Bridgehampton architect Preston T. Phillips [above] has never been afraid to GO BOLD when he goes home! With a discerning roster of tastemaker clients including fashion designer Regina Kravitz, whom he designed a summer home in Southampton for, and painter Lowell Nesbitt, for whom he created the ultimate upstate New York country house, Phillips work is lauded in countless shelter titles, such as: Southern Accents, Interior Design, Elle Decor, Dwell, and Architectural Digest.

 

 

KDH eagerly accepted a recent invitation to photograph Preston’s fabulous Hamptons home & gardens [which landed the cover of Architectural Digest, btw!], and to learn more about this charming Southern gentleman….Enjoy his NEW KDHamptons At-Home Diary below:

 

 

 

 

KDHamptons: How long have you been living in the Hamptons? Why do you love it so much?

Preston Phillips: Full time since 1984, although my first visit was Labor Day 1974, my first weekend in NYC when I moved from Alabama. I designed my first house here in 1979 and the owners have just retained me to design an addition and some upgrades to the original house.

 

 

 

 

 

 

KDHamptons: Please describe your architecture business ? How would you describe your style of design?

Preston: Modernist Design has always interested me. I moved to NYC to work with Paul Rudolph as his apprentice, so that pretty much says it all. I do however love old buildings, particularly houses. As in people, one can, and should, learn a great deal from older homes. [ www.prestontphillips.com ]

 

 

 

 

 

 

KDHamptons: What inspired you to build your extraordinarily unique home?

Preston: I have always been fascinated by The DeStijl movement in Art & Architecture from the early 20th Century, and am very much drawn to the use of primary color and pure geometry in design. When I moved here I specifically looked for property where the house would not be visible until arrival.

 

 

KDHamptons: Where did you acquire you love of gardening and green thumb skills?

Preston: Through visiting my grandparents farm in Alabama as a child. I would never miss an opportunity to visit my grandparents and work with them in the garden.

 

 

 

 

 

 

KDHamptons: You taught us about “swapping” on our garden tour. Please share the backstory with KDHamptons readers?

Preston: Well, swapping is less prevalent now, particularly out here, but in my grandparents’ day that was the only way to add something new to your garden, especially from other regions and climates. When friends and relatives would travel to visit each other, they would bring along a special plant, flower, or seed to share with their hostess. Many of the varieties of flowers that grow in my garden came to me in this fashion. I still give plants to interested friends, also seeds such as Columbine.

 

 

 

 

KDHamptons: Which part of your garden is your favorite? You can pick two actually.

Preston: That would be like picking a favorite child! Actually the garden beds are designed to bloom at different times of the spring, summer and autumn so each is important in its own way. In winter the Evergreen backdrop is equally important.

 

 

 

 

 

 

KDHamptons: How many varieties of flowers and plants do you estimate you have?

Preston: Scores! I really have no idea. I have many varieties of heirloom bulbs, Iris and Day Lilies, as well as many “old fashioned” blooming shrubs such as Spirea and Brides Bouquet and quite a number of Hydrangea. It’s really a “Country Garden”.

 

 

 

 

 

 

KDHamptons: Share a tip on how to grow such enormous gorgeous peonies?

Preston: I acquire my peonies from a grower in Oregon whose stock is excellent. Then it’s about the right conditions. Remember, peonies want a lot of sun!

 

 

KDHamptons: What made you decide to plant bamboo on your property?

Preston: Actually, Jack Larsen gave us eight stalks of his Golden Bamboo from Round House to plant as an entrance gate to our property. We dug it up put it in the back of a pickup truck and planted it the same day. It is now a giant tunnel of bamboo that you pass through as you approach the house [below]!

 

 

 

 

KDHamptons: What is your favorite East End nursery?

Preston: There are many favorites and they are all good for different things. I go to Marders for trees and shrubs, Lynch’s in Southampton for garden staples and perennials. If having a photo shoot or party and “ringers” are needed [particularly around Labor Day when my garden has mostly bloomed out], Eastland Farms in Water Mill always has a huge stock of plants in bloom to use as filler. Interestingly, Agway in Bridgehampton is my go-to place for annuals for the same reason ~ always lots of stock in full bloom.

 

 

 

 

KDHamptons: How would you describe the interior design of your home? Which room is your favorite and why?

Preston: It is a Modern home, but every visitor remarks how warm and inviting it “feels”. I love the skyroom [below]. Regardless of the season or time of day, or night, it stands out. There is really nothing else quite like it, and “Marilyn” holding forth above the fireplace is always a show stopper.

 

 

 

 

 

 

KDHamptons: You have acquired an enviable art collection. Which pieces do yo love most?

Preston: I love the large triptich by Lynton Wells which hangs behind the dining table. It is actually a photosynthesized linen canvas. Also, the large colorful print in the entry foyer by Robert Rauschenberg is always an eye catcher as guests arrive. [see both below]

 

 

 

 

KDHamptons: You love to entertain at home. Who cooks? What is your go-to best dish?

Preston: We have many, for me crab cakes is a crowd favorite as is my risotto, which is a very versatile dish for any season. Chuck’s homemade chicken pot pies are legendary and often requested by guests, as are his Kathleen King- taught lard crust fruit pies. Need I say more?

 

 

 

 

 

 

KDHamptons: You are a consummate host, please share your top three hosting tips:

Preston: Okay, here goes…

1. Never invite guests before 7:30 for dinner. It’s just impossible to get everything pulled together before then.

2. Set a unique table scape just for the occasion, with flowers from the garden or objects, place cards [essential even for 4], a special music play list tailored to the evening, and candles as the primary light source.

3. Always ask if there are any dietary restrictions, regardless of how well you may know someone. Nothing is worse than cooking Cassoulet for three days only to discover on arrival that your friends visiting from Germany have “become vegetarians” since you last saw them!

 

 

 

 

 

**All photos in this feature by Kelli Delaney Kot