No one would ever mistake Sagaponack for Indonesia, but this garden was deliberately intended to echo elements of the Aman resort in that Southeast Asia nation. The very spirit and degree of luxury found in an exotic resort is evident in this design, which includes an island-like peninsula in the vast infinity pool. And yet, despite its plantings and a series of intimately scaled outdoor rooms evocative of another clime—including a curtained pavilion—the garden “blends in with its Sagaponack environment,” comments judge Stephanie Odegard. “Nice, contemplative spaces have been created here.”
Moved in 1960 from its original location in Sag Harbor to East Hampton, an 1840s Greek Revival house appeared oddly out of place on its new site. It now seems endemic to it. Over the last seven years, Landscape Details has created perimeter screening by supplementing the property’s existing trees with new shrubbery and evergreens for more privacy. Meanwhile, bluestone terraces have been built on the north, west, and south sides of the house, along with a pool featuring a wisteria-draped dining pergola and numerous garden benches for the owners to enjoy the views from nearly every vantage point. The result: “An all-around beautiful property that feels mature, comfortable, and just right,” says judge Robert Stilin.
For a house that began life as a humble barn, it wouldn’t be surprising for a bountiful garden to take over. But here, as judge Milly de Cabrol states, “The simplicity of the garden does not overpower.” In fact, the contemporary perennial gardens, along with an expansive outdoor living and pool area anchored by a curved awning, “capture the essential qualities of a classic Hamptons garden,” says judge Tom Scheerer. “The basic elements—lawn, hedge, terrace, pergola—are employed with skill.”