SANDWICH, Massachusetts – Stephenie and Chase Watts, the husband-and-wife team behind Watts Design House, have transformed a 380-year-ancient Cape Cod cottage into a blend of historic charm and modern living. The couple, who met in high school and bonded over a shared love of interior design, purchased the Sandwich, Massachusetts property two and a half years ago, captivated by its age and unique character.
“Those were our date nights,” Chase Watts recalled, referring to their teenage excursions to Pottery Barn and Restoration Hardware, dreaming of designing their own home. Today, Watts Design House specializes in interior design, residential real estate, and operates a collection of boutique stays around the world, including locations in Salt Lake City, Cape Cod, and Mérida, Mexico.
The 1639 cottage, originally built on a post-and-beam foundation, presented a unique set of challenges and opportunities. “I guess not everyone wants a house that’s more than 380 years old,” Chase Watts said, noting the property had been on the market for two months before they discovered it while scrolling through a real estate app. The home’s facade dates back to the late 1700s or early 1800s, according to Stephenie Watts.
The Wattses’ approach to renovation prioritized preservation and authenticity. They uncovered a glimpse into the cottage’s past through a keepsake bundle found by the previous owners – scraps of satin ribbon, a lock of auburn hair, and a handwritten recipe for loaf cake, revealing the story of a merchant and his wife who raised their family there during the 1800s. This discovery solidified their commitment to being stewards of the historic property.
Renovations were largely cosmetic, focusing on enhancing the existing character rather than undertaking major structural changes. The couple replaced laminate flooring with tile in one bathroom and sourced vintage furnishings from local shops, flea markets, and online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace. “We wanted it to feel like a salty old sailor lives here. What treasures would he reach back with?” Stephenie Watts explained.
The interior design reflects this vision, incorporating saturated New England colors, vintage ship paintings, and well-worn books. A Federal-style bullseye mirror, purchased for $75 on Facebook Marketplace, was secured to a bookcase with a rope attached to a boat cleat – a practical and nautical touch. The couple likewise embraced the home’s imperfections, such as uneven floors and low-beamed ceilings.
The kitchen received a historically sensitive update, with Carrera marble countertops replacing Corian and cabinets painted in a muted shade. A pine farm table serves as an island, adding rustic texture. Rather than display fragile artwork near the range, Stephenie Watts framed a free, downloadable print from getty.edu.
Throughout the home, the Wattses have layered textures and patterns to create a sense of lived-in comfort. In the sunroom-turned-den, velvet and wool fabrics cover mismatched vintage chairs, topped with a mix of textiles. A plaster ceiling light resembling a seashell adds another nautical nod. Upstairs, bedrooms are designed as cozy retreats, with antique finds and personal touches.
The primary bathroom features William Morris wallpaper, accented with painted trim and bronze and glass lanterns sourced from Etsy. Outside, the property includes a dock on Shawme Pond, complete with a rowboat named “The Great Heart 2,” used by Chase Watts to capture their children out on the water.
“Everyday moments feel special here,” Stephenie Watts said. “It’s unhurried and intentional, so even a summer lunch or autumn night by the firepit feels extra special.”