The absolutely pinch me moment on Friday was being invited to Aerin Lauder‘s house in the Hamptons for lunch and an afternoon of beauty treatments and other activities.  As long time readers will know, I’ve posted photos of the house before (you can see them here) so it was an absolute treat to be able to see it in person.  It was originally her grandmother Estée Lauder‘s home that she bought in the 1970’s and decorated with Mark Hampton.  She loved white columned houses and it was surprising that she found one in an area known for shingle style beach cottages.   It was originally built in the 1960’s for a railroad magnet and had a little caboose behind it that’s still there today.    The house was also a little smaller but when Aerin and her family inherited it, they expanded it and built the new pool house that is the center of activity in the summer.  They did a great job though because it all looks and feels original. In an area known for over sized mansions this home is a breath of fresh air with intimate and inviting rooms.  While I loved the interior, it was the garden and pool area that really impressed me.  They were chic and elegant but relaxed just like our hostess.  One of things that everyone remarked on during the day is the lovely down to earth nature of Aerin Lauder.  Her style in life and entertaining really is effortless and makes you feel at home right away.    We all had an amazing time Friday and can definitely say that we were sad to leave but it was a day that none of us will soon forget.  Thank you again Aerin! 

The hydrangea were in bloom all over the Hamptons making it even more beautiful than usual. 

Bloggers and editors were treated to manicures on this porch and a pilates class on another. 

Iced tea greeted us upon arrival. 

The beautiful pool house and luncheon table.

The garden furniture perfectly complemented the style of the house. 

The landscape designer was Perry Guillot. 

The pool house was inspired by Babe Paley’s pool house at Round Hill, Jamaica most famously seen in the Slim Aarons photo. 

The tablecloth was made from Aerin’s new line of fabric for Lee Jofa. 

as seated between Aerin and Kelly Klein who I enjoyed chatting with about photography. The menus were designed by the artist Happy Menocal whose artwork is sold in the AERIN store in Southampton.

Beautiful arrangements of peonies lined the table. 

  The view of the pool house from the other side. The building on the left houses pool accessories among other items. The building on the right houses a changing room and the bathroom. 

One of the seating arrangements in the pool house with chairs from Wicker Works upholstered in China Seas Ferns linen fabric. 

The faux coral chandelier is from Mecox Gardens. 

  The bathroom and changing pavilion. This is definitely going in the inspiration folder for my future house. 

The beautiful interior of pavilion. 

I love that hats hung here and inside the main house.  

The garden on the other side of the house. 

The swing looked like the perfect place to while away the hours reading on a summer day. See why we didn’t want to leave?

Photos by me via Canon 5D, iPhone 5 and Instagram