Cape Cod Modern House Tour *part one

This past weekend, I completed number 108 on my Mother List. I’ve wanted to go on the Cape Cod Modern House Tour for a few years now but it was always sold out. I bought my ticket in May this time! (If you want context, you can read all about the Modern buildings on the outer Cape here.)

Those of us lucky enough to get tickets met at Castle Hill in Truro (which I drove past no less than 3 times until I finally figured out where to turn. Not off to a great start.) For carpooling purposes, I was then paired with a PhD student in the History of Architecture who did not have a car. I asked her if she was a good navigator. She replied, “I have a smartphone. I’m young.” In my mind, I said a million things in response (like, “Child, I have a blog that people read in Ethiopa!” or “I have 648 followers on Pinterest, how many do you have?”) but in reality, I smiled, put my hand on her shoulder, and said, “I’m not that old.” (So get in the car and buckle up, sister! And get that smartphone out while you’re at it!)

Our first stop was in Wellfleet at the Chapel of St. James the Fisherman, built in 1957 by the architect/designer Olav Hammerstrom. The Cape’s Episcopal Bishop charged him with designing a rustic chapel where no one would sit more than four seats from the Holy Table. Here’s what he did …

Couldn’t see the seats? Yeah, it was freakin’ dark in there.

The second stop on the tour required us to travel on a dirt road. With huge bumps and tricky piles of sand and craters filled with water and only enough room for one car. Our trusty Honda, which we all affectionately call “Black Beauty,” was put through the ringer. As were my nerves. But, oh my, was it worth it!

Hatch Cottage was built in 1961 and designed by John Hall. The Cape Cod Modern House Trust bought it and is currently in the process of restoring it. Take a look at the views!

After we traveled back on the dirt road from hell, we headed for our third —and what was to become my favorite — house on the tour. The Sass House, designed by Charlie Zehnder, was built in 1963 and the artist’s studio next to it, in 1976. A pool and extended deck area were completed in 1985.

The house is filled with art, the views are incredible, the pool is amazing, and the studio (THE STUDIO!) is a dream.

I think I let out a little “Oh, s$%&!” when I walked back the hallway and saw this sunken walk-in shower. I mean really!! And the green striped towels? Killing me.