EDITOR'S LETTER

What could be more soothing, yet also more invigorating, than water?

As the Hamptons season speeds up, family and friends abound and the days run into each other with all the summer activities. It is also a time to enjoy the Hamptons at its most glorious. And water has always been an important part of what has drawn residents to its shores. We love the beaches. As nature steals more of our coastline, we do everything humanly possible to shore up the dunes to protect our houses and our environment.

In this issue, noted landscape designer Edwina von Gal shares with us numerous gardens she has created for clients. The common denominator in all of them is the water. As she explains, "As soon as you have water, the place comes to life." And life is what she truly instills in these projects. Each respects nature and adds to its bounty.

Another site of breathtaking beauty is found in North Haven on Noyac Bay. Lisa Perry and her family fell in love with the site, and she went about transforming the 1910 villa, which had once been a monastery, into a home that reflects her love for clean lines and vibrant colors. It's now a retreat where family and friends congregate and enjoy the beauty around them.