Three-Centuries-Old Saltbox Home

Jennifer and Derrick Miller, Manhattanites seeking a weekend home, found their dream house on Long Island’s North Fork. Jennifer, who grew up in Fredericksburg, Texas, wanted a place to create lasting memories with their future children.

The house, once owned by town miller Lazarus Manley, was a historic landmark. Seeing the plaque “The Miller” sealed the deal, and Jennifer, a trained architect, began a cosmetic refresh of their new home.

Living Room

Jennifer showcases art like seascapes and oil portraits on the walls. A neutral Belgian linen sofa contrasts with their Manhattan leather Chesterfield, letting the art shine. A task light, folding table, and tufted ottoman add extra functionality and seating.

Kitchen

The exposed wood, salvaged from a ship, adds a nautical touch to the kitchen. Jennifer updated the space with budget-friendly changes, like repainting the orange wood cabinets, adding stainless-steel shelves, and replacing faux granite with Ikea butcher block. A shipyard-salvaged brass pendant light and a landscape oil painting above the sink complete the cozy, waterside vibe.

Living Room Decor

Jennifer, an avid collector, displays her finds openly in a glass cabinet in the living room. One standout piece is a large Champagne bottle she discovered at a garage sale.

Fireplace

Jennifer decorated the narrow 28-inch-wide hearth with petite topiaries and candlesticks. An oil portrait titled “Grandpa Miller” (no relation!) watches over the cozy scene.

Entryway

Elsie the Wild Boar, one of the couple’s first purchases for the house, stands proudly in the entryway, overseeing Jennifer’s daughter Tallulah’s impromptu piano performances.

Bedroom

Jennifer and Derrick originally used the upstairs suite as their master bedroom but later moved to the downstairs “makeshift master” for easier access to the pea gravel patio after putting the kids to bed. The white iron bed, topped with white linens, enhances the room’s airy feel, complemented by a Lucite nightstand.

Kids’ Suite

Jennifer loves vintage furniture but finds antique beds too small, especially with two children. In the kids’ suite upstairs, which also serves as a guest room, a wrought-iron canopy bed fits perfectly under the steep-pitched ceiling.

Tallulah’s corner features a charming dress rack (due to limited closet space) and artwork of a French bulldog. “We’re drawn to French bulldogs—oil paintings, prints, watercolors,” says Jennifer. “Everyone asks where ours is, but we don’t even have one!”

To make the most of their 1-acre lot, the family transformed a run-down backyard shed with Western-style siding into a versatile shingled space. It has served as an office, art studio, guest quarters, and playroom.

You can share this using the e-mail and social media re-share buttons below. Thanks!

More Like This: Explore our Tiny Houses Section

More Like This: Tiny Houses | Prefab Tiny Homes | Tiny House Plans

See The Latest: Go Back Home to See Our Latest Tiny Houses

See also

Family Tiny Home with a Writer’s Room

This stunning 35-foot tiny house on wheels has everything a family could need! Built with non-toxic, VOC-free materials, this beautifully wood-clad home includes a charming child’s bunk room with staircase access to an upper loft play area that adds extra storage space. The galley kitchen area is warmed by a central wood-burning stove, and the ... Read more

Pequeno Tiny House Plans: Stand-Up Loft & Office

Looking for a standout tiny house design? The Pequeno plans by Uber Tiny Homes offer a clever layout that maximizes functionality. A unique feature of this design is the standing platform next to the queen-sized bed, as well as a loft office for uninterrupted work. Inside, you’ll find a cozy but efficient bathroom with a ... Read more
Detailed Plan For Building a Tiny House

Detailed Plan For Building a Tiny House

Discover a comprehensive guide to building your dream tiny house! From detailed floor plans to essential tips and materials, learn how to design and construct your perfect small living space efficiently and affordably. 1. Concept and Design a. Identifying Needs and Goals b. Research and Inspiration c. Sketching Initial Plans 2. Planning and Budgeting a. ... Read more

6 Tiny Houses That Will Make You Dream of Moving In

There’s nothing more charming than a tiny house! These homes aren’t just adorable—they’re budget-friendly, eco-conscious, and perfect for embracing a simpler lifestyle. With endless design possibilities, it’s amazing how much style can fit into less than 1,000 square feet. We’ve gathered a collection of our favorite tiny and small homes to inspire your dreams. Whether ... Read more

Related Posts

Stealth Cargo Trailers to Luxury Tiny Homes: The Tilghman Transformation

Tilghman Trailers: Luxury Tiny Homes from Stealth Cargo Trailers Upgrade your Adventure with a Luxury Tiny Home Striving for a life on the road filled with style and comfort? Tilghman Trailers specialises in transforming stealth cargo trailers into luxury tiny homes, perfect for the adventurous spirit. Whether you’re a camping enthusiast, a seasoned traveller, or ... Read more

Charming Firehouse-Themed Tiny House Retreat at Lake Oconee, Georgia

Unveiling the Romantic Firehouse Tiny House at Lake OconeeIf the idea of a tranquil waterside escape appeals to you, the Romantic Firehouse Tiny House at Lake Oconee may just be your dream destination. Tucked away in the picturesque town of Eatonton, Georgia, this distinctive tiny house merges contemporary convenience with the rustic charm of compact living.

Stunning Modern Cabin Stay in Pace, Florida – The Pine House

Discover the Pine House: A Luxurious Tiny House Retreat in Pace, FloridaWelcome to the Pine House, a charming tiny house nestled in the heart of Pace, Florida. This magical retreat has stolen the hearts of guests from all over the world.

Fully Upgraded 20′ Tumbleweed Mica Tiny House on Wheels – 2015 Move-In Ready!

Welcome to Your Tiny Home Dream: The 2015 Tumbleweed Mica Tiny House Dreaming of downsizing or kick-starting your Airbnb venture? Look no further than the beautifully crafted 2015 Tumbleweed Mica 20’ Tiny House on Wheels. Located in Mattoon, Illinois, this tiny home is now on sale for just $30,000 OBO. Exceptional Value in Compact Living ... Read more

Private Nordic-Inspired Petite House Situated on 5 Acres in Knoxville, TN

Embark on a journey to discover an enchanting Nordic-style tiny home on wheels, hidden amidst five acres of secluded land in Knoxville, Tennessee. Constructed in 2022, this compact abode takes up a mere 192 sq. ft. and boasts a successful rental history on Airbnb, having been booked for over 198 nights and received an impressive ... Read more

Contemporary Bivvi Camp A-frame Tiny Homes on Wheels

Located in Olympia, Washington, three beautifully crafted A-frame tiny homes are available for sale. These expertly designed cabins on wheels combine simplicity and comfort, making tiny living a breeze. The homes are designed with an open layout and all living spaces are on one level. Each cabin comes with a full bathroom, flush toilet, and ... Read more

Leave a Comment