EDITOR'S LETTER

Ideas come in all shapes and sizes. And in this issue we walk you through the 2007 HC&G Idea House designed by architect Steven W. Semes, AIA, and newly built by Richard Gherardi of Sand Dollar Development on the former Warner LeRoy estate in Amagansett. This year, over 20 designers collaborated under the direction of design directors Brian Brady and Franco Biscardi to create a cohesive house that anyone could move into as is and call home—unlike other show houses. According to the principals of Brady Design, they asked the talented team to utilize the colors blue and orange throughout, making their designs reflective of their signature styles while uniting the rooms into one amazing house. (We can't thank the designers enough as well as all the suppliers and trades who worked so diligently on making this Idea House another successful one.)

Even though the Wainscott house that Susan and Charlie Moss bought in 1977 has been added onto over a lifetime, it is still a cohesive whole with each part designed as if it was always meant to be. The 1880s structure first started out as a post office, and today the compound has an expanded main house with tennis house, tennis court, swimming pool and lush landscaped grounds

When the interior design team of Jennifer Mabley and Austin Handler, the duo who directed last year's HC&G Idea House, purchased a small 1950s Cape, the word "compound" was not in their vocabulary. Although, after seeing their Water Mill property, situated amidst 200-year-old boxwoods on part of the Benedict estate, complete with a 300-year-old horse barn turned studio/guest house, I definitely saw it as a compound. (I still covet the guest quarters for myself!)

And if we're talking of coveting, I must mention the oceanfront Westhampton house we feature designed by Douglas Horst for a client that loves the sea. I grew up in a family that had houses near the sea and always lived on the East or West Coast not far from the ocean (except for a time when I was in Canada and only near lakes—not the same!). This 6,000-square-foot, six-bedroom house speaks to me as it flows effortlessly from room to room while capturing views of the ocean beyond. A vista can be everything to some, and Horst made sure he captured it for the owner of this house.

Whether you are designing, building, renovating or redoing a residence and the interiors (and don't forget the landscape), think of us. We are introducing HC&G's inaugural Innovation in Design Awards. It was such a success in Connecticut that we are now introducing it here in the Hamptons and soon will be in our new regional magazine, Westchester Cottages & Gardens. Look for us in Westchester this coming fall. We always love hearing from you all....

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