"One of life's greatest luxuries is to own and to live in a great estate where we can breathe and relax. A place to enjoy with our families, friends, and the one's we love the most. Where memories and friendships are formed to own forever" explains James Michael Howard (JMH) owner and designer of Edgefield, now in construction on Highland Terrace in Bridgehampton. Sprawling across 2.6 acres looking over acres of farm field to the south and the ocean beyond, this 10,000+ SF, 7 bedroom estate is Jim’s vision of the perfect house. "Proportion, atmosphere, detail and luxury, are the defining ingredients of Edgefield. Consciously moving away from formality, I considered and re-imagined the prevailing Hampton’s style" JMH. Upon entering the 2.6 acre gated property, one experiences the view corridor through the gardens to the pool pavilion. Continuing along the drive, through the porte-cochere, the arrival court welcomes guests with warm stone paving and intricate plantings. "I wanted to design an expressive residence that was rich with detail and filled with light. All rooms should be seamlessly joined together by natural sunlight and lovely views." JMH. An intimate foyer and paneled galleries welcome all across French limestone floors that co-exist with comfortable spaces that are designed for everyday living. The formal living and dining rooms have a multi-layered design aesthetic that includes coffered ceilings, elegant moldings and hand carved French limestone mantles. The first floor plan secludes the library and master suite from that of the public entertaining areas. Luxurious fixtures, cabinetry, custom moldings and beams are the hallmark of this magnificent master wing. The bespoke wooden mantle provides the perfect composition with a large plasma TV above. The Master Bathroom has custom mosaic marble flooring with a pair of linen cabinets with etched glass doors that were derived from the crystal stemware of William Yeoward. The kitchen and family room allow plenty of room for small or large gatherings which open to the oversized covered patio with fireplace. The kitchen cabinets are a mixture of mahogany and painted surfaces with a breccia marble island and Subzero, Viking and Miele appliances. Upstairs a guest master shares the 2nd floor with 3 additional guest bedroom suites, an office, laundry room and unfinished space that adds infinite possibilities. "I have long felt that staircases were one of the most important design opportunities of a home... they combine art and science like no other feature in one's home…"JMH. The main stairwell is an artful combination of hand turned custom design spindles, with a curving platform that is inlaid with custom parquetry in a "spider web" pattern. The French polished hand rail is finished in a way that is only found on some of the finest antiques. The rear stair, that connects to the finished lower level was engineered to appear to "float" from floor to floor and is a complex blend of installation and engineering. The finished lower level offers large recreational spaces, media, wine and exercise rooms. There is additionally a living room with gas fireplace and custom limestone mantel as well as two staff suites, a full bath and powder room all serviced by its own fully equipped kitchenette. A Crestron system controls the entire estate which is powered by a combination of geothermal and gas systems for the highest degree of efficiency possible. "I have always seen the landscape as one of endless opportunity. A great house must be set out in a place that is lovely to behold; manipulated, cultivated, natural and lovely. The designed environment enhances and unites the relationship between indoors and outdoors by responding to the landscape, the vernacular, but primarily to the intrinsic beauty of the region. It was through this process that Edgefield was born." JMH Gardens of boxwood hedges and hydrangeas anchor the lawn on the west side of the house. Beyond the large pool pavilion with full bath overlooking the 54' pool and spa, is a terraced lawn. The gardens on the east side of the house consist of boxwood parterres featuring hornbeam hedges and obelisks shading the path from the arrival court to the sunken tennis court. Views from within the home are of an endless landscape. "If I could sum up in one word what all great estate should hold sacred, it would be imagination. There are, of course, numerous other qualities that deserve high marks...space, originality, atmosphere, and charm, but the one trait I always strive for in every home that I design is to dream of some place that would be magical and suitable to its new owners." JMH