor lamps featuring open brass frames, black paper pyramid shades, and solid bases. These sculptural pieces bring height and elegance to any space.
True Vintage
An upholstered chaise lounge in rich brown velvet, featuring a scrolled backrest, curved arm, and resting on turned wooden legs.
True Vintage
Decorative metal tray featuring a softly rounded rectangular form with raised edges. The surface displays a dark patinated finish with hand-applied detailing along the border.
True Vintage
Dutch countryside. Etching. Signed. New matte in vintage wooden frame.
True Vintage
This true vintage urn-style vase features a rounded form and softly flared lip, finished in a rich verdigris patina with green and bronze undertones. Its aged surface brings depth and character, making it a striking decorative accent on its own or as part of a collected vignette.
— Project & Renovation Scope —
Full Service & Furnishings Project by Moore House Design
Designed by Moore House Design // Furnishings made or sourced by ROWEAM
Photography by Tim Lenz
Styled by Philippa Branswaite & assisted Jennlilly McKeon
Featured in Architectural Digest
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Welcome to the Connecticut Captain’s Cottage Reveal Pt. 2