Montauk Beach House Renovation
Location: Montauk, NY
Scope: FULL HOME FURNISHINGS, RENOVATION, CUSTOM MILLWORK
Photographer: Costas Picadas
This home is featured in our design journal, including some behind the scenes looks at the before and in-progress shots of this intense renovation.
Tucked into the forested wetlands of Montauk in the Hamptons, this beach house is a full-scale revival of a long-abandoned structure that had suffered years of neglect. Our client, a journalist, author, designer, and devoted surfer, came to us with a vision of creating a laid back retreat where she could decompress year round and welcome friends to do the same. The home began as a low-ceilinged, deteriorating shell with termite damage, leaking roofs, and outdated systems. We approached the project with fresh eyes and a willingness to rebuild, transforming the property into an airy, bright, and deeply personal escape now affectionately known as Galactic Gables.
-
We completely reworked the layout to accommodate a new way of living, maximizing every inch of the existing footprint. Vaulted ceilings replaced the original low soffits wherever possible, and an underused hallway became an extended kitchen and pantry that doubled its size. New bathrooms were added without expanding the structure, and existing baths were reorganized to support a more intuitive flow. Inside, light materials define the breezy Montauk atmosphere, from white washed pine floors to painted paneling that continues across the ceilings. A chiseled slate countertop anchors the kitchen with texture and character, while built in furniture, including the living room sofa and primary bed, keeps the compact home feeling open and uncluttered. We exposed original brick at the fireplace to honor the home’s remaining craftsmanship and converted the upstairs loft into a panoramic primary suite with views of both the ocean and Lake Montauk.
The home’s personality shines through a playful mix of cost effective finds and vintage treasures sourced from French auctions, including a ziggurat table lamp, a UFO Danish lamp, and Stilnovo inspired spotlights. Bathrooms blend timeless details such as subway tile, with more spirited touches like pink Norwegian Rose marble and a recreated retro linoleum floor (inspired by a find during demolition of the original kitchen floor). A galactic-themed bath and rainbow notes in the guest rooms add a final layer of whimsy, inspired by the half moon gable window that gave the home its name. The result is fun, vintage, and cool, a joyful Montauk retreat where summer days stretch long, wildlife drifts past the windows, and life feels just a little more magical.
