A McPhee Associates of Cape Cod Quarterly Newsletter | | |
Greetings!
Although Labor Day is right around the corner, we’re grateful that summer isn’t quite over yet—there are still a few more weeks to soak in the long days and warm evenings before cooler weather settles in.
It’s been a full and rewarding season here at McPhee Associates. Our team has been busy bringing new homes and remodeling projects to life, welcoming new property management clients, and even celebrating some press recognition along the way. We’ve also been capturing our work through a series of photo shoots, with more scheduled before the leaves turn and pumpkin spice makes its return. You can read more about how we spent our summer below.
As we look toward fall, there’s still time to plan ahead. Whether it’s scheduling home maintenance, exploring renovation ideas, or talking through a new project, we’d be happy to meet with you and help bring your vision to life.
Please note that our office will be closed on Labor Day, Monday, September 1st, as we take the day to recharge and spend time with family and friends.
We hope your summer on Cape Cod has been just as enjoyable—filled with the things you love most—and that you’re able to savor these last few weeks of the season.
Sincerely,
Rob McPhee
| | DON'T GET LEFT OUT IN THE COLD | | |
A late-summer tune-up now can save you from mid-winter headaches later—here’s your fall HVAC checklist.
Don’t wait for the first cold snap to find out your system isn’t working properly. Late summer is the ideal time to schedule a furnace or boiler tune-up—before technicians are booked and temperatures dip. Annual maintenance keeps equipment running efficiently, extends its lifespan, and helps prevent mid-winter breakdowns. A little prep now means a warmer, worry-free season ahead.
| | |
Seasonal HVAC Tune-up Checklist
- Replace furnace filters
- Test thermostat function
- Clear vents and radiators of obstructions
- Inspect for unusual sounds, smells, or leaks
- Schedule professional service for furnace, boiler, or heat pump
- Clean ductwork or registers if airflow seems weak
| | |
Property Management Clients: Let's Get you on the Schedule
We’re now booking fall HVAC service appointments for all managed properties. To reserve your preferred October or November service date, email PM@mcpheeassociatesinc.com. The earlier you schedule, the more flexibility we’ll have to match your timing with technician availability.
| | |
You may recognize this three-bedroom, two-story home from our social feeds and the latest issue of Cape & Islands Guide. In May, we photographed New Build on Historic Bass River professionally for both the magazine feature and our online portfolio.
Designed as a year-round retreat for empty nesters, the home balances comfort for two with room for their visiting adult children and space to entertain friends. Priorities included respecting the scale and character of the neighborhood, maximizing Bass River views, and creating a welcoming place to gather.
The wife, an interior designer by trade and founder of MH Interior Design, infused the home with Cape Cod charm layered with modern comfort. Playful details, colorful wall treatments, and whimsical touches bring personality and surprise, from lighting choices to wallpaper selections. The result is a timeless Cape Cod home that honors tradition while embracing modern living—perfectly situated to enjoy Bass River for years to come.
See inside New Build on Historic Bass River.
| | |
First seen in last summer’s newsletter during framing, this loft eyebrow window inside a new Eastham build now shines with shiplap detailing and a balcony with ocean views.
{Architect: Peter McDonald}
| |  | This Eastham loft also showcases a coastal-inspired wet bar tucked into the sloped roofline, creating a welcoming space for entertaining. {Architect: Peter McDonald} | | | As part of the renovation of this two-bedroom Bass River home, we’re adding a coastal-inspired loft above the bedrooms to host additional guests. | | | The final phase of this Orleans home renovation is complete: a tiered outdoor living space with pool, hot tub, fire pit, and lounge area. {See photos from an earlier renovation of Classic Cape Reimagined.} | | |
In this issue, we’re spotlighting two architectural design projects in Harwich Port—one a new home build, the other a complete renovation—both just steps from the beach and Allen Harbor. | | |
Built to Gather
For clients who wanted a home where their adult children and future grandchildren could gather and enjoy time together, our design team crafted a four-bedroom plan centered on open, connected living spaces. The first floor features a family room, dining area, and kitchen designed for both everyday living and entertaining. Highlights include a generously sized walk-in pantry, a coffee bar, and a cozy gas fireplace, while coffered ceilings define the communal areas and add architectural interest.
The three bedrooms upstairs provide comfortable sleep accommodations, with one bedroom boasting a balcony that overlooks the harbor. All four bedrooms feature en suite baths. The finished basement adds another family room, a gym, and a half bath—offering additional space for both recreation and relaxation.
