Historic East Hampton House Transformed Into a Mindful Retreat

Jessica Vertullo and Christopher Stewart’s East Hampton Village compound unites a finesse of monochromatic delight and depth of detail. Quality and seaside enchantment stream through the bloodlines of this property inside and out.

Exuding adventurous and holistic personalities, Vertullo and Stewart have excelled with injecting their authentic selves into their design style.

The property is in close proximity to the center of the village with an adaptable kinesthetic that rings true to the roots of East Hampton. Consisting of a main house, guest house, separate gym and yoga studio, the feng shui presents itself to be private integral grounds that feel nurtured with delight.

Vertullo and Stewart have mastered the art of entertaining. Their home boasts a vast open-plan kitchen and dining area with a custom-made dining room table that seats an impressive number of guests without feeling the space is cramped. Original floorboards outfit the area that were bleached to add a light airy dimension, complementing the radiation of the natural interior.

The main living room displays a Nordic feel, continuing the theme of being monochromatic and soft, which was a goal of theirs when designing the home. Being raised in East Hampton, Vertullo is devoted to local stores and artists, with Homenature being a firm go-to. Mixing in a dense Restoration Hardware rug provides elevated warmth to the space, being a work of art in its own right.

“We put a lot of love and work into the property, trying to retain the architectural elements of this 100-year-old house and not ripping it down and building new,” Vertullo said.

The renovation was guided by a respect for the home’s original spirit, rather than a desire to modernize and lean into whimsical trends. Every decision, from material choice to layout flow, was rooted in intention, creating a seamless blend of function, comfort and subtle luxury. The result is a space that feels timeless yet personal, where natural textures, curated objects, and thoughtful light all work together to tell a narrative that represents their identity genuinely.

Dabbling in art, Vertullo’s work is specked throughout the house with one piece being an expansive photograph from Burning Man mixed in with a work by Libby Shuttle. The art selections feel not only curated but instinctive, adding a layer of personality that blends seamlessly with the home’s aesthetic.

The upper level continues the thread of minimalist coastal with a spa-like aura. The primary bedroom sings to the zen nature of the house with white marble bringing schematic strength to the bathroom. A separate sitting room is an inviting temptation to have a moment of privacy, demanding it to not be a neglected space in the house.

Michael Derrig of Landscape Details transformed the outer grounds with a storybook setting for magical dinner parties framing the dining table with trees in a symmetrical execution. This symmetry is shown throughout the outer grounds and a predominantly vocal statement with true understated class.

A dreamy photograph of the Amalfi Coast in Italy that hangs in the guest house tells a story of well-traveled people and exudes beauty of a different kind than the Hamptons. The space has everything guests desire, including their own kitchen and the gift of peaceful privacy.

A cold plunge and hot tub are permanent fixtures on the grounds, quietly nestled beside the yoga studio for an extension of wellness and retreat.

“We love having friends come and stay and have a place to relax,” Vertullo said. “Being a lifelong resident here, it’s so lovely to be in the village and be part of the community, even the moments when we walk the dog around the block and have conversations with neighbors.”

Spending their winters in Costa Rica, this summer home is unassuming from the street and a peaceful spacious sanctuary that unfolds with grace and ease once you enter. Every corner feels considered, offering a sense of calm that is settled and immersed into the atmosphere.