A vacation home means different things to different people. For some, it is a rustic cabin tucked into the trees; for others, a bright, breezy beach house is the ideal escape. If you prefer the coastal charm, the Beech Haus ADU in the Williams Corridor neighborhood is a delightful example. Designed by Dyer Studio Inc., this compact holiday retreat began its life as a Tuff Shed garage and was carefully transformed into a welcoming, well-lit accessory dwelling that channels the relaxed feel of a traditional beach house.
From the exterior, the renovation announces itself with new sliding glass doors that invite light and create a strong connection to the outdoors. The exterior and interior share a crisp, clean white palette that immediately evokes coastal simplicity. This monochromatic backdrop allows architectural details and carefully chosen accents to stand out: warm wood finishes, stainless-steel kitchen appliances, and thoughtfully placed pops of red that punctuate the quiet interior.
Inside, the layout is compact but intelligently planned to feel open and airy. Natural light floods the main living area through the full-height glazing of the sliding doors, amplifying the white walls and ceiling. The kitchen is small but efficient, combining stainless-steel appliances with wood accents for warmth and visual contrast. A modest dining area frames the kitchen, making the space ideal for casual meals and conversation.
The living area centers on a comfortable gray sectional, creating a relaxed seating zone that opens directly to the outdoors. Double pocket doors separate the living room from the bedroom when privacy is desired, but when open they maintain a fluid connection between zones, making the unit feel larger and more versatile. The bedroom follows the same restrained color scheme and features an understated bed design, allowing textiles and a few well-placed accessories to define the space.
Throughout the interior, small bursts of red—seen in chairs, rugs, and accessories—add personality and a playful contrast to the predominantly white surfaces. These deliberate accents prevent the space from feeling sterile while preserving the calm, coastal vibe. In the compact bedroom, a tiny red chair doubles as a bedside table, demonstrating the clever multipurpose thinking used throughout the design.
The bathroom continues the theme of bright, light-filled spaces. White surfaces and wood accents combine to create a clean, spa-like feel. A consistent ceiling treatment visually links the bathroom and bedroom, reinforcing the sense of unified design within this small footprint. Thoughtful detailing—lighting, storage, and materials—helps the ADU function both as a comfortable short-term rental and a flexible private retreat.
Outside, a small garden area and a cozy backyard seating nook extend the living space, offering a private place to relax or enjoy a morning coffee. The sliding doors and outdoor seating make it easy to flow between indoor and outdoor living, which is especially appealing in a vacation setting. The overall design demonstrates how a modest structure can be transformed into a bright, functional, and stylish retreat through careful planning, material choices, and attention to light and proportion.
Photography by Christopher Dibble captures the airy, welcoming atmosphere and highlights the thoughtful conversion from shed to stylish ADU. Beech Haus demonstrates how modest architectural bones, when treated with a careful design approach, can become an inviting seasonal retreat with all the comforts of a beach-inspired vacation home.