A rare example of French Châteauesque architecture in the Hamptons, this home renovation gave McKenzie Milhousen of By George Collective an opportunity to merge old-world elegance with her client’s preference for masculine minimalism. Nicole Franzen captured the home’s incredible transformation, highlighting McKenzie’s refined point of view in creating a space that feels both grounded and grand.

From By George Collective… This was a two-year project—an extensive gut renovation taken back to the studs. The home features French Châteauesque architecture, which is rare for the Hamptons, so I leaned into it, striving to strike a balance between my client’s attraction to masculine minimalism and the inherent architectural theme. Our priority was reworking the floor plan and opening the back of the home to the two acres of wooded grounds, pool, and tennis court, while adding architectural interest through staircases and arched entrances. The previous layout was quite chopped up, and while I’m not a huge fan of open-concept homes, my client is—so we needed to find a way to give each room its own personality while still feeling cohesive.

Some personal highlights include the antique oak French doors with original hardware leading to the bar room, and the custom cabinetry throughout, including an integrated wine cellar for my client’s vast collection. My favourite details are the mix of vintage and custom pieces, like the 1950s Italian sofa in the primary suite beneath a custom light fixture covered in Zak & Fox fabric, or the custom-designed limestone table in the bar room under a mid-century French chandelier.

Discover the talent behind the story… Interior Design: By George Collective · Photography: Nicole Franzen · Styling: Brittany Albert