BEHIND THE PRIVET-KATE SPADE IN SOUTHAMPTON

It seems appropriate that Andy and Kate Spade's summer home was formerly a boardinghouse for the William Merritt Chase's Shinnecock Hills Summer School of Art.  The design visionaries have owned this rambling Southampton home for years, a charming shingled abode which rests amid a collection of similar cottages known as the Art Village. The laid-back, bucolic setting is in stark contrast to the gated, privet lined mansions just blocks away. I always expected the Spade's home to be infused with her bold, whimsical designs. Imagine my surprise when I saw a softer side; a home swathed in delicate, romantic design. The sloped bead board walls are white washed a milky hue and the rooms are filled with vintage dressers and a curated collection of antique textiles. It all makes for a delightful departure; an artsy, nostalgic getaway "Spade style."

photos courtesy of Saunders 

BEHIND THE PRIVET-BEACH CHIC IN WATERMILL

I watched this house being built several years ago, a marker of sorts on my daily walk on the beach.  Situated on a snug piece of oceanfront property, I was amazed that so many traditional details found on larger homes; gambrel roof, wood shingles, twin fireplaces and wraparound terrace, worked so well on a small scale. The interiors are as thoughtful and well planned as the exterior;  luxurious bleached floors, creamy walls and a soft, muted palette lends a casual elegance to the home and allows the architecture and stunning ocean views take center stage. This home is the quintessential beach house!

 A grand staircase and beautiful bleached floors are gracious and inviting

 Casual elegance reins in the open floor plan.

 The traditional kitchen is on the second floor with beautiful ocean views.

 The second floor wraparound landing features a custom window and a soaring cathedral ceiling.

 The living room and dining area is separated by a stone fireplace and further delineated by a change in the ceiling height and type of chandelier in each space. Sisal rugs, light wood furniture and linen upholstered sofas give the room a sophisticated beachy vibe.

 The stone corner fireplace and wood beamed ceiling more than make up for the size of the master bedroom. 

A sweet work/play area.

The twin fireplaces are a commanding presence--the home even has a lap pool on the spacious deck!

photos courtesy of Sothebys

BEHIND THE PRIVET-ROSE HILL POINT

I wanted to share this traditional gambrel style home with you because of its spectacular location- perched on one of my favorite hampton locals, the pretty, secluded Rose Hill Road in Watermill. The quaint hampton lane faces beautiful Mecox Bay providing spectacular water views for the lucky homes that dot the lane. This hampton classic was custom designed by architect Val Florio and features a plethora of amazing custom woodwork; elaborate coiffured ceilings, paneled walls and imported wood floors which imbue the home with classic hamptons style. But its the expansive views of the bay that has me pining for a breezy August day!

 Gracious outside entertaining space--soft teak and deep sofas for lounging

 The classic double-height foyer and sweeping staircase gives way to a bold, modern light fixture and contemporary art installation.

 A soft and serene color palette is carried throughout the house echoing the beautiful bay outside 

 Classic transom windows and traditional furniture are lightened with a pair of Murano glass flower pendants in the dining room.

 A silvery reclaimed wood ceiling provide beautiful focal interest in a luxuriously appointed kitchen 

 The inspired duplex master wing has its own living room with fireplace, separate his and hers walk-in closets, his and her bath suites and a temperature controlled fur vault!

I don't think I would ever leave the master bath--decadent soaking tub, fireplace, cosy chaise and tv!  The mirror paneled wall adds additional sparkle and shine and reflects the gorgeous bay views.

 The dark wood floors compliment the striking onyx shower and console sink

The modern infinity pool makes me long for summer!

BEHIND THE PRIVET: MODERN ZEN WITH BATES + MASI

Have you ever wanted to live in a glass house?  If your answer is yes then this serene retreat created by Hampton's architects Bates + Masi is the perfect home to see and be seen. The beautifully planned modern space is comprised of a series of open ended boxes which make up this 6,500-square-foot, eight-bedroom beach retreat in Bridgehampton. Each box houses a particular program; children's bedrooms and master bedroom areas open to the expansive living area creating flow and transparency.The open space is spare and modern, utilizing a muted color palette, and warm, natural materials which focus attention to the outdoors. 

 Travertine blocks and informal, natural plantings line the walkway

 The fireplace melds form and function beautifully, with its series of airy, overlapping bronze pieces concealing a structural beam and housing a coat closet. 

 The center box houses the living room and dining room, which open to the kitchen and a large outdoor entertaining space.

 Rustic mahogany boards wraps the floors, walls and ceilings and provide a warm contrast to the stark, modern furnishings.

A cascade of travertine shingles line a back kitchen wall creating a stunning pleated shade effect.

The pool area is a serene oasis

A series of travertine steps are lined with cushions and pillows for lounging and lead guests down to the pool and bar area

 Calm and serene but ready to entertain!

ON THE ROAD AGAIN

I'm so sorry I've been MIA for the beginning of this week.  It's spring break, and while that phrase may evoke images of lounge chairs and tall glasses of rum punch, I've been on a four day marathon college tour of the South with my daughter.  We've had a fantastic time visiting seven universities from Washington, D.C. to Atlanta, GA but at the end of the day I've been too exhausted to even attempt a quick post.  I did want to share with you some beautiful photos of Thomas Jefferson's ancestral home Monticello that I had the pleasure to visit on Sunday.  The 5,000 acre plantation is situated on the summit of an 850 foot high peak in the Southwest Mountains south of the Rivanna Gap. The house, which Jefferson designed beginning in 1769, was based on the neoclasscal principle of of the Italian architect Andrea Palladio. The architecture is simply stunning and a visit to this UNESCO World Heritage Centre should be on everyone's to do list.