Front exterior of the East Bay Road residence, featuring a minimalist stucco facade with a striking blue metal roof. The entrance is framed by a glass canopy and modern wall sconces, while a gravel driveway winds through lush greenery. The surrounding mature trees enhance the secluded, natural setting of this reimagined home.

Front entrance of the East Bay Road residence, featuring a vibrant orange door framed by a white trim and sheltered by a modern glass canopy. Decorative wall sconces flank the doorway, while two stone planters with red flowers and surrounding ornamental grasses enhance the entryway. A sculptural wall relief adds a classical touch to the cream-colored facade, blending contemporary and traditional design elements.

Cozy living room of the East Bay Road residence featuring exposed brick walls, rustic wooden beams, and a neutral-toned sectional sofa accented with burnt orange cushions. A wooden coffee table holds books and a decorative box, while vintage-inspired wall sconces and a large mirror add character. In the background, a modern dining area is visible, with a wooden table and minimalist chairs set beneath a contemporary chandelier.

Inviting living space in the East Bay Road home, featuring exposed brick walls and rustic wooden beams. A cozy sectional sofa with orange accents faces a brick fireplace with an arched opening and a mounted flat-screen TV. The patterned tile floor adds character, while built-in shelves display books and decorative objects. Natural light streams through large windows, enhancing the room’s warm, earthy tones and eclectic decor.

Contemporary kitchen in the East Bay Road residence featuring warm wood cabinetry and a central island with a patterned butcher block countertop. The space is accented by patterned tile flooring in blue and cream tones, adding vibrancy. Modern appliances, including a stainless steel oven with an orange door, complement the clean, minimalist design. A recessed display shelf holds sunflowers in a blue vase, providing a cheerful touch, while ceramic jars and eclectic decor enhance the kitchen’s inviting atmosphere.

Bright hallway in the East Bay Road residence, leading to a dining area with a wooden table and chairs positioned by large glass doors that open to a lush garden view. The floor features a vibrant blue and cream patterned tile, adding texture and color to the neutral walls. A rustic wooden ledge along the hallway displays decorative objects, including a carved wooden hand and stacked stone sculptures. Simple black-framed artwork is arranged in a linear pattern on the wall above, contributing to the minimalist yet thoughtfully curated aesthetic.

Dining area in the East Bay Road residence, featuring exposed brick walls and two large windows that allow natural light to brighten the space. A rectangular wooden dining table with six matching chairs sits on a patterned blue and cream tiled floor. A contemporary chandelier with brass accents and spherical white bulbs hangs above the table. A framed landscape painting decorates one wall, while a simple glass bowl serves as the table centerpiece, adding an understated elegance to the rustic-modern aesthetic of the room.

East Bay Road

Size: 2,600 Sq Ft

3 Bderooms

Location: Hampton Bays, NY

Contractor: Blair Dibble Builders

Uncovering Hidden Potential

When a British couple discovered an early 1900s carriage house nestled on two acres in Hampton Bays, they recognized its untapped potential beneath years of incongruous renovations. They engaged architect Pamela Glazer to restore and reimagine the historic property.

"The original carriage house possessed an inherent charm that had been obscured by inappropriate architectural elements, including ornate Versailles-style moldings that conflicted with the building's authentic character," explains Glazer. "The clients demonstrated remarkable vision in seeing the property's underlying potential for revitalization."

The 2,600-square-foot carriage house to a waterfront residence on Shinnecock Bay required comprehensive architectural intervention to honor its historical significance while incorporating modern amenities. The renovation scope encompassed:

A completely reimagined kitchen
A dedicated mudroom designed for the clients' passion for gardening
New tile flooring throughout the interior spaces
A distinctive blue roof installation
Three thoughtfully configured bedrooms
Three fully renovated bathrooms
Enhanced water views from the second floor

"Our initial focus was addressing fundamental architectural challenges," Glazer notes. "We redesigned the staircase to resolve height clearance issues and removed a poorly constructed sunroom addition that compromised the building's integrity. While upgrading all systems, we preserved and enhanced significant original elements, including the living room fireplace."

Preserving Character, Enhancing Function

The restoration highlighted authentic architectural details, including exposed original brick in the living room, complemented by the addition of a reclaimed beam – one brick column was added to balance the room.

The custom kitchen design showcases artisanal applewood cabinetry, featuring thoughtful details such as a dedicated toaster alcove and a walnut butcher block countertop. A statement orange range serves as a vibrant focal point, while Provence-inspired tile work throughout the home reflects the clients' aesthetic preferences.

Glazer extended the architectural vision to the exterior, incorporating an innovative greenhouse within the property's new perimeter wall. Complementary design elements include custom glass awnings over the exterior doors and outdoor cooking area. The architect surprised the clients by echoing the interior's accent color in the front door and garden gate, creating a cohesive design narrative.

Despite the challenges of initiating construction during the spring of 2020, when the pandemic impacted material availability and permit processes, the project achieved its vision of melding historic charm with contemporary functionality. The clients have since enjoyed multiple summers in their transformed residence, expressing profound satisfaction with the comprehensive renovation.