Gallery
Bungalow
Upstairs
On the second floor of the Orcas is the large, comfortable master suite, as well as a small guest bedroom and period-perfect guest bath.
The warm and woody master bedroom extends out into the front-facing gable dormer, where the vaulted ceiling makes this ample room feel even more spacious. With its three large casement windows, the master bedroom is an exceptionally good vantage point for taking in the saltwater views, and the two large walk-in closets provide plenty of storage space.
But the showstopper of the master suite is the expansive and beautifully appointed master bath. First, there is the long double-sink vanity, painted a whimsical lime green color reminiscent of the 1930s and accented with black antique-reproduction glass handles and pulls. The fine Kohler faucets and fixtures, however, are definitely twenty-first century.
Next, there is the ceramic-tile countertop, with a field of pristine white and a border of contrasting black, an oft-used tiling scheme in bathrooms of the '20s and '30s. An accent tile of southern magnolias graces the backsplash.
Above each vanity mirror is a period-appropriate wall sconce in white porcelain and overhead, two porcelain Art Deco fixtures (lighting from Rejuvenation). The careful eye will discover that the colored banding on the glass shades of the wall sconces is a subtle match to the festive hue of the painted vanity. Finally, at the end of the vanity, behind the short wall, is the water closet, discreetly placed for a bathroom built for two.
On the opposite wall of this large bath space is a charming five-foot-long clawfoot soaking tub with characteristic polished-nickel claw feet. While this antique-reproduction tub is brand new, it is nevertheless built the old-fashioned way, in glistening white porcelain over heavy cast iron. A gooseneck faucet and rubber stopper complete the period effect. And to the right of the clawfoot tub is a separate ceramic-tiled shower enclosure. While the white field tile with black border mirrors the vanity countertop, the black diamond pattern adds another smart 1930s touch.
Rounding out the master bath and bringing it fully into the twenty-first century is a handy laundry center with a full-sized stacked washer/dryer unit tucked in a closet behind louvered doors. Its convenient location on the second floor saves a lot of stair climbing.
Finally, to complete our tour of the second floor, we take a quick peek at the guest bath. All the period features are present: pedestal sink with single white porcelain wall sconce above, graceful arch over the bathtub enclosure, and linen closet to the right of the tub. This particular bathroom layout was so ubiquitous in the houses of this era that it was a no-brainer to use it here.
All in all, a beautiful second floor to complement the first.
