THIS…
1843 whaling captain’s home on Long Island’s South Fork is an architectural treasure of grand proportions. It has not one but two pediment-topped porches, each adorned with ranks of 20-foot-tall columns in classic Greek Revival style.
WHEN…
new homeowners called on Sag Harbor-based Maureen McDermott of Winter McDermott Design to imbue the historic home with contemporary spirit for their young family, she approached the task with her signature blend of modern minimalism and organic design details. There’s a preponderance of sparkling white in wall colors and furnishings, with unfinished wood, handmade lighting fixtures and pottery vessels lending comforting warmth. An architectural refresh by Forden & Co. Builders, also of Sag Harbor, preserved much of the existing original detail, including wide plank pine floors, period panel doors, wood mantels and turned stair balusters. Newly added modern features, such as the black glass-and-steel doors leading to a butler’s pantry, are a sensitive interplay of old and new.
THE SUN…
filled living room overlooking the harbor is a showcase for the designer’s use of texture and natural materials, with a nubby carpet and woven MG501 Paper Cord Cuba Chairs by Morten Gøttler for Danish furniture brand Carl Hansen & Søn.
THE DINING…
room is all clarity and simplicity, with a custom walnut table, caned chairs and long twill drapes framing the harbor view.
AN INFORMAL…
dining area adjacent to the kitchen showcases the building’s antique structure, with exposed original brick and beams. A Serge Mouille lighting fixture and Hans J. Wegner’s classic CH24 Wishbone Chairs for Carl Hansen & Søn encapsulate the designer’s embrace of vintage modern design.
SHAKER…
style millwork and natural stone countertops in the luxuriously updated kitchen meld seamlessly with the nearly all-white décor elsewhere in the house. Here as elsewhere, McDermott avoided the modern-day trope of recessed lighting, choosing instead pendant fixtures and sconces throughout the house.
A CUSTOM…
fabric headboard, vintage caned bench and a desk chair by 20th century Swiss architect Pierre Jeanneret are among the furnishings in the peaceful primary bedroom. A woven paper pendant light by Naomi Paul illuminates the space.
THE SUMPTUOUS…
primary bath incorporates existing pine floors and an original fireplace. Its design is distinguished by the use of highly figured black-and white marble, set off with gleaming brass hardware elements.
THE SWEEPING…
update has given the monumental house a brilliant uplift, bringing a 19th century dwelling to 21st century life.
Interior Design: Winter McDermott Design
Architecture: Forden and Co. Builders
Photography: Adrian Gaut
