June 1-15, 2008

EDITOR'S LETTER

A flurry of activity always surrounds the Memorial Day weekend and the ensuing June month. We kick off this issue with our "Best of Season" feature. This year, we asked people their favorite haunts. Some of their answers may include places you love, and some new finds. Happy exploring and let us hear from you about your favorites.

A wonderful garden that unfolds with new finds as you walk the grounds is that of landscape designer Craig Socia. His garden truly is a work of art from how the land is graded to the hidden rooms that are discovered as you stroll around the property. This season he has added furniture designer to his repertoire. We show you just a taste in "Out of the Box."

Interior designer Tara Seawright also instilled a sense of discovery in the Shelter Island residence she designed for her clients. Bedrest was ordered for the wife to insure no complications with their second child. Seawright had to present decorating schemes to her in Manhattan. The couple finally saw their spec house, which was transformed into a personal statement, when they walked into their home for the first time after buying it sight unseen (although they had viewed a similar house).

The driving force behind the transformation of a small Wainscott cottage was the homeowner. When she and her husband finally found a house that fit the lifestyle they wanted for a second home, they called upon the talents of architect Kathryn (Kitty) McCoy, AIA and landscape designer Joy Tyree. A pro at giving life to old houses, among other things, McCoy's renovation expands the small space while Tyree seamlessly marries the house with the landscape. The final result looks as though it was effortless.

When you think of entertaining, effortless is probably not the word that comes to mind for most of us. But an Australian wine importer and her grillmeister partner have perfected a seamless flow in how they have parties. Michele Anderson and her partner Peter Graves have it down pat. Turn to "Aussie Fish Tales" and see why they are the envy of all. And their recipes are beyond delicious as well. For the recipes, click here. We have also included Baroness Sheri de Borchgrave's Australian wine picks.

We hope you enjoy the beginning of the season, although it is not officially summer yet. In our next issue, we focus on the modern architecture that is becoming more prevalent on the East End. Even our 2008 Idea House, which we hope you will visit some time between July 25th and August 24th, turns a 150-year-od farmhouse into a modern vision. We look forward to seeing you soon.

Barbara L. Dixon
Editorial Director
barbara.dixon@hcandg.com