This Hamptons shingle beach house sits on stilts six feet above the ground – perfect for seaside living

The Hamptons is renowned for its exclusive properties and exceptional house design, so it takes something special to stand out, but this shingle beach house certainly does just that. The property was a collaboration between architect Thomas A. Kligerman of Kligerman Architecture & Design and interior designer Charlie Ferrer of interior design studio Ferrer.

‘There had been a house there already, dating from around the 1950s, but the clients needed something bigger,’ explains Tom. ‘They came to us partly because we’re known for our shingle style and we decided to start over.

Their brief was for something that combined modern and traditional, not too fancy and comfortable – a family beach house. Because the house is in a flood zone and had to be built to withstand hurricanes, it stands on stilts six feet above the beach.

From its vantage point, it overlooks the bay and has views to the north point of Long Island. ‘When you’re inside it, all it does is focus you and orient you to the water,’ says Charlie.

Tom’s inspired design includes generous windows to soak up the views and a varied pace with rooms on split levels. The bedrooms, for instance, are located on their own levels ensuring privacy.

‘The house is fairly complex for a relatively small house,’ explains Tom. ‘There’s always a surprise.’ One of the surprises is what’s known as ‘the oyster house’, a cool room beneath the house that’s surrounded by sand and vegetation and forms the perfect place for a clambake.'

The dining porch, meanwhile, plays an unexpected role. ‘The clients called and said, "We like to dance and we like to dance outside but we want to be able to dance even if it’s raining," so what was going to be an open porch gained a roof over it,’ says Tom. ‘That adds a certain amount of romance to the house.’

The interior boasts a carefully considered layout. Highlights include the sitting and dining room, the Great Room, which is one open-plan space, and the Four Seasons room, a sitting space that is an extension of the kitchen.

Natural materials prevail throughout with oak ceilings a statement feature. The aim with the decor was a cozy, cottagey, historically-inspired interior with a watery palette. ‘We wanted it to feel oceanic and organic, bringing the colors in from the sunset and the way the light plays with the bay, as well as the sand,’ explains Charlie.

The Great Room, for instance, has a backdrop of lavender-blue walls. ‘We wanted this sense of a cozy neutral. It reads blue in certain light and has a wonderful dynamic range to it. So many Hamptons rooms are stark white. We wanted depth and mood.’

To that end, the interior palette spans bold maritime blues through to soft pinks, with pops of intense sea greens. The furniture throughout is a mix of mid-century modern French, Italian, and Scandinavian.

‘For me, it’s about an interesting mix of styles, materials, ideas. It’s about collecting things that are complementary of each other,’ says Charlie. Notable finds include the pendants over the kitchen island that came from a Swedish hospital complex.

There are also subtle nautical references. ‘We put brass portholes into some doors and the doors at the back of the dining area are glass with horizontal metal bronze bands in them, which is also picked up in the bathroom details,’ explains Tom.

‘As well as mid-century, there’s a tad of the 1930s peeking in that is a nod to the elegant era of steamships.’

Meet the designer

Charlie Ferrer shares his style inspiration

What part of the house do you consider the greatest success?

The enfilade of rooms – from the Four Seasons room through the kitchen to the dining and sitting room.

Is there a small change you made that had a massive impact?

The elimination of all drywall in favor of boards, a combination of oak and painted, throughout – actually it was a large change but the impact of it was immense.

Which colors are your go-to?

Warm blues and desaturated purples, pinks, greens, and blues.

What's your favorite design detail?

The marriage of oak and bronze.

Can you reveal a secret shopping address?

R E Steele Antiques, East Hampton.

Which elements make the property feel 'coastal'?

The expansive deck encompassing sun chaises, a large dining area and two seating areas, and space for dancing. Also, the floor-to-ceiling custom windows in the main bedroom give the feeling of floating on the water.

How did you find inspiration?

The bay, the sea, early Hamptons cottages, English and Italian references.