Kugel-Gips House
THE KUGEL-GIPS HOUSE WAS ABANDONED FOR 11 YEARS AND IN AN ADVANCED STATE OF DECAY UNTIL 2009. NOW, IT’S A MODERNIST HAVEN TUCKED AWAY IN WELLFLEET, MA.
After what felt like endless months of staring to the four walls of my bedroom, I was itching for a change of scenery, even if it was for a week. Traveling is one of my greatest joys and I’ve had the privilege of experiencing incredible destinations over the past 7 years of my life. I wanted to bring that same intention to a safe retreat from my apartment. Some internet due diligence led me to find a retreat unlike any other in Massachusetts — the opportunity to stay in a modernist home built in 1970.
I’d stumbled upon a not-so-secret history of Cape Cod. Starting in 1930, some of the great modern architects, including Marcel Breuer and Paul Wielding, began constructing homes on the outer cape for themselves and friends. Now, after almost 50 years where these houses were left in limbo, a select few have been restored for the public to stay in. Due to availability constraints, I selected a week in November at the Kugel-Gips house.
Tucked away in the woods yet just a brisk bike ride from the ocean, this experimental home is situated so it’s expansive glass panes capture the perfect view of the quiet lake it faces. The low winter light lumbers throughout the space as the sun moves across the sky, washing the home with a bright, soft light. There’s something extraordinary about feeling so immersed in the outdoors while simultaneously inhabiting a beautiful, human-made structure.
I fell in love with off-season Wellfleet for it’s sleepiness that should not be not be mistaken for doldrums. Frequent bike rides were made to the sea shore to catch glimpse of seals and setting suns, scarves blowing in the salty gusts. The Boulangerie nourished me with takeaway croissants and cappuccinos eaten by the shore. I got dressed up for no other reason than the fact that I enjoyed it, unnecessary blazer and all. Strolls were frequent but not frenetic. Restaurants did not disappoint with delicious menu in defiance of the lack of residents.
Ever since I was young, I dreamed of living in the city to experience the energy and opportunity it has to offer. This pandemic has forced me to reexamine those values and, for a brief moment, the Kugel-Gips house showed me a future that was equally possible. One where I could wake up in the morning and be surrounded by nature, an evening stroll on the beach is effortlessly impromptu, and the night gives me stillness as I cook, listen to music, and read to my hearts content. Now’s not the time but I know that this is what lies ahead.
The Kugel-Gips house showed me that a home is more than just a shelter. It can be something that engages with it’s environment and allows us to imprint ourselves upon it’s space. It can offer protection as well as inspiration. I’m eager to return.