A Cape Cod Love Story: How a Summer Rental Became a Lasting Family Legacy
For decades, Cheryl and Jeffrey Katz made the small coastal town of Truro, Massachusetts, their go-to escape each summer. Nestled in scenic Cape Cod, it offered a peaceful, beachy retreat from the bustle of Boston — a sun-drenched tradition that became an anchor in their family’s life.
Now in their 70s, the couple looks back with affection on those idyllic summers spent by the ocean, where their young children played in the sand and salty air seemed to stretch time. Over the years, the Katzes rented many different homes, but one property stood out in their memories like a postcard from the past — a charming, weathered cottage paired with a modest artist’s studio, perched perfectly in Truro’s serene landscape.
“This property had two buildings,” recalled Ms. Katz. “There was a cottage from the 1860s and a studio added in 1981. It belonged to an artist named Mary Fassett.” The arrangement was unique — every August, the Katz family would move into the cottage while Mary, the owner, would shift into her studio. It was simple, warm, and magical.
The cottage’s creaky floors, exposed wood beams, and sun-filtered rooms held a timeless, lived-in beauty — the kind that can’t be manufactured. It was the kind of place that wraps around you like a favorite sweater.
Despite their deep affection for the home, Cheryl and Jeffrey never imagined owning a place on Cape Cod. “We thought we’d always be renters,” Ms. Katz admitted. But fate, as it often does, had other plans.
In 2015, they received an unexpected phone call from a friend: the beloved property was up for sale. The moment felt surreal. The very house they had dreamt about — the one filled with their children’s laughter and years of seaside memories — was suddenly within reach.
Without hesitation, they made the leap. The couple, who co-founded the Boston-based interior design firm C&J Katz Studio, saw not only the sentimental value but also the potential to restore and preserve the home’s authentic character.
Their approach to the renovation was respectful, almost reverent. “We wanted to keep the essence of the cottage intact,” said Ms. Katz. That meant salvaging original woodwork, honoring the structure’s quirks, and infusing it with rich color and soulful design rather than starting from scratch.
The result? A home that celebrates both memory and craftsmanship — a color-saturated sanctuary that feels both nostalgic and fresh. What was once a cherished rental is now a generational gem, filled with stories, texture, and heart.
What began as a series of summer vacations evolved into something far greater — a living legacy. For the Katz family, the cottage in Truro is no longer just a destination. It’s a reflection of their journey, a testament to time well spent, and a reminder that some places don’t just hold memories — they become part of them.