A Love Letter to Linden

“Linden Estate is a place to experience in person. The gardens meander and have exterior ‘rooms’ that excite and inspire,” shares coveted interior designer Steven Gambrel, founder and president of S.R. Gambrel, Inc. “Outdoor lunches can be served in several areas, and each element of the house is carefully fitted out for usability. No considerations were left on the table; it’s a house for living.” Gambrel draws inspiration from architectural vernacular of the particular region for each commission, and his hallmark is properly proportioned structures and details, partnered with a carefully curated collection of vintage, antique, and custom furniture he designs himself.

Although Steven’s projects in New York City, Aspen, Miami, Virginia, London, Zurich, Hong Kong, and beyond have won him a diverse and devoted clientele, one could argue that the Hamptons has a hold of his heart. Whether designing an 1800’s Sag Harbor whaling cottage, or a sprawling oceanfront compound, Gambrel showcases his passion for timeless, comfortable homes that only improve with age, including Linden Estate, his latest jaw-dropping renovation.

Exquisite grace and grandeur hallmark this historic masterpiece, beautifully preserving its authentic original details throughout 18,000 square feet, and basking in 10 acres of park-like privacy on exclusive Ox Pasture Road in the heart of the coveted Estate Section of Southampton. Gambrel shared what inspires him, how the Linden Estate project came to life, and what is so special about working in the Hamptons.

LUX: There is a haute list of Hamptonites clamoring to work with you on their homes. Is there a common thread as to why they are so drawn to your designs?

Steven Gambrel: The Hamptons have always represented a place of American warmth and casualness. When I design in this region, it is often the textures and colors of nature that inspire me. My Hamptons clients consistently want a casual vibe and meandering volumes, but now with more amenities to entertain growing family generations. They want people and family to naturally gravitate toward their home.New Paragraph

LUX: How did you become involved with the Linden Estate project?

Steven Gambrel: I have worked with the clients for several years, and I have worked on Linden for well over a decade. The estate has an amazing architectural history, and it was important to everyone that every element added to the house was a reflection of its long storied history, while adding the amenities one expects from an estate of this caliber.

LUX: How do you break down such a massive renovation project?

Steven Gambrel: Details and program with this extensive scale take years to design and build. We had an overall plan for the entire compound, and then we developed zones, such as the new pool pavilion, as the house developed. The home is filled with curated finds every item was carefully selected or made in Europe and in New York, for the best of the best. The an- tiques have original patina and unusual details. My clients are collectors of many things, so over the years they have acquired furniture, lighting, and objects, so a lot of the pieces incorporated at Linden were not purchased specifically for the house, but rather came from the client’s own stock.

LUX: What inspired the beautiful palette of colors and myriad textures at Linden Estate?

Steven Gambrel: The immediate views of the Hamptons are always an inspiration to me: The clear crisp light, the contrast of oyster shell into reeds, into silvery greens, into cool blue grey wa- ter, and the soft clear sky. The legendary reflected light of the East End gives a mercurial effect, a pale silvery grey I love to capture. The inspired textures of the landscape are easiest defined in my designs through hand-knitted wool, white oaks and bleached grey wood, and Belgian linens with their nubby qualities and ease of use.

UX: What is your favorite space in the home and why?

Steven Gambrel: I love the original oak-paneled library, with the intricate plaster ceiling and warm mellow tones, but I like it even more when you contrast it with the beachy tones of the breakfast room, and the lean steel windows that direct your eye to the endless view of the outrageous gardens. The original paneling at Linden is really beautiful, and gave me inspiration for small profiles to utilize in new millwork, such as cabinetry and new paneled halls... the profile is so specific, we call it the Linden Cove molding.

LUX: Please tell us about the stunning pool house plein air design?

Steven Gambrel: The pool house is a pavilion that can be entirely opened on two sides to create a room within a vast garden. The oversized architectural verdigris copper mirror was a special find, as well as the large rustic root table acquired in Europe. This space was designed for dramatic nighttime entertaining as well.