An antique structure at a New York estate rich with Gilded Age lore, and a dash of scandal, has been made anew by Hutker Architects and is a striking sight to behold.
Known for creating custom design solutions that honor a home’s sense of place, the firm was entrusted to reimagine this historic car barn into a modern-day party barn while maintaining the building’s essence. With great thought, they created a sophisticated haven for entertaining or lounging that the current owners now enjoy to the fullest.
But, before getting to the building’s recent rebirth, let’s take a stroll into its past. The property is famous for its ties to the Goulds, one of the wealthiest American families of the Gilded Age. George Jay Gould—who is said to have inherited $15 million when his railroad magnate father, Jay Gould, died in the 1890s—purchased the waterfront estate for his mistress, actress Guinevere Sinclair.
Today, it still holds the well-maintained, Tudor-style mansion where she raised their children and this former car barn Gould built closer to the shoreline. Though that might seem standard for such a grand property, it was quite cutting-edge for the time as cars were not the norm yet.
When Hutker Architects first arrived to the site and toured the over 100-year-old outbuilding, it was more of a workshop or large storage space and not frequently in use. The homeowners knew it had potential to be more, but did not want to wash away its history and were determined to preserve the existing structure. Hutker Architects elevated it beyond what the homeowners had ever imagined in a meticulous, collaborative process.
Lead by partner Tom McNeill, AIA, the team was first and foremost focused on bolstering the spirit of the structure and its connection to the landscape. Following its form and past life as a car barn, they kept the floorplan open and voluminous, which naturally lead the project towards a minimalist, organic design. McNeill opened up the walls and filled them with glass, which highlighted the existing gable roof and expanded the views.
The architect reflects, “The original car barn had no glass and only a single door on the water side, serving as access to the ‘garage.’ We retained the best elements and added glass to create an expressive room form that accentuated the stone.”
Though the project involved deconstructing and rebuilding, much care was taken with the materials. The party barn intentionally showcases original stone outside, rustic yet tailored wood beams, and imperfect original brick inside with remnants of spray paint to root the structure in its history and create palpable warmth. In contrast, the pocket glass doors and fashionable kitchen allow for an entirely new experience. The clients and their guests can easily flow inside and out for gatherings, relishing in the new landscaping and pool designed by Janice Parker.
Earth hues and rich textures shine with the interior design, also brought to life by Hutker Architects. The eye wanders through the mix of beige, brown, golden, and amber tones peacefully without distraction. While the historic main house has more ornate dressings, the clean atmosphere of the party barn was a thoughtful decision. McNeill explains, “It was deliberately minimal in response to the existing building that avoided ornate elements in favor of clean, contemporary details.”
One breathtaking decor element that does stop you in your tracks is the sculptural chandelier with iridescent glass discs and a mobile-like shape. Ethereal and airy, it provides a subtle wow factor without overtaking the beauty of the architecture or the setting.
Whether the clients’ kids are hanging out in the party barn loft or a waterfront cocktail party is underway with caterers cooking, this enlivened retreat near the main house is meant for moments of leisure and levity. Devising a place their clients will cherish and use often is always the ultimate goal for the Hutker Architects team, who has created over 400 homes in its 35-year history. McNeill shares, “It’s not just about building a house; it’s about creating a life within it that truly matters.”
Architecture and Interiors: Hutker Architects; Builder: Hobbs, Inc.; Landscape Architect: Janice Parker