One key challenge in designing this home was its location near a flood-prone area. The footprint was carefully positioned to avoid encroaching on the abutting flood zone while maximizing water views and livability.
| | |
A Cape Reimagined for Light and Space
On a small lot with no room to expand the footprint, this Cape-style home was reimagined to create more space and bring in more natural light. A second-floor addition above the primary bedroom, paired with new shed dormers, transformed the once-dark upstairs into a brighter, more comfortable space. The homeowner, who grew up across the street, wanted the renovation to honor the character of the neighborhood—an intention woven into every detail.
Downstairs, a bay window was replaced with a 10-foot sliding glass door, opening the living room to the back patio and creating a stronger indoor-outdoor connection. Inside, removing the double fireplace and raised hearth between the formal living and family room opened the layout, allowing light to flow freely. In its place, a new gas or electric fireplace will anchor the main living area, now designed as an open family room connected to the dining space.
A welcoming entry portico with columns enhances curb appeal, while the basement will be finished to include a family room, gym and half bath — creating a go-to spot for movie nights, workouts, and teen hangouts.
| | Follow us on social media to see progress photos and more McPhee projects. | | |
WINDWARD EAST & WINDWARD VILLAGE
Located on the north side of East Dennis, Windward East and Windward Village are exclusive McPhee Associates neighborhoods. The homes in both neighborhoods are set on pristine, wooded lots and are protected by special covenants that ensure new homes are designed and built to be compatible with Cape Cod and New England styles.
Windward East has sold out, but you can view our Windward East gallery of completed homes at the link above.
In Windward Village, there are just two lots remaining for custom-built homes: Lot 1 and Lot 5. Visit Windward Village for more details.
| | New Build on Historic Bass River featured in Cape & Islands Guide | | | | |
Why transition to energy-efficient Solutions?
Energy-efficient homes mean higher value, lower bills, and a lighter carbon footprint. Learn about the latest resources and smart solutions to make your Cape Cod home more efficient.
Keep reading
| | | | | |
Ceiling Types and Styles for Elegant Home Design
A ceiling does more than simply top a room—it helps define the character of the space. From intricate details to soaring heights, the right ceiling style can elevate your home’s design in subtle yet striking ways.
Keep reading
| | | | | |
Creative Space-Saving Ideas for your Home
Appreciate clever design ideas that make the most of every inch? Check out our 8 favorite space-saving tips to maximize both style and function in your home.
Keep reading
| | | |
|
REAL ESTATE MARKET NEWS - July 2025
Cape Cod’s real estate market has begun to show signs of settling down after years of low inventory and fast-moving sales. In July 2025, Barnstable County recorded 317 closed sales, with single-family homes making up the majority at 251 and condominiums accounting for 66.
Median prices held steady, with single-family homes at $820,000 and condos at $521,500, reflecting the Cape’s continued desirability. Inventory, meanwhile, is gradually building: single-family listings rose 9.1% year-over-year to 771, while condominium listings saw a sharper increase of 34.9% to 286. While still below pre-2020 levels, this growth signals more choices for buyers.
View Cape Cod & Islands Association of Realtors’ July 2025 market report here.
| | |
Milano’s on Main is the newest addition to Hyannis’ dining scene, bringing authentic Italian cuisine to the former location of the Naked Oyster at 410 Main Street. This stylish new spot brings the same scratch-made, authentic Italian flavors that made their West Harwich location a hit. Guests can expect fresh pasta, local seafood, hand-cut steaks, and Italian classics like chicken Parmigiana, lasagna, and house-made meatballs. Conveniently located downtown, guests can enjoy a stroll along Main Street—or even catch a Hy-Line ferry—before or after a night at Milano’s.
Visit website
| | |
For kitchen or bath projects, Snow & Jones is a trusted local resource you’ll love—and a partner we often collaborate with. Family-owned and operated since 1952, with showrooms in Yarmouth and Norwell, they offer an extensive selection of kitchen and bath fixtures—from faucets, sinks, and showers to tubs, toilets, and accessories. Their showrooms are continually updated with the latest designs and inspiring lifestyle displays, making it easy to explore top brands and find the perfect products to bring your vision to life.
Visit website
| | |
For nearly 50 years, the Harwich Cranberry Arts & Music Festival has been a highlight of the Cape’s fall season—and 2025 is no exception. This beloved community event features more than 100 juried crafters, live music (with a dance floor!), kids’ activities, food trucks, and plenty of local spirit. Held at the Harwich Community Center, the festival is free with ample parking, and proceeds fund scholarships for graduating local high school seniors.
Visit website
| | |
At McPhee, we truly believe that our clients are the heart of our business. Our goal is to consistently provide the best service possible, and in doing so, we would love to receive feedback from our clients.
We would be incredibly grateful if you would take a moment to leave us a Google review. This will help us let others learn of the value of our service.
| |
WE LOVE TO SHARE OUR WORK |
| | | |
