A Quintessentially English Renovation on the Gold Coast of Long Island

LONGWOOD BY BRIAN WORTHINGTON & ASSOCIATES

“There is a great connection between the architecture, the interior and the location. It is a wonderful combination that ticks all of the boxes of appropriateness.”

Brian Worthington & Associates were enlisted to carry out a complete restoration and renovation of an important early 20th Century country house on the gold coast of Long Island, built for the Taft family, a former president of the United States of America.

The award-winning interior design team won the award for Luxury Residence - Americas at The International Design and Architecture Awards 2019 - 10th Anniversary. Speaking about the awards, Brian Worthington, Principal and Creative Director of Brian Worthington & Associates commented, “They are becoming increasingly important since they give such a wonderful global and domestic perspective of the most beautiful spaces being created in the 21st Century.”

The team wanted to respect the architecture and create a harmonious interior to the exterior of the property with beautifully scaled and proportioned furniture. Understated elegance was paramount to Brian Worthington & Associates philosophy as well as the clients understanding prior to the project’s design. The majority of the furniture used throughout the design is antique and vintage sourced from the UK and France. The goal was to blend British modern art with the 18th Century and early 19th Centuries. The design team wanted there to be a great connection between the architecture, the interior and the location. It was crucial that the monochromatic back-drop did not compete with the natural beautiful surroundings of the property.

Brian Worthington & Associates had complete control of the turn key installation and an unlimited budget. They selected every element of the interior, including the furniture, fabrics, carpets, books, artwork and all accessories. Everything was chosen under the detailed eye of Brian to ensure they respected and enhanced the restoration of the interior.

The design works so well because the period details are correct and incredibly subtle with unequal refinement. The design has a classical foundation with contemporary 21st Century requirements of how one lives today in an incredibly hectic world. It is an oasis from the second one drives through the driveway to when one walks into the entry foyer. It sets the tone for this incredible relationship between the interior spaces and exterior of the property.

A particular highlight of the property is the man-made pond below the lower lawn at the rear of the property, recommended by Brian Worthington & Associates, of which the clients happily approved. The pond is a true exterior feature of the property and is now a focal point from the drawing room and dining room. Surrounded by an abundance of lush greenery and a variety of foliage, Longwood is at the heart of nature and looks truly picturesque in its setting. The location of the property has been taken advantage of by installing water features, various seating areas where residents can relax outside or entertain and private pool area, surrounded by hedges for privacy.

Upon entering the property, one is greeted with a minimal, yet timeless palette of magnolia juxtaposed with rich dark wood and golds. Natural light streams into the hallway through the classic French doors, allowing residents and guests a view of the pond feature. The minimal colour palette translates throughout the property adding a sense of cohesiveness to the property. Upon entering the living area the cream fabrics and textured are balanced beautifully with the inclusion of dark green cushions arranged on the sofa. The cream tone of the room is striking against the backdrop of various green foliage that can be seen through the windows panelling the room. The lounge space allows one to enjoy nature from the comfort of their sofa, even in poorer weather conditions.

Speaking about how the design integrates into the wider environment, Brian Worthington said, “There is a great connection between the architecture, the interior and the location. It is a wonderful combination that ticks all of the boxes of appropriateness.”

Brian Worthington & Associates have created a property that is timeless in its design and filled with understated elegance. The property includes details that intricately links the interior with the exterior and the property’s natural surroundings. No detail was spared throughout the design process, with specialist and artisan skills used such as the French polishing by a European craftsman, the restoration of important antique furniture and Brian Worthington & Associates own brilliant curtain maker. The design has been carefully curated to reference the 18th Century and early 19th Century and blend this with British modern art. It was essential that monochromatic backdrop did not compete with the natural beautiful surroundings, however, Brian Worthington & Associates have managed to integrate the design seamlessly into its surroundings. Longwood has been designed with a quintessential English elegance that is both functional and timeless for a modern day family.