Something Gave At The Something's Gotta Give House

I recently received a call from a friend about an estate sale that was being held at the fabled "Something's Gotta Give" house in Southampton. The movie has become a classic--not just because it features A-list actors Diane Keaton and Jack Nicholson, but because so many people have fallen in love with the "quintessential Hamptons beach house" where the movie took place.

Home today

The stunning oceanfront built in 2000 resides on tony Meadow Lane in Southampton and has quite a loyal fan base. Charming and picturesque, the estate features a sloped roof line, wooden shingles and expansive porches, perfect for summer drinks. The kicker of course is the priceless beachfront vista (well almost priceless, it recently sold for 41 million.)

Ocean front views

The interiors, designed for the 2003 movie by Beth Rubino, strikes just the right note of class and comfort. Beautiful transom windows and custom wood paneled walls painted a soft white sets the tone for one of the most loved and lusted living rooms. A pair of sea glass blue slip covered sofas house a collection of billowy pillows. Soft lighting from table lamps and an enormous tufted ottoman filled with candles, books and and a cashmere throw lend a cultivated elegance to the room. Even the sea blue striped dhurrie (which is now housed in my bedroom-see story here) adds a thoughtful contrast to the muted palette. The room is stylish and welcoming--a put your feet up, have a glass of rose and stay a while kind of room that is instantly relatable. I think what appeals most is that this "staged" room doesn't feel staged at all. Yes, I'm a big fan!

Iconic living room

Dining Room

Movie set kitchen

Actual kitchen

Back to the estate sale, which was scheduled to take place on a Friday-Saturday. I knew that anything worth buying would be scooped up within the first few hours and I arrived about an hour into the sale with about one hundred people milling about. While I knew the interiors for the movie were filmed mostly on a Hollywood soundstage, I was hoping for a chance to walk through the house and see if it still had the same elegant beach vibe I had long admired. 

Cosy nook in the movie

 Room photos from estate sale

I was disappointed--the exteriors where unchanged from the movie, but the interiors were lackluster. The second floor bedrooms were taped off as was the first floor master. We were relegated to the living room, dining room and kitchen which were filled with mismatched one-offs, dark carpets, heavy furniture and bric-a-brac waiting to be sold.  

I guess its true--you can never go back!