In a village where architectural history is part of the community, a 19th-century classical revival house with a touch of literary history has been restored and expanded with care. The 1841 home, once visited by Truman Capote, has been redesigned by a team of three firms: Riostello Studio (architecture), Halcyon Design (interiors), and Further Development (construction). The team describes the project as a merger of past and present, rather than just a renovation.
“Sag Harbor deserves more than a remodel; it deserves a reinterpretation that honors its soul,” said Javier Riostello, founder and creative director of Riostello Studio. “Projects like this are rare, where history, architecture, and design come together so intentionally.”
Originally built by Col. Henry Wentworth Hunt and later home to the Hunt-Johnson family, the house features elements that restorers value, such as hand-hewn beams, stone chimneys, and a layout that could support an addition. The team had a dual goal: to preserve the original features and introduce modern functionality where needed. The wide-plank white oak floors, custom millwork, and carefully repaired masonry create a sense of continuity instead of a mixed style.
The most noticeable new addition is a staircase that serves as both a pathway and a statement. Designed as a sculptural centerpiece, the staircase connects the historic core to a modern extension, creating a subtle dialogue between the two eras. Instead of overshadowing the old structure, it clarifies it: the original rooms keep their proportions, while the new ones feature a cleaner, lighter style.
Modern comforts are present but understated. In the kitchen, a La Cornue range anchors a composition of Sub-Zero refrigeration, leathered quartzite, and custom cabinetry. Beyond that, a glass conservatory, radiant-heated floors, a saltwater pool and spa, and integrated smart-home systems elevate the house to modern standards without becoming flashy. The overall feel is more about thoughtful living than a showcase.
Courtesy of Riostello Studio
Courtesy of Riostello StudioThis balance also applies to the interior choices. Halcyon Design’s interiors avoid sticking to one particular style, favoring finishes that highlight the house’s structure and light. Materials come together intentionally; the detailing is sharp but not harsh. The goal, the team notes, is durability — rooms that can handle use and change without losing their essence.
While the project shows a commitment to preservation, it also highlights the value of teamwork. Riostello Studio led the architectural vision; Halcyon adapted colors and furnishings to match the building’s flow; and Further Development crafted the details that showcase this careful balance. The firms describe a feedback loop where site conditions and historical references influenced every aspect, from the staircase design to the cabinet shapes.
Courtesy of Riostello Studio
Courtesy of Riostello Studio
Courtesy of Riostello Studio
Courtesy of Riostello Studio
Courtesy of Riostello StudioThe property is listed for $16.5 million, but the team prefers to focus on the process rather than just the listing. They emphasize the research, the negotiations between old and new, and the choice to let some aspects remain unchanged. The restored chimneys are left as they are, while the new conservatory stands out as modern. The staircase is both expressive and functional.
The project also reflects Riostello’s background. Born in Madrid and raised on the Mediterranean coast, he lived in a traditional masia with stone walls and driftwood beams, where indoor and outdoor spaces blended seamlessly. His grandparents were fashion designers and collectors. His father, a structural engineer, focused on precision. His mother, a psychologist and painter, encouraged empathy and imagination. These influences appear here as a preference for clear structure and thoughtful expression.
Fascinated by Italian design, Riostello studied architecture and fine arts at the Politecnico di Milano before a thesis project brought him to New York City, which has been his home since 2006. Before starting his studio, he spent a decade managing store design and development for luxury brands like Calvin Klein, Jimmy Choo, Proenza Schouler, and Aquazzura. He received an award for Excellence in Store Design from The Retail Institute. The lessons from the retail world — clear pathways, attention to material connections, and durability — are evident in the Sag Harbor house, adapted for everyday living.
Courtesy of Riostello Studio
Courtesy of Riostello Studio
Courtesy of Riostello Studio
Courtesy of Riostello Studio
Courtesy of Riostello Studio
Courtesy of Riostello Studio
Courtesy of Riostello StudioWhat sets this project apart is not novelty but discernment: knowing when to add and when to hold back. The result feels more like a cohesive story — arrival, gathering, retreat — woven together across nearly two centuries.
Learn more at www.riostello.com.
