In Amagansett on the eastern end of Long Island, Bates Masi + Architects designed a family home that draws inspiration from the area’s agricultural past while feeling entirely modern. The property sits between meadow and woodland, a landscape that once served as communal grazing land for early settlers, and the design references that history through its architecture and planting design.
The house is made up of interconnected gabled forms that echo traditional barns found throughout the region. Instead of recreating historic buildings directly, the architects adapted familiar shapes and materials into something more contemporary, creating a home that feels warm, relaxed, and closely tied to the character of Long Island.
Weathered Shingles and Thatch Create a Distinct Exterior
One of the most striking details is the exterior palette. Weathered wood shingles wrap the home in a finish commonly seen throughout the region, helping the house feel immediately familiar within the coastal landscape.
The architects also introduced traditional thatch siding between exposed exterior framing, referencing the tall grasses that once covered the grazing pastures surrounding the site. The contrast between the textured shingles, structured timber framing, and soft thatch gives the exterior a layered appearance that changes beautifully in different light.
Breezeways Connect the Home to the Landscape
The different volumes of the home are linked by breezeways that blur the line between indoors and outdoors. Exterior paving and siding continue through these passageways, creating a seamless transition as you move between spaces.
The landscaping also plays a major role in the experience of the property. Plantings were arranged in zones inspired by the original pasture parcels, with varying grass heights creating privacy, framed views, and texture throughout the site. Along the entry path, elevated grasses rise to eye level, making the arrival feel immersive and unexpected.
Outdoor Spaces Designed for Gathering and Relaxation
The public areas of the home revolve around gathering spaces designed for family life. A covered outdoor lounge centers around an oversized fireplace, creating a comfortable place to spend evenings outdoors through changing seasons.
Another outdoor area is dedicated to quiet relaxation, with a built-in daybed overlooking the swimming pool. Together, these spaces give the home a resort-like atmosphere while still feeling welcoming and lived in.
Warm Natural Materials Shape the Interiors
Inside, natural materials bring warmth throughout the home. Oak, clay tiles, and plaster finishes soften the contemporary architecture and create interiors that feel calm and inviting.
Black window frames stand out against the oak detailing, adding contrast to the otherwise light and earthy palette. In the open-plan living area, a long built-in bench provides generous seating while strengthening the connection between the indoors and adjacent outdoor living spaces.
High Ceilings and Light-Filled Living Spaces
The steep roof pitches are more than just an exterior design feature. Inside, they create soaring ceilings that make the living spaces feel open and airy. Strategic cuts through the roof ridges allow natural light to filter deep into the interiors.
In the kitchen, gray stone countertops and backsplashes pair with light wood cabinetry and a matching island, creating a restrained material palette that feels timeless without being overly minimal.
Sculptural Stairs and Calm Private Spaces
Wood stairs with hidden lighting connect the different levels of the house, adding a subtle sculptural element to the interior. The detailing feels refined while still maintaining the home’s relaxed atmosphere.
In the main bedroom, the steep roofline allows daylight to flood the space, making the room feel bright throughout the day.
The en-suite bathroom continues the warm material palette with a wood vanity that blends seamlessly into the wall behind it. Vertical detailing emphasizes the height of the ceiling, while a freestanding bathtub and minimalist black faucet complete the serene space.
This home by Bates Masi + Architects takes familiar architectural elements from Long Island’s past and transforms them into a modern family home filled with warmth, texture, and natural light. From the weathered shingles and thatch siding to the oversized fireplaces and airy interiors, every part of the design feels closely linked to the history of the site while still embracing contemporary living.