Step Inside Fred Savage’s Stunning Home Tour

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to step inside a home that perfectly marries historical elegance with modern comfort? Today, we’re taking you on an exclusive journey through one of the most captivating architectural treasures – the stunning “Ollie Ball House” associated with the legendary Fred Savage. 

Whether you’re an architecture enthusiast, a design lover, or simply someone who appreciates beautiful homes, this tour will transport you into a world where weathered shingles meet ocean views, where vintage charm dances with contemporary comfort. The Ollie Ball House stands as a testament to thoughtful design and careful restoration, offering visitors a glimpse into how historic homes can be lovingly brought back to life.

Throughout this journey, you’ll discover the remarkable story behind this architectural gem, from its dilapidated beginnings to its current status as a showpiece of refined taste.

Background: Who is Fred Savage?

When we talk about Fred Savage in the context of architectural excellence, we’re diving into the legacy of Fred L. Savage, a renowned architect whose influence on American summer home design remains unmatched. Born in the early 20th century, Savage became synonymous with creating elegant retreats that captured the essence of Maine’s rugged beauty while providing luxurious comfort to their inhabitants.

Savage’s architectural philosophy was deeply rooted in the Arts & Crafts movement, which emphasized harmony between built structures and their natural environments. His designs weren’t just about creating shelter; they were about crafting experiences that connected people with nature while surrounding them with thoughtful, handcrafted details.

Among his most celebrated works is Sunset Ledge in Northeast Harbor, Maine – a masterpiece that showcases his signature Style of blending weathered materials with sophisticated interiors. This project, like many others in his portfolio, demonstrates how Savage could take challenging sites and transform them into breathtaking homes that seem to grow naturally from the landscape.

The “Ollie Ball House” fits perfectly into Savage’s architectural legacy. While the exact origin of the name remains somewhat mysterious – possibly a nickname derived from early owners or a playful reference to the home’s welcoming nature – what’s clear is that this residence exemplifies everything Savage stood for as an architect.

His influence extends far beyond individual homes. Savage helped define what we now consider the quintessential Maine summer cottage – structures that appear humble from the outside but reveal layers of sophistication and comfort within. These homes, including the Ollie Ball House, have become increasingly valuable in today’s market, not just for their square footage or location, but for their irreplaceable architectural heritage.

Today, owning a Fred Savage-designed home is like possessing a piece of American architectural history. These properties are sought after by those who appreciate not just luxury, but the kind of timeless design that improves with age and continues to inspire generations of architects and homeowners alike.

Location and Exterior Features of the Ollie Ball House

Nestled in one of Maine’s most picturesque settings, the Ollie Ball House commands attention not through ostentation, but through its perfect harmony with the surrounding landscape. The home sits gracefully on a site that offers sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean, with the rugged Maine coastline providing a dramatic backdrop that changes with every season and tide.

You may also read (inside sarah mclachlans dreamy home a tour).

The approach to the house immediately sets the tone for what visitors will experience inside. A winding driveway leads through native pine and birch trees, gradually revealing glimpses of the home’s weathered shingle exterior. This careful siting is no accident – Fred Savage was known for spending considerable time studying each plot of land before determining the ideal placement for his structures.

The exterior of the Ollie Ball House showcases Savage’s mastery of the Shingle Style architecture that Maine is famous for. The weathered cedar shingles have aged to a beautiful silver-gray patina, allowing the home to blend seamlessly with the granite outcroppings and surrounding forest. Large, multi-paned windows punctuate the facade, promising light-filled interiors while maintaining the home’s classic proportions.

One of the most striking features is how the house appears to emerge from the natural rock ledges rather than being imposed upon them. Savage incorporated these geological features into the design, using them as natural foundations and even allowing them to penetrate into interior spaces in some areas. This integration creates a sense that the Ollie Ball House has always belonged here.

The wraparound porches deserve special mention. These aren’t mere additions but integral parts of the home’s design, providing outdoor living spaces that capture both sunrise and sunset views. The porches feature classic white-painted columns and railings that contrast beautifully with the weathered shingles. At the same time, ceiling fans and comfortable seating areas make them perfect for Maine’s temperate summer evenings.

Visitors to the Ollie Ball House are first captivated by the stunning exterior that perfectly complements its serene surroundings, from the carefully maintained perennial gardens that soften the transition between architecture and nature, to the stone pathways that wind through the property. The outdoor spaces include intimate seating areas tucked among the rocks, a generous lawn area perfect for gatherings, and strategic plantings of native blueberry bushes and beach roses that provide both beauty and a connection to the local ecosystem.

Interior Design and Key Rooms Tour

Stepping through the front door of the Ollie Ball House, you’re immediately enveloped in an atmosphere that balances sophistication with comfort. The interior design approach respects Fred Savage’s original vision while incorporating thoughtful updates that make the home perfect for contemporary living.

The Grand Living Room

The heart of the home is undoubtedly the expansive living room, where original architectural details shine. The space centers around a magnificent working fireplace crafted from local fieldstone, its mantel adorned with carefully curated antiques that tell stories of Maine’s maritime heritage. Custom-built bookcases flank the fireplace, their shelves filled with first editions and family treasures.

