GLORIOUS GETAWAY

Like a dream holiday home, this subtly luxurious hideout a short distance from Manhattan, New York, channels an intimate, countryside allure.

Portrait of Tammy Strobel

Like a dream holiday home, this subtly luxurious hideout a short distance from Manhattan, New York, channels an intimate, countryside allure.

My Reading Room

ABOVE The spacious kitchen sports a clean and functional feel with a large Valcucine island and wall-mounted cabinets. Most of the dinnerware and cutlery are from Canvas Home.

BELOW The classic lines of the Canvas Home dining table and Wegner chairs emphasise the beauty of simplicity. Dark Linenme curtains frame the wide glass doors.

My Reading Room

On weekends and during the summer, designer Harriet Maxwell Macdonald escapes to this lovely alternate home with husband Andrew and their three children. A mere two-hour drive from frenetic Manhattan in New York, their beachy home is nestled in Shelter Island, a cosy island between Long Island’s north and south forks.

Harriet, a co-founder of Ochre (a firm that designs furniture, lighting and accessories), wanted to create an atmosphere that was relaxing and “would make people feel at home straight away”, she says. With its slate of calming, muted colours and soft elegant furnishings, the chic getaway certainly conveys a palpable sense of natural yet chic comfort.

A big contribution to the carefree, countryside vibe is the stunning view of picturesque wetlands around the five-bedroom home. With the breathtaking exterior view, the interiors were deliberately kept subtle so as not to detract from the natural splendour outdoors. Harriet says: “We’re passionate about nature, and this is reflected in the pool most of all. It blends in with the landscape perfectly, and it’s fantastic to be able to take in the view while lounging in it.”

WHERE TO GO Ochre, www.ochre.net.

My Reading Room

ABOVE A round Canvas Home table and oak wood chairs make a snug seating area near the porch. An organic chandelier by Jonathan Kline for Ochre defines the space.

BELOW A Chesney’s wood burner keeps the living room warm on cold days. Oak wood flooring, a large sisal mat and soft Ochre sofa in De Le Cuona fabric add to the relaxed, rustic vibe.

The office features some vintage finds from a flea market, including a lovely, worn chair and retro table lamp. They complement the vintage desk and washed wood walls to create a cosy work space.
The office features some vintage finds from a flea market, including a lovely, worn chair and retro table lamp. They complement the vintage desk and washed wood walls to create a cosy work space.
My Reading Room

ABOVE The master bedroom bed by Canvas Home is flanked by an eyecatching Scorpion wall light by Ochre. Pillows are dressed up in Kirsten Hecktermann fabric.

BELOW LIFE The stylish master bathroom boasts an elegant Sunrise bathtub perched on custommade Emery & Cie floor tiles. Their floral design injects an uplifting sense into the space.

BELOW RIGHT The children’s playroom has a wall with open shelves and cupboard space for ample storage. A Canvas Home armchair provides an intimate resting space.

My Reading Room
My Reading Room
My Reading Room

ABOVE This deck area adjoining the kitchen provides comfortable lounging space. The sofa bed is custom-made with outdoor fabrics in soothing hues. Plump cushions are from a variety of brands such Cabbage & Roses, Les Indiennes and Kirsten Hecktermann.

BOTTOM Poised against the wetlands, the home is a picture of tranquillity both inside and out.

RIGHT A range of pale ceramics and dinnerware fit perfectly into the natural colour tones and textures of the kitchen.

My Reading Room

Text EILEEN KHOO Photos: GENTL AND HYERS PHOTOGRAPHY.

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