As the owner of New York design firm Blake & Dane, Jamie Morgan is used to bringing beauty to the homes of her discerning clients. This time, however, the design process was personal—it’s her own space. 

“We wanted to move to Oyster Bay Cove, a true hidden gem. It is the perfect blend of coastal charm and rich history. From the scenic waterfront, to the local shops and restaurants, to the sense of community…it’s a place that feels vibrant and peaceful,” she says. “We fell in love with this carriage house and the history behind it,” she explains.

The main house of the Ontare Estate was designed by Carrere & Hastings, some of the most prominent architects of the American Gilded Age. They were apprentices of McKim Mead and White, and educated in Paris in the Beaux-Arts French National Style. The property’s carriage house was designed by G. Clinton Mackenzie, complementing the main house and reflecting the overall style of the estate.

“When you walk into the space you can feel both the size, and the intimacy,” Jamie tells us. “There are 12-foot ceilings, and an entryway cupola that soars 30 to 40 feet. You can see where the hay entered the house, and some of the barn doors have authentic wear, so you can still imagine the horses passing through. The goal was to enhance and draw out these features, while of course modernizing the living space for our family.”

The property was close to perfect but ready to be enhanced. Due to the age of the home, they updated the heating and cooling elements. The majority of the home was outfitted with brand new Marvin windows, wood floors with radiant heat were installed throughout, and most spaces were reinsulated. 

The kitchen also needed updating. “The original kitchen was a long narrow galley kitchen that didn’t have an island, or a central meeting area,” the designer recalls. “We needed to create a space that accommodated a large kitchen island, as a key gathering point for family meals and entertaining.” The 12-foot ceilings posed cabinet design challenges, but adding a library ladder resolved those issues. A custom plaster hood adds style, while Arabesco Antico marble countertops add a major style element. The lighting throughout is by Visual Comfort. 

Finally, it was important that the home office felt private, but still open and airy. By restoring the original window that divided the office and kitchen, the office was able to overlook the living space making it extremely comfortable to work in. She added thoughtful details, like switches and outlets from Buster & Punch and a textural Phillip Jeffries wallcovering. 

The goal of the 12-month project was to maintain the character, while modernizing the amenities and adjusting the layout. “That was accomplished!” Jamie says. “And we couldn’t be happier.”