Set within a grove of towering fir trees atop a bluff overlooking a protected cove along Haro Straight on the west side of San Juan Island, this house and art studio was conceived as a modest yet warm family retreat, centered around the act of gathering. A relatively compact site with a dilapidated cabin that sat close to the bluff edge, the location of the replacement dwelling was all but established before the design commenced, due to the restrictive nature of local shoreline land-use codes. Working with the existing footprint and prioritizing the spectacular setting and views, the new home was organized around an airy central space at the promontory of the site that housed the main living and gathering spaces, while the more private spaces spread to either side, maintaining views and connection to the land while also offering refuge. The art studio is tucked behind the house with framed views toward the open meadow beyond.