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Commission approves redesigned house at 84 Pilgrim Road after debate over siding and windows
Summary
The Dennis Old Kings Highway Regional Historic District Commission approved a revised plan for a new two‑story home at 84 Pilgrim Road, after discussion about window proportions, vertical siding on the first floor and whether to add a chimney. The board required no additional changes and allowed the applicant to apply for a building permit.
The Dennis Old Kings Highway Regional Historic District Commission on Monday approved a revised design for a new two‑story single‑family house at 84 Pilgrim Road.
An applicant representative presented changes to a previously reviewed plan, saying the house would be pulled forward to better match neighboring setbacks, upgrade first‑floor windows to double‑hung simulated‑divided‑light units, and use natural materials (painted trim and cedar shingles/vertical tongue‑and‑groove siding). The representative said the trim would be increased to 3½ inches and that Benjamin Moore HC‑170 (Stonington Gray) was proposed for the painted trim.
Commissioners praised the added historic details but debated two visible features. Several members said the lower‑level windows appeared noticeably smaller than the second‑floor openings and at least one commissioner urged larger ground‑floor windows or a different grouping to improve balance. The applicant explained that several of the lower windows face private bedroom spaces and were kept smaller for privacy, and noted landscaping would obscure part of the elevation.
Another point of contention was the use of vertical board siding on most of the first floor’s façade. The applicant argued the tongue‑and‑groove vertical siding would read as a traditional, natural cedar material that weathers to gray, and that vegetation and shadow lines would soften the appearance over time. Some commissioners said they do not recall approving full vertical siding on a principal façade and encouraged using cedar shingles on the main front body; others accepted the vertical siding as a contextual variation that can be compatible when left unpainted.
The chair also asked about a chimney; commissioners discussed whether a faux chimney would improve the composition. The applicant said homeowners had declined a decorative chimney and were trying to avoid adding a feature for appearance only. The board accepted that response without requiring a chimney.
After discussion Commissioner Nate moved to approve the application as presented; a second was offered and the motion passed. The chair told the applicant the commission had reviewed the materials and site and that, with approval, the applicant may now pursue a building permit.
The commission did not attach additional conditions beyond the plan changes discussed and closed the item.
