We’ve been fans of architect Elizabeth Roberts for a while now—we included her Brooklyn brownstone in our first Remodelista book—so we were curious when we spotted her Bellport, Long Island, weekend house on Instagram. We immediately emailed Elizabeth to get the story.
The house originally belonged to a Brooklyn-based client of Elizabeth’s, who sold it to her on the condition that she respect the spirit of the 1850s cedar-shingle cottage. “The biggest challenge for me was making the house my own while retaining the thoughtfulness of the previous owner’s decisions,” Elizabeth says. That meant finding a way to brighten the house while implementing only minor changes—no tearing down walls or discarding original materials—both to honor what was there and to stick to her $60,000 budget.
“A big part of my work was making the house feel as open and casual as possible,” Elizabeth says. She removed antique chandeliers and ornate fireplace mantels, swapped out the light fixtures, and lightened the interiors. “I made a conscious decision to lean toward the feel of a beach house—with white floors and walls and simple, summery details,” she says. “The house is definitely more eclectic than I’m used to, but in the end, it’s really fun to be surrounded by good decisions that were not my own.”
Photography by Dustin Aksland and Eric Striffler, courtesy of Elizabeth Roberts.
![elizabeth roberts bellport beach house 2](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/elizabeth-roberts-bellport-beach-house-2-733x489.jpg)
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![elizabeth roberts bellport beach house 6](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/elizabeth-roberts-bellport-beach-house-6-733x489.jpg)
![elizabeth roberts bellport kitchen detail](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/elizabeth-roberts-bellport-kitchen-detail-733x489.jpg)
![elizabeth roberts bellport beach house 29](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/elizabeth-roberts-bellport-beach-house-29-733x1097.jpg)
![elizabeth roberts bellport kitchen detail 2](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/elizabeth-roberts-bellport-kitchen-detail-2-733x489.jpg)
![elizabeth roberts bellport kitchen](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/elizabeth-roberts-bellport-kitchen-733x489.jpg)
![elizabeth roberts bellport beach house 20](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/elizabeth-roberts-bellport-beach-house-20-733x1096.jpg)
![elizabeth roberts bellport beach house 13](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/elizabeth-roberts-bellport-beach-house-13-733x489.jpg)
![elizabeth roberts shaker peg rails bellport](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/elizabeth-roberts-shaker-peg-rails-bellport-733x489.jpg)
![elizabeth roberts bellport beach house 15](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/elizabeth-roberts-bellport-beach-house-15-733x489.jpg)
![elizabeth roberts bellport beach house 14](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/elizabeth-roberts-bellport-beach-house-14-733x489.jpg)
Though the house was designed for summer, says Elizabeth, “It feels great in the winter too—the furnishings and white floors and walls feel a bit like a sunroom during the snowy, cold months.”
![elizabeth roberts bellport beach house 26](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/elizabeth-roberts-bellport-beach-house-26-733x1093.jpg)
![elizabeth roberts bellport beach house 19](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/elizabeth-roberts-bellport-beach-house-19-733x1092.jpg)
![elizabeth roberts bellport beach house 21](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/elizabeth-roberts-bellport-beach-house-21-733x1089.jpg)
![elizabeth roberts bellport pool](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/elizabeth-roberts-bellport-pool-733x489.jpg)
![elizabeth roberts bellport house exterior 1](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/elizabeth-roberts-bellport-house-exterior-1-733x489.jpg)
![elizabeth roberts bellport beach house 18](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/elizabeth-roberts-bellport-beach-house-18-733x489.jpg)
![elizabeth roberts family weekend house bellport](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/elizabeth-roberts-family-weekend-house-bellport-733x1100.jpg)
For more beach house style from across our sites, see:
- Beach House Chic: 10 Inspired Nautical Notes
- Two London Creatives Shore Up a Tiny Beach House, Ikea Hack Kitchen Included
- Beach Party: A Carry-Along Barbecue Bucket
Frequently asked questions
Who is Elizabeth Roberts?
Elizabeth Roberts is an architect known for her work in renovating historic townhouses and buildings in Brooklyn, New York.
Where is Elizabeth Roberts' beach house located?
Elizabeth Roberts' beach house is located in Bellport, New York.
What is the style of Elizabeth Roberts' beach house?
Elizabeth Roberts' beach house is a mix of modern and traditional design with a focus on sustainable and eco-friendly features.
What are some of the sustainable features of Elizabeth Roberts' beach house?
Some of the sustainable features of Elizabeth Roberts' beach house include geothermal heating and cooling, a green roof, and solar panels.
What was the inspiration behind the design of Elizabeth Roberts' beach house?
The design of Elizabeth Roberts' beach house was inspired by the landscape and the surrounding natural environment.
What challenges did Elizabeth Roberts face during the renovation of her beach house?
Some of the challenges that Elizabeth Roberts faced during the renovation of her beach house included dealing with strict zoning regulations and finding ways to incorporate sustainable features while still maintaining the original character of the house.
What advice does Elizabeth Roberts have for homeowners who want to incorporate sustainable features into their homes?
Elizabeth Roberts advises homeowners to work with experienced professionals who are knowledgeable about sustainable building practices and to prioritize energy-efficient features and renewable energy sources.
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