Perfect Harmony
Sears/Going capture the beauty of the Hamptons
By Joan Tyor Carlson
Photography by Mark Samu
It was a coming together in every sense. The couple had lived in a dazzling modern house on Dune Road. Now, they sought something quite different. First, they had to find the perfect location. It took over eight years but, finally, a double lot on Quantuck Bay in Quiogue won their hearts.
The house on the property was swiftly demolished but it took three years to design, build and decorate the home that embodied the dreams of this couple and their two sons. Of course, it was an ambitious project - an over 10,000 square foot house with seven bedrooms plus a guest cottage, eight bathrooms, three sets of stairs, at least three porches, a three-car garage, putting green and dock, and many other splendid details.
Architect Jay Lockett Sears who, this year, celebrates forty years in practice as Sears and Sears in Quogue, is inclined to take the long view, having completed, with his partner Sal Iannone, more than two thousand projects.
"It always has to do with the client. When you have a great client, you get a great house," says Mr. Sears. "In this case, although it is a large house, it doesn't feel like one because one wing is devoted to a pair of suites for the two sons. Each one has a large bedroom and bath as well as a study and there is a separate den for the boys and their guests."
A large pergola borders the pool which overlooks beautiful Quantuck Bay in Quiogue.
Jeanne Leonard Going and her daughter-in-law Jennifer Motz Going of Jeanne Leonard Interiors with offices in Westhampton Beach, were called in before the plans were finalized and spent a great deal of time with the client who was actively involved in the selection process for much of the house's interior.
One steps down into the living room, a quiet oasis with dark stained cherry flooring, a richly detailed coffered ceiling and many antiques.
The centerpiece of the dining room is an extraordinary mechanical dining table that opens to 84" and is paired with antique chairs purchased for both looks and comfort. The dining room buffet was found in France and stripped and refinished and topped with the original marble.
Every room has carefully selected prints and paintings and several black and white photographs by Jennifer Motz Going are also included.
Note the detailed wooden mantle and decorative doorway and mouldings in the living room. The Oriental rug is from Stark Carpets.
The eggplant and cream toile wallpaper palette in the dining room is carried over to the draperies which are striped silk and paired with embroidered sheers.
The master sitting room as well as the bedroom has soft yellows, bright blues and lots of sunlight.
Mr. Sears considers capturing the movement of the sun throughout the day to be of prime importance in this house but eschewed skylights in the house and only has high-hats in the kitchen. Instead, he used many devices to open the house to the sun. For instance, the porch overhangs are designed to reflect light.
Landscape architect Edmund Hollander has done a masterful job in providing drama and easy living glamour with a long sweeping driveway approach to the house and contoured lawns and flower beds.
"Family is the key to this couple's planning. They created very special living arrangements for their sons and entertain guests frequently," says Mr. Sears.
"Yes," agrees, Jeanne. "It's about the coming together of family and friends in a warm, comfortable environment. That's what our design goals are today. This house is the retreat that this family was looking for."
The Stark rug is complemented with antiques and white textured fabrics in the living room.