Location: Hamptons, NY

Architect: Austin Patterson Disston Architecture & Design

Interior Designer: Hamilton Design Associates

Photography: Francesco Lagnese

Austin Patterson Disston Architecture & Design (APDA) masterfully balanced history and modernity in this waterfront home. While the original 1840s structure had to be demolished, APDA ensured the new residence honoured its past while integrating seamlessly with neighbouring 1880s-1900s homes. Their design philosophy—rooted in architectural precedent and inventive solutions—shaped a home that feels both timeless and distinctly original.

Central to the project was the thoughtful incorporation of salvaged materials, particularly historic timber from the old gatehouse, repurposed into a guest annex. The entry stair, inspired by Edwin Lutyens, features a striking steel sash window wall, flooding the east-facing exterior with western light and framing the park-like setting.

APDA’s expertise in craftsmanship is evident throughout. The home showcases intricate millwork, extensive stonework, and hand-moulded plaster lattice ceilings. The library’s detailed moulding and the kitchen’s ambitious brass work—including an 8ft-long compound radius hood—required exceptional artisans, including a team specialising in Mack truck fenders. Even the bathrooms feature bespoke plasterwork and custom vanities.

The home’s exterior massing respects its historic surroundings, while the interior blends craftsman charm with an eclectic spirit, harmonising with the landscape. Every detail, from material selection to layout, reflects APDA’s commitment to designing spaces that are not only beautiful and functional but also deeply connected to their site and history. Through expert vision and collaboration, APDA created a home that feels as if it has always been there—yet remains utterly unique.