USA Houzz: A Cool Coastal Home Named 'Mystic Rock'
Built behind a rocky outcropping, this DIY- and art-infused home has plenty of privacy for its family of four
Kevin Neal and Laura Foster-Neal affectionately refer to their family home in Cape Neddick, Maine, as Mystic Rock, thanks to the landscape of their front yard. The moment Laura, a primary school librarian, saw the empty lot with a large granite outcropping in the front yard, she knew it was the perfect spot for their future home. Kevin, a retail manager, thought she was crazy, but he gave the idea a chance, and they began building their dream house behind the large rock. In the past three years, it’s become clear that their decision was sound, and the rock is now one of their favorite spots for sitting and enjoying the cool ocean breeze.
Open shelves nestled between two large windows display Fiesta dinnerware and other colourful pottery pieces so that they’re readily accessible for everyday use.
Lobster plate: Georgetown Pottery
Lobster plate: Georgetown Pottery
Laura built the chalkboard from hemlock boards that she found at her daughter’s riding barn a few years back.
The open-concept layout of the house lends itself to entertaining, making it easy to host friends and relatives for meals, which the family often does.
The dining table has an extra leaf that extends to accommodate additional guests.
Dining room chairs: Wayfair; chandelier: West Elm
Dining room chairs: Wayfair; chandelier: West Elm
Additional reproduction Eames chairs flank the hutch, ready to be used when guests visit.
Although the hutch fits well in the space, Laura thought a burst of colour would help accentuate the display pieces, so she painted the interior herself.
Champagne china cabinet: Macy’s; hutch painted in ‘Cooled Blue’: Sherwin-Williams
Although the hutch fits well in the space, Laura thought a burst of colour would help accentuate the display pieces, so she painted the interior herself.
Champagne china cabinet: Macy’s; hutch painted in ‘Cooled Blue’: Sherwin-Williams
The wooden beam bookcase was Laura’s idea, and she worked with their builder to bring the idea to life. It works well to create a divider between the living and dining room without breaking the open feel of the space.
Handmade fisherman’s blanket: The Shops & Art Studios at Cape Neddick
Handmade fisherman’s blanket: The Shops & Art Studios at Cape Neddick
The layout of the furniture creates two zones in the living room.
Wall painted in ‘Classic French Gray’: Sherwin-Williams
Wall painted in ‘Classic French Gray’: Sherwin-Williams
“I want the house to reflect our love of art, music and the outdoors,” Laura says. “I like to adjust and change things all the time as an artistic expression of myself and the family.” Her mother and grandmother played an integral role in developing her approach to decorating. She recalls watching them find ideas in magazines and determinedly working to re-create the look in their own homes while sticking to a tight budget. She uses this inspiration to bring her own creative visions to life at Mystic Rock.
‘On the Rocks’ painting: Ruth Ann Bleu
‘On the Rocks’ painting: Ruth Ann Bleu
The Trish Biddle poster was part of a fundraiser for the Rhodesian Ridgeback Club. The family had two rescued Rhodesian Ridgebacks that have since passed away.
The home has many sea-inspired touches as a nod to its location near the Atlantic Ocean.
The home has many sea-inspired touches as a nod to its location near the Atlantic Ocean.
Much of the artwork throughout the house has personal meaning for the family. The portrait in the top right is by Kersey, the small watercolour is by Laura’s grandmother Amelita Houlne, and the photo is by Laura herself.
The walnut Gunlocke desk chairs were found on the side of the road covered in mould, but Laura restored them, and they now serve as seating for the work surface that she also created.
The walnut Gunlocke desk chairs were found on the side of the road covered in mould, but Laura restored them, and they now serve as seating for the work surface that she also created.
The entryway sets the tone for the rest of the house with a colourful rug and an inviting fiddle-leaf fig.
Distressed bench: West Elm; Tigres rug: Anji Mountain
Distressed bench: West Elm; Tigres rug: Anji Mountain
The master bedroom is positioned to the side of the kitchen and dining area. This was a strategic decision by Laura and Kevin, who wanted their teenage daughters to have the upstairs to themselves.
The family recently adopted their five-month-old dog, Kasper, from a nearby shelter, and he has quickly made himself at home.
The family recently adopted their five-month-old dog, Kasper, from a nearby shelter, and he has quickly made himself at home.
The seahorse pallet art above the bed was a DIY project created by Laura using reclaimed wood.
The master bath has plenty of storage, along with the hits of colour and personal artwork that characterise the rest of the interior.
Laura uses this repurposed vintage school desk as a vanity to get ready every morning.
Laura enjoys photography and displays some of her work in the house. Her photo of the ocean with a lighthouse in the background adds maritime charm to the bedroom.
At the top of the stairs is a sitting area outfitted with bamboo chairs, a small television and Kevin’s vinyl collection.
Laura painted the secondhand bamboo chairs she bought at Olde Port Traders to enliven the space.
Laura painted the secondhand bamboo chairs she bought at Olde Port Traders to enliven the space.
The couple’s daughter Celina, who attends university in Virginia, has a bold aqua-and-yellow colour scheme in her bedroom, which is in keeping with the vibrance of the rest of the house.
Sofa: Ikea
Sofa: Ikea
Her patterned quilt mimics the decorative wall panels.
Celina’s collection of colourful jewellery decorates the top of her dresser.
Sister Kersey’s bedroom has a desk filled with art supplies and a beautifully eclectic mix of art on the walls.
Wall painted in ‘Jersey Cream’: Sherwin-Williams
Wall painted in ‘Jersey Cream’: Sherwin-Williams
A large sofa serves as a place for reading and hanging out with friends.
Sofa: Ikea
Sofa: Ikea
Kersey’s room has a warm colour scheme of retro oranges and lime greens.
Besides serving as a landscaping element, the rock outcropping provides a bit of privacy and a lovely place to sit and enjoy the summer weather.
Kevin catches the sea breeze on the beloved front yard rocks.
The family – Kersey, left, Kevin, Laura and Celina – love the location of their home. Its proximity to the ocean allows them to enjoy the beach, and the nearby highway makes it easily accessible to friends and family. Although it initially seemed like an unlikely choice, Mystic Rock has become the perfect spot for their family.
Door painted in ‘Seaside Resort’:
Benjamin Moore
TELL US
What do you think of this homey coastal oasis? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
Door painted in ‘Seaside Resort’:
Benjamin Moore
TELL US
What do you think of this homey coastal oasis? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
Who lives here: Kevin Neal and Laura Foster-Neal; daughters Celina, 19, and Kersey, 17; cat Aristotle and rescue puppy Kasper
Location: Cape Neddick, Maine, USA
Size: 195 square metres; 3 bedrooms, 2½ bathrooms
Each member of the family is passionate about art, and they have worked to make their home reflect that. Artworks by family members and local artists fill the walls, and colourful accents abound throughout the interior.
It was also important that the lighting serve as a design element. “Winters can feel long without the natural light pouring in, and the orientation of the windows and doors is a big part of what makes this house great,” Laura says.
The large kitchen is positioned on the corner of the house, and open to the rest of the main dining and living space.
Cabinet painted in ‘Extra White’: Sherwin-Williams; light fixtures: Progress Lighting; builder: Patco Construction