Boston Common - Niche Media - A side of Boston that's anything but common.
Issue link: http://digital.greengale.com/i/327657
PHOTOGRAPHY BY TK; ILLUSTRATION BY TK K ATHY BURNS and MICHAEL GREELEY We could tell you where this house is, but then we'd have to kill you. Here are some hints: It's in Maine—Kennebunk, to be specific, and on the beach. That's all you get. Kathy Burns spent every summer on this beach while growing up, and her great-great-grandfather built the house. It is super private, and her oodles of relatives want to keep it that way. Who could blame them? This is Maine at its most pristine. Kathy, a vet- eran hotel acquisitions executive, credits her hospitality career for lighting up the property with just the right kind of wild parties mixed with always-time-for-a-kayak-ride family time. For her venture capitalist husband, Michael Greeley, the "Big House" became his home, too, the day they got married there. Now with a son and daughter, the couple continues the family legacy. WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR HOUSE? MG: If a house could be like Cheers, this may well be it, although, admittedly, there have been mornings in the kitchen when I don't necessarily know everybody's name. DO YOU HAVE ANY ANNUAL TRADITIONS? KB: We love to put together eclectic groups of houseguests for weekend events and dinner parties. MG: For years, we hosted a spectacular series of weekend activities for a few hundred friends, which culminated in a themed costume party. This is a house made for entertaining. WHAT ARE YOUR FONDEST MEMORIES? KB: Catching over 60 mackerel with my dad after launching our little boat in the surf when I was 10 years old. Climbing the rocks was always special. Now I get to do that with my kids. HOW DO YOU SPEND FAMILY TIME? KB: We love clam and lobster bakes on the beach. We gather around the fire pit under the stars. WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD? KB: I want my kids to cherish the same things I did as a kid—surfing in the cold Maine ocean and working in Kennebunkport with everyone from lobstermen to summer residents. MG: The house is incredibly grounding for our family. I want my grandchildren's grandchildren to be able to enjoy it and share it with their friends. THE FAMILY LEGACY BOSTONCOMMON-MAGAZINE.COM 95