Perched on a rocky bluff, this 1930s neo-Georgian house had a breathtaking view of the ocean, with a 270-degree sweep offering sightlines up and down the coast. The owners quickly realized that the traditional interiors felt too stuffy for them, so they decided to shake things up. Groom was able to help modernize the interior while adding unexpected, playful touches. At the top of their wishlist was a childhood dream of the owners: a fire pole. The brass fire pole was placed behind a closet door near the second-floor bedroom, landing in a hall at the center of the floor below. From there, it’s possible to reach several spaces: the playroom, a minimalist mudroom, the original foyer with arched doors and paneled walls and the kitchen.

As for the kitchen, it was outfitted with walnut cabinets, concrete counters and a built-in brass bar. This space flows seamlessly into the living room, which has a ceiling of walnut slats concealing integrated lighting. An organically shaped concrete fireplace offers a counterpoint to the original wall paneling.

On the second floor, walls were moved to create five bedrooms, including a new primary suite with a concrete fireplace mimicking the one in the living room and a door opening onto a deck facing the ocean.

On the third floor, where there had been attic, there is now a cozy, cedar-lined media room that feels like a ship’s cabin.