Dating back to 1850, this farmhouse sits at the tip of Long Island's North Fork, positioned across from a small marina and just before the cross-sound ferry. The property was originally owned by the Latham family, whose descendants still live and farm in the area. It served as the farmhouse for a large tract of land that stretched from the county road at its southern edge to Long Island Sound at its northern edge. In the 1970s, the tract was subdivided and sold for development, leaving the existing house and barn on a 1.6-acre parcel.
Our work on the property unfolded over several years with a budget-conscious approach focused on creating an atmosphere of relaxed comfort and simple living. The initial interior renovation involved stripping away old wallpaper and painting everything white, including the floors in some areas. Where possible, we revealed and refinished the original wide-plank pine floors.
The existing second-floor bathrooms were cramped and poorly laid out along a dark hallway connecting the front bedrooms to the back bedroom. During our remodel, we rearranged the second-floor bathrooms in a more communal spirit. The sinks were placed back-to-back on a wall dividing the space, toilets were positioned in discrete compartments, and the shower space was expanded and enclosed to provide both a wet area for washing and a dry area for hanging towels and robes. Closing the sliding door between the two sinks effectively converts the overall space into two separate bathrooms when needed.
Most fixtures and some furnishings were sourced from vintage suppliers and mixed with more contemporary pieces to shape the eclectic character of the house. Many artifacts reflecting the history of farming and fishing were recovered and repurposed while clearing the historic post-and-beam barn. Driftwood stumps, shells, and beach stones were placed about the interior to elaborate on the specific character of the place.
Following the interior work, the property was further transformed to extend living activities outdoors. A pergola structure was added to define a dining area, and an outdoor shower enclosure was installed outside the laundry room. Sited away from the house, the swimming pool uses the historic barn as a backdrop, while a new deck utilizes the area under an existing solar panel structure as a pool cabana. Pool fencing integrates with the deck railings, and ornamental grasses further define the edges.