RESTORATION
The Restoration Process
We have always loved old houses. In 2014, after two years of careful planning, we began a complete historic restoration and renovation of our home. For over two centuries, No. 23 had stood as a place of shelter and history—but like so many of Sag Harbor’s original homes, it was in dire need of renewal. The transformation would not have been possible without the master craftsmanship of builder Rogerio Fernandes.
The house was meticulously deconstructed, piece by piece. Only the exterior shell, central staircase, and one chimney remained intact. Every other element—brick, stone, beam, board, door, and mantel—was carefully removed, restored, and returned to its original location. Wherever possible, the original windows were salvaged and repaired. The result is a home that retains its early 19th-century character while incorporating the comfort and efficiency of 21st-century design.
All plumbing, wiring, and insulation were replaced, and the main house now features four independent heating and cooling zones. Each of the four fireplaces has been reopened and is fully functional. A comprehensive hard-wired fire and security system with central monitoring was installed. The pool cabana is a fully finished space with its own heating, cooling, and bathroom. Surrounding it all, the gardens, terraces, and heated gunite pool provide a tranquil and beautifully designed outdoor retreat.