With Thanksgiving just two days away, I thought I would share with you one of my favorite kitchens/dining rooms ~ Ina Gartens’ East Hampton barn! Her home had outgrown the film crews and mayhem associated with the production of Barefoot Contessa so a few years ago she decided to build a barn equipped with a dream kitchen fit for testing recipes, writing cookbooks, entertaining and of course filming the show. The newly constructed barn blends beautifully with her historic East Hampton home and gardens. In an interview with hamptons.com Ina explains, “This property used to be part of Mulford Farm so I’m literally the second owner, the Mulfords were the original owners from 1640 until I bought it 15 years ago. Historically there used to be a barn here, so when I built the second house two years ago I always knew that it had to be some kind of barn. I actually tried to find the original barn, but they had moved it to Bridgehampton, so by the time I found it – it had fallen down – so that was that.” Ina collaborated with architect Frank Greenwald and interior designer Robert Stilin to create a stunning Belgian country inspired barn. Ina describes the Belgian influences as earthy and elegant, just like her cooking ~ “If you start with really good-quality ingredients, you don’t need to do much to make food taste great. Funny, I always say this about food, but it applies to interiors as well. Start with good-quality furnishings, and you don’t need to do much to make a house look good.” ~ Ina Garten from an interview with House Beautiful
If I ever have the opportunity to design a home from scratch, this barn will most certainly be at the top of my inspiration list. Functional, beautiful, spacious and intimate, it has it all. I can just imagine it being the perfect space for cooking, entertaining, and enjoying the people you love.
above, the kitchen counter is almost 18 feet long divided by a sink in the middle ~ ample room for Ina and her assistant to work comfortably side by side
above, the candlesticks are by Ted Muehling and are available at E.R. Butler & Co. on Charles Street, Boston
above, the guest room/bedroom serves as a quiet retreat for Ina during filming
photos are from House Beautiful
a thoughtful eye 