Reimagining a Boutique Inn Experience
WINTER HOLBEN was entrusted with reimagining an outdated Victorian bed and breakfast into The Rockport House, a distinctive and contemporary boutique inn in the heart of Rockport, MA. Nestled within Cape Ann’s rich cultural tapestry—renowned for its art galleries, vibrant dining scene, and scenic seaside charm—the inn was designed to captivate travelers who seek adventure, creativity, and a sense of aesthetic delight.
Our design process was rooted in a deep exploration of Rockport's unique character and the aspirations of its future guests. Inspired by the area’s artistic spirit and serene coastal ambiance, we crafted an immersive experience that blends eclectic, vibrant design elements with the building’s historic Victorian details. This thoughtful juxtaposition preserved the inn’s timeless charm while elevating it with a bold, modern sensibility.
Each guest room at The Rockport House was meticulously curated to create a unique and memorable experience. Restored architectural details—such as intricate, ornate ceilings—were seamlessly paired with furnishings and finishes that elevated the character of each space. Drawing on a diverse palette of styles, colors, and textures, the design offers guests a choice of experiences tailored to their tastes. One room exudes vibrancy with crisp, graphic lines and a radiant golden yellow accent above a king-size bed, while another suite envelops visitors in custom wallpaper designed in collaboration with Thatcher, a bespoke wallcovering studio.
The result is a boutique inn that radiates personality and style, reflecting Rockport’s artistic legacy and offering guests a memorable stay in a truly unique setting.
"Our firm had the privilege of working with Winter Holben for the interior design of our boutique inn in Rockport, MA: The Rockport House. This was a challenging project that involved renovating an existing, dated bed and breakfast property into a modern, stylish inn, without destroying the original character. We selected Winter Holben because we wanted a firm that could offer a unique design to match our business goals and appeal to our target customers. We ended up with a design that is bold, colorful, ebullient, and certainly not mainstream. Feedback from our initial guests is that we nailed it. It was great working with Elisa and her team and we will do so again on future projects." Taylor McMaster, Managing Partner
From the overarching conceptual vision to the finest details of fabric, decor, and artwork, WINTER HOLBEN’s cohesive approach resulted in a dynamic interior design. The ambiance blends opulence, relaxation, and discovery, inviting guests to immerse themselves in the rich character of the inn and its surroundings. More than just a place to stay, The Rockport House is a sensory journey—connecting guests to the coastal charm of Rockport and inspiring their own sense of wonder.
Design Features:
- Restored architectural details, including ornate ceilings
- Vibrant, eclectic guest rooms with unique design themes
- Custom wallcoverings created in collaboration with Thatcher
- Diverse textures, colors, and finishes tailored to guest preferences
- Cohesive design across common spaces, guest rooms, and suites
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