After viewing nearly eighty properties, designer Jamie Drake set his sights on a spec house atop a hill in East Hampton eleven years ago. Known for his daring use of color and eclectic style, Drake masterfully transformed the 5 bedroom 5,200 square foot home he described as "conventional on the outside but full of surprises on the inside." His artful use of highly saturated color is evident from the moment you enter the double height living room-a sea of brilliant Bristol blue drapes flank the 17 foot windows which overlook the lush gardens. Electric color abounds-from the warm coral library to the acid yellow dining room, lending a fresh perspective to traditional Hampton's decor.
The lush gardens feature boxwood in cone and cylinder shapes juxtaposed with soft English annuals that run down the back of the property. Deep slate steps lead down to a hidden pool beautifully framed by hornbeam trees. My favorite part of the property is a hidden three-story high garden tree house which Drake has referred to as "Chippendale meets Adirondack." It's a stunning garden folly carefully constructed of harvested cedar and enveloped with flowering wisteria-a truly enchanted garden.
Although the home was recently sold to a family with four young children, I have a hunch that a new, fabulous fixer-upper is waiting in the wing's for Drake's Midas touch.
Photos courtesy Mercedes Berk real estate
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