Big thanks to my reader Robert in Chicago who alerted me that Michael Bruno’s home in Southampton, New York is featured in the March 2014 issue of British House & Garden. Seeing as we’re due for yet another snow storm, I think it’s the perfect time to visualize that we are escaping to warmer weather in the Hamptons.  The exterior didn’t look like what I expected but that the house was purchased because of the amazing views and lack of neighbors due to the adjacent nature preserve. Usually one to do everything himself, Bruno enlisted his friend Windsor Smith, the California based interior designer, who would create one of her signature “Room in a Box” plans for the house. Bruno said it’s a comfortable and completely designed house. I love how the antiques, many are from his company 1stdibs, stand out from the pale walls. And if I close my eyes, I can almost smell the lavender by the pool. Ahhh….

A vintage sculling boat hull hangs from the ceiling in the living room. A French 1940s églomisé mirror hangs above the fireplace. 

The gilded metal and grey leather bookcases were designed by Windsor Smith.

A Hawaiian cabinet displays fish caught in the 1920’s. 

The shagreen and bronze table was found at JF Chen in Los Angeles. 

The 19th-century marble topped commode was found in New Orleans,

Windsor Smith also designed the bed and console. 

Another bedroom has a 19th-century French daybed and the shell urn and pedestal in the hall are form the 1930’s. 

The exterior abuts the nature preserve and a polo field. 

Lavender surrounds the pool and lends a French feeling to the property. 

Not sure if I’m more jealous of the house or Michael’s prized 1963 Mercedes convertible. 

Photos by Time Street-Porter from Hamptons magazine and British House & Garden magazine.