In recent years, Cape Cod’s outdoor living spaces have evolved into an indispensable home feature. Whether it’s a small patio in the backyard or a sprawling waterfront oasis, outdoor living spaces offer families and friends a place to gather, entertain, or sit under the stars by a fire. From screened-in porches and pool houses to fire pits and outdoor kitchens, the backyard has become an extension of daily living.
We’ve selected a variety of custom outdoor living spaces from McPhee Associates’ portfolio of home construction and remodeling projects to inspire your own outdoor living design.
Classic Ranch | Dennis, MA
This secluded outdoor living area, designed as part of a ranch remodel, includes an outdoor kitchen, fire pit, and multiple seating areas—all within a compact space. The Azek deck with a custom pergola overhead anchors the outdoor living space and provides casual seating. The outdoor kitchen features a refrigerator, gas grill, and rollout trash receptacle for cooking al fresco. It also includes a raised countertop backsplash to counteract crosswinds and provide space for electrical outlets. Meanwhile, the fire pit with a durable bluestone cap allows friends and family to enjoy this space well into the shoulder season.
Featured in Cape Cod & The Islands.
Allen Harbor Jewel | Harwich Port, MA
A serene setting overlooking a harbor in Harwich Port, this outdoor living space blends the timeless appeal of a well-manicured landscape with impressive water views. The terrace, made of flagstone with thermal bluestone bands, provides a great vantage point to view daily boating activity. For dining outdoors, the outdoor kitchen is outfitted with a Lynx grill and casual dining area. A fun twist, the large outdoor shower, shingled to match the home’s exterior, features the outline of a great white shark.
Featured in Cape & Islands Design Guide.
Coastal Farmhouse Revival | East Dennis, MA
The homeowners of this 19th-century farmhouse wanted to create a family retreat where three generations of their close-knit family could make memories together. Outdoors, their family, and friends can take shade on the covered front porch during the day. At night, the patio and fire pit, bordered by a stone wall that acts as additional seating, offers the perfect perch to enjoy an evening fire.
Featured in At Home on Cape Cod
Serenity on Long Pond | Harwich, MA
This Harwich home, built by McPhee Associates, seamlessly connects indoor space with the great outdoors. The screened-in porch, accessed from the home’s open kitchen/dining area, boasts enviable pond views and thoughtful details. The porch features durable Zuri synthetic decking, classic white-painted beadboard ceiling, skylights, and a circular window. Complete with an adjacent patio and grill area, this outdoor living space is excellent for entertaining friends and family during the warmer months.
Charming Cape | Dennis, MA
Waterfront views take center stage at this Dennis retreat overlooking Cape Cod Bay. The expansive lawn allows for unobstructed views of the sea and sky. Meanwhile, the bluestone patio provides space for entertaining. Other amenities include a screened-in porch that offers shade and protection from the elements and an outdoor shower to wash away sand and salt.
Masterful Haven in Windward | East Dennis, MA
The outdoor living space at this East Dennis property was carefully designed for home entertaining and recreation. Here, friends and family can enjoy a round of lawn games or conversing around a fire pit. The patio features a fully equipped outdoor kitchen replete with countertop seating and a dining area. Additionally, the property includes an outdoor shower, an in-ground pool, and a hot tub.
Bay Breeze Oasis | East Dennis, MA
A complete renovation transformed this 1960s home inside and out. Exterior upgrades included adding a screened-in porch, replacing, and enlarging the brick patio, relocating the outdoor shower and building a cabana. Our team worked with Easton Pool and Spa to install an 18’ x 36’ in-ground pool and with Artistic Grounds on the landscape design. The final result is an outdoor oasis that’ll provide enjoyment for many, many years to come.
Beachfront on Pilings | West Dennis, MA
The epitome of coastal luxury, this beachfront property hasn’t one but three decks to enjoy the natural setting. Ideal for entertaining, the sundeck off the main floor allows the homeowners and their guests to easily move the party outdoors. The sundeck, made of durable Ipe hardwood, has several sitting areas to convene as well as a unique bar counter with a pass-through window. Here, the hosts can pass refreshments from the kitchen to guests on the sundeck. The upper-level deck is designed for sunbathing and lounging, and provides shade for the lower-level sundeck. To keep sand at bay, this home has two outdoor showers, plus a foot wash station at the base of the stairs leading to the beach.
Featured in At Home on Cape Cod.
Harbor Bluffs | Hyannis Harbor, MA
Overlooking Lewis Bay, this property combines stunning harbor views with a thoughtfully designed landscape and outdoor living space. The rear of the home features a sunroom, a partially covered deck, and an overhead balcony—all offering views of the bay. Hardscaping includes a fieldstone wall that spans the rear of the home and a front entrance walkway made of bluestone and granite.
Captain's House | Harwich Port, MA
This historic home, built in the 1800s, has abundant charm and functionality. A secluded retreat, the backyard makes great use of limited space with several outdoor living areas. The patio with a gas grill and dining area offers space for enjoying meals al fresco. The yard also includes a fire pit with classic Adirondack chairs and enough lawn space to feel comfortable and open.
