INDIAN HILL S SOUTHAMPTON RETREAT Visioned By David A. Millett Interior Design Written by Sheree Allgood Photography by Andrew Kung Within the gentle, rolling landscape of Indian Hill is a sublime and inspiring home of grandeur and repose. Yet what is most unique about this lovely abode is that it is quintessentially Southampton, and while there is no ready beach, or towering privets, or azure Long Island Sound, the feel of the place is all that and more. One can almost feel the ocean breeze through the high transom windows throughout, or catch a whiff of a clam bake down at the shore. Custom built in 2015, the owner envisioned for herself and her family a replica of the Hamptons home in the 2003 film, Something s Gotta Give, which starred Diane Keaton and Jack Nicholson. In many film and set circles, the home itself was considered the true star. The home owner worked hand-in hand with interior design master, David A. Millett, and his creative team, to ensure that every detail was covered and to make certain the elements matched the owner s precise vision creating a result that became a sheer delight when entertaining formally and when entertaining the grandchildren. Our Indian Hill replica is more than stellar. The exterior blends beautifully with the neighborhood s existing homes, a perfect fit on the perfectly landscaped lot. The interior of the 4 bedroom, 5 bath stunner seems to be made of light and air. Upon entering the home through its 8-foot door, you are immediately lifted up into its gossamer filament and engulfed by the total openness created by removing the traditional walls. This ultimate open floor plan allows viewing of virtually all public space of the homes first floor, living, dining, and family rooms exposing the staircase as an elaborate divider. The dining room of this home is a tour-de-force of restrain and beauty, with a customized, classic understated table and elegant chairs from the Barbara Barry Collection. Cloaked in pale blues and soft grays, Mr. Millet was able to soften the room to allow for one of the home s many show stoppers: a floor-toceiling, wall-to-wall built-in display cabinet. Here, the owner has deftly and quite lovingly assembled some of the finest china, silver, crystal and porcelain pieces from her mother s and her grandmother s collection. Like everything else in this gorgeous home, it floats, practically hovers over the dining room, a halcyon display to be admired and shared by all. 72 slmag.net slmag.net 73
Across the gleaming custom dyed, 7 rift sawn white oak floors, is nestled a cozy living room replete with a 12 foot grand piano. Mr. Millett shared that the piano formerly graced the foyer of her father s Kentucky estate. Here again, the room is balanced with grays and quiet blues, also with classic Barbara Barry furniture, and an elegant gas fireplace. It is a charming room to enjoy, a place to relax and appreciate a glass of fine port on a chilly evening. Both the dining room and the living room opposite sport soft wool rugs, costumed designed and colored by Millett in soft hues echoing the beachy, misty, airy feel. Upon transitioning into the great room, (a truly great room as it spans the width of the home s center and perfect for the grandchildren) is the white gourmet kitchen with Wolf appliances, a kitchen island with a beautiful solid piece of long sought after white granite and leather seated bar stools. The kitchen has a lovely pass through butler s pantry with sparkling white built-in cabinetry leading into the dining room. Across the span from the kitchen, is the family room, a large light cream linen sectional with festive, beachy pillows, is snuggled around a wood burning fireplace. But the most ingenious element to this grand space twixt kitchen and family room is the relaxed seating area marrying the two spaces. Two inviting swiveling club chairs, a more casual woven rug and a round side table allow for guests to enjoy the cook in the kitchen, and turn to enjoy a family movie on the flat screen TV mounted unobtrusively above the fireplace. Again, Mr. Millett has used his well-honed artist s eye to ensure each element is perfectly paired and harmonious to the home s entire feel. Charming and elegant touches to the home include the delightful artwork the owner has collected over the years on trips to various coasts, all embracing her love of the ocean. Many of these have marvelous pops of color that enhance the home s feel, and amp up the Hampton s vibe she embraces. 74 slmag.net slmag.net 75
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The oceanfront feel flows into the sumptuous master suite, again donning oh-so-soft and tranquil grays and whites and a subtle kiss of blue on the walls. The beautiful custom upholstered king bed is enhanced by crystal lamps, and the room speaks of a clutter-free, organized life-style. The master bath is also a retreat with an a-ha moment for all bath and shower aficionados: a nifty walk-in shower has no door, just a wall of white quartz that eliminates fuss and muss. A fabulous feature to be sure. One of the homes important perks is the beautiful built-in cabinetry throughout, including bookcases for the owner s collection of literature and love of cookbooks, a storage area cum TV cabinet in the master, superbly wrought towers and storage in the powder room, and a perfectly executed woman s dressing area. This dressing area, designed by Don Justice of Milford Ohio, is truly a pleasure to behold, and anyone seeking ohm in a world of cluttered drawers and closet floors of shoe soup would surely find tranquility here. The outdoor living space also hearkens to the villages and hamlets peppering the far eastern shore of Long Island. A gorgeous patio is just off the kitchen, and has a built-in banquette, an outdoor wood burning fire place, a Wolf grill, and automatic screens that raise and lower with the touch of a button. The unscreened portion is a delightful living area, capped by a wooden pergola-like feature, draped with sparkly white lights. This resplendent retreat is all about light. Its dazzle comes from walls of windows, and high transoms, and innovative, reflective spider skylights that bring light into the home s center. Further evidence of the owner s love of light are the glistering light fixtures throughout the house which offer visual comfort and allure. Stunning E.F. Chapman fixtures grace the dining room and the entry hall, and both are stunners. Even the fixture in the woman s dressing room is reminiscent of a diamond bracelet, light and airy, yet refined and elegant. The firmament of this house speaks to space and light and quietude. While every detail has been seen to with David Millett s skillful panache, the house is still a home of delight and comfort, as relaxed and inviting and beachy as the summer days we will soon be pining for. sl 80 slmag.net slmag.net 81