The color palette here sets the tone for the entire house. Pale greens reminiscent of sea glass blend with soft blues that echo the ocean views visible through the oversized windows. Strategic pops of red – in throw pillows, artwork, and carefully chosen accessories – add warmth and vitality to the space.

The Game Room Retreat

Moving deeper into the house, the game room presents a delightful surprise. Here, the designers embraced a more playful aesthetic with Farrow and Ball’s Lotus wallcoverings, creating an intimate space that invites relaxation and fun. The room features a vintage pool table, comfortable seating areas, and built-in storage for games and puzzles – perfect for rainy Maine afternoons.

Powder Rooms with Personality

Even the smallest spaces in the Ollie Ball House receive thoughtful attention. The powder rooms showcase distinct wall treatments that make each a jewel box of design. One features hand-painted chinoiserie panels that nod to the early 1900s aesthetic, while another sports bold geometric wallpaper paired with new fixtures that blend vintage charm with modern functionality.

The Transformed Owners’ Suite

Perhaps nowhere is the successful marriage of historic preservation and modern luxury more evident than in the reconfigured owners’ suite. What was once a series of small, disconnected rooms has been thoughtfully opened up to create a true retreat. The suite now features his-and-hers dressing rooms with custom millwork that echoes the home’s original built-ins.

The bathroom is a study in understated elegance. Carrara marble covers the floors and walls, while an open glass shower with vintage-inspired fixtures provides a spa-like experience. A freestanding tub positioned to capture ocean views offers the perfect spot for relaxation.

The Sister Bedrooms

Upstairs, the “sister bedrooms” showcase how historical charm can coexist with playful, contemporary design. These rooms layer patterns and colors with confidence – think Katie Ridder fabrics mixed with Galbraith & Paul wallpapers in complementary but not matching schemes. Each room has its own personality while maintaining the home’s overall cohesive aesthetic.

The beauty of the Ollie Ball House interiors lies not just in individual elements but in how everything works together to create that promised feeling of “a big hug.” Natural light floods every room, highlighting the careful attention to detail in every molding, every hardware choice, and every fabric selection.

You may also read (inside bobby flays dream home in the hamptons).

Throughout the home, you’ll find evidence of the owners’ commitment to honoring the past while embracing the present. Antique furnishings mix seamlessly with contemporary pieces, while original architectural elements like the window seats and built-in storage solutions remain functional centerpieces of daily life.

Renovation and Restoration Journey

The transformation of the Ollie Ball House from a neglected property to its current stunning state is a story of vision, patience, and respect for architectural heritage. When the current owners first encountered the property, it was far from the showpiece we see today.

The house had suffered from years of deferred maintenance. Overgrown vegetation obscured the ocean views, moisture had damaged some of the original woodwork, and the interiors felt dark and compartmentalized – a far cry from Fred Savage’s original vision of bringing the outside in.

Enter Leandra Fremont-Smith, a designer known for her sensitive approach to historic properties. Working closely with the homeowners, who brought their own extensive experience with historic home restoration, Fremont-Smith developed a plan that would honor Savage’s architectural legacy while creating a home suited for 21st-century living.

The renovation began with addressing the structural basics. The team carefully restored the weathered shingle exterior, replacing damaged sections while preserving the patina that gives the house its character. Windows were refurbished rather than replaced, maintaining the original divided-light patterns that are so crucial to the home’s aesthetic.

Inside, the challenge was to brighten and open the spaces without losing the intimate scale that makes the house so welcoming. Walls were removed strategically – always to maintain the home’s structural integrity and architectural rhythm. The team discovered original details hidden under layers of paint and wallpaper, each finding carefully restored to its former glory.

One of the most significant decisions was to embrace color and pattern throughout the house. While some might argue for a more neutral palette in a historic home, the design team recognized that Fred Savage’s houses were meant to be lived in joyfully. The introduction of the Farrow and Ball wallpapers, the bold fabric choices, and the carefully curated color schemes all serve to enhance rather than obscure the home’s architectural bones.

The landscape restoration proved equally important. Clearing overgrown areas revealed the stunning rock formations that Savage had incorporated initially into his design. Native plantings were reintroduced, and sight lines to the ocean were carefully opened up, restoring the connection between house and site that is so fundamental to Savage’s work.

Throughout the process, the team remained committed to authenticity. When original materials couldn’t be saved, replacements were sourced that matched in both appearance and quality. Modern systems – heating, plumbing, electrical – were updated but hidden within the existing framework, ensuring that 21st-century comfort didn’t come at the cost of historical integrity.

The successful restoration of the Ollie Ball House stands as a testament to what can be achieved when passionate owners, talented designers, and skilled craftspeople come together with a shared vision of preserving architectural heritage for future generations.

Lifestyle and Ambiance – Living in the Ollie Ball House

Living in the Ollie Ball House isn’t just about occupying a beautiful space – it’s about embracing a lifestyle that celebrates the rhythm of coastal Maine life. From the moment you wake up to ocean views until you fall asleep to the sound of waves, the house shapes and enhances daily experiences in subtle but profound ways.

