Not all changes are the result of a home-owner's whim, he said. "You're going to see a lot of changes because of the flooding."

Height restrictions are also style makers — homeowners wanting to maximize their water views are opting for low-slung roofs that come just under me wire (55 feet on the water), causing the more common gable or pitch roof to disappear from the beach cottage.

The Dutch Colonial influence (Early Styles 1600-1900) was clear on another Island Drive house, with its high pitch gable that runs from front to back and its flared eaves.

Modern (1940-Present) is the first thought that comes to mind — even for an untrained observer — when searching for a description of what almost looks like an Octagonal glass-and-concrete structure on the water.

"It's basically a stilt house, at an angle," said Mr. Saulnier.
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