Mornings in the Ollie Ball House begin with natural light flooding through the eastern windows, gradually warming the pale green and blue interiors. The kitchen, with its combination of vintage charm and modern functionality, becomes a gathering place where coffee tastes better when enjoyed while watching lobster boats head out for the day’s catch.

The home’s design encourages a natural flow between indoor and outdoor living. French doors open onto the wraparound porches, making it easy to move outside for meals, reading, or simply enjoying the sea breeze. The porches themselves function as additional rooms during Maine’s temperate months, with comfortable furniture and protection from the elements extending the home’s living space significantly.

What makes the Ollie Ball House particularly special is how it manages to feel both grand and intimate simultaneously. The generous proportions of the main rooms accommodate large gatherings – the living room easily hosts cocktail parties or holiday celebrations – while the numerous nooks, window seats, and smaller spaces provide perfect retreats for solitary pursuits.

The working fireplaces throughout the house aren’t just decorative elements but functional features that extend the home’s usability through Maine’s cooler months. There’s something deeply satisfying about settling in front of a crackling fire with a good book while storms rage outside, feeling completely protected yet still connected to nature.

The home’s connection to its natural setting influences daily life in countless ways. Wildlife sightings are common – from the deck, you might spot seals playing in the waves, eagles soaring overhead, or deer grazing in the garden. The changing tides provide a natural clock, while the famous Maine fog creates an entirely different atmosphere, wrapping the house in a mysterious, romantic shroud.

Perhaps most importantly, the Ollie Ball House fosters a sense of well-being that’s hard to quantify but impossible to ignore. The quality of light, the proportions of the rooms, the materials used – all contribute to an environment that feels inherently healthy and restorative. It’s a place where stress dissipates, where creativity flows, and where the simple act of being present becomes a pleasure in itself.

Why the Ollie Ball House is a Must-See for Architecture Enthusiasts

For those passionate about American architectural heritage, the Ollie Ball House represents far more than just another beautiful home. It stands as a living textbook of early 20th-century design principles, showcasing how the Arts & Crafts movement adapted to the specific conditions and culture of coastal Maine.

The house exemplifies several key architectural concepts that continue to influence designers today. The integration with landscape, so masterfully achieved here, predates our current focus on sustainable and site-specific design by decades. Fred Savage’s approach – working with rather than against natural features – offers lessons that remain remarkably relevant.

From a preservation perspective, the Ollie Ball House demonstrates how historic properties can be sensitively updated without losing their essential character. The renovation work shows that it’s possible to add modern conveniences and contemporary Style while still respecting original architectural intent. This balance is increasingly rare and makes the house a vital case study for preservation professionals.

The home also represents a specific moment in American social history. These grand “cottages” were built during an era when wealthy families would relocate to Maine for entire summers, bringing with them a lifestyle that shaped the region’s culture and economy. The Ollie Ball House helps us understand not just how people built, but how they lived during this pivotal period.

For students of design, the house offers countless lessons in proportion, detail, and material selection. The way natural light is managed throughout the day, the careful sizing of rooms to feel neither cramped nor overwhelming, the choice of materials that age gracefully – all these elements combine to create an education in thoughtful design.

While private tours of the Ollie Ball House may be limited, the home’s influence can be seen throughout Maine’s coastal communities. Its restoration has inspired other property owners to take fresh looks at their own historic homes, contributing to a broader renaissance in appreciation for Fred Savage’s work and the architectural heritage of the region.

Tips for Incorporating Elements of the Ollie Ball House Style into Your Home

You don’t need a historic Maine cottage to bring some of the Ollie Ball House’s charm into your own living space. The design principles that make this home so special can be adapted to various settings and budgets.

Start with natural materials that age gracefully. Consider incorporating weathered wood, stone, or shingle elements that will develop character over time. Even small touches like wooden shutters or stone accent walls can evoke the Ollie Ball House aesthetic.

Embrace the color palette of coastal Maine – those soft greens, pale blues, and warm grays that reflect sea and sky. Add pops of brighter colors through accessories and textiles, just as the Ollie Ball House uses red accents to enliven its serene base palette.

Look for opportunities to create built-in storage and seating. Window seats, bookcases, and clever storage solutions not only maximize space but also add the kind of architectural detail that makes the Ollie Ball House so special.

Don’t be afraid to mix periods and styles. The successful blend of antiques with contemporary pieces in the Ollie Ball House shows how different eras can complement each other when united by quality and thoughtful selection.

Finally, prioritize connection to the outdoors. Whether through larger windows, French doors, or simply better sight lines to nature, finding ways to blur the boundary between inside and out will bring some of that Ollie Ball House magic to your own home.

Where Does Fred Savage’s Currently Live?

Fred Savage currently lives in Los Angeles, California, with his wife and three children. He previously owned a Mediterranean-style home in Hancock Park but sold it and purchased a new mansion in the upscale Bel Air neighborhood of Los Angeles for $9.5 million. This newer home includes luxury amenities such as a movie theater, multiple bedrooms with private balconies, and a pool area with a cabana.

You may also read (inside jackie gleasons iconic house in florida).