Produced by Steed Hale / Written by Jonna Gallo Weppler
White On
The story of this pool house begins with the age-old idea of necessity being the mother of invention. In other words, this stately retreat started out as a place for husband-and-wife homeowners to escape a deluge of dust and never-ending noise while their main home was under construction. Long term, the 935-square-foot structure in Clinton Corners would make the most of a wide-open field and serve as year-round guest quarters, a convenient changing area for the nearby pool, and the perfect outdoor dinner destination to barbecue and watch the sun set over the mountains.
Enter master creator Jimmy Crisp, principal and founder of Crisp Architects in Millbrook. Crisp came highly recommended by neighbors down the road, and he clearly understood the assignment. “The interior needed to function as a pool house yet provide all the necessary amenities of a full residence while the main house was being built,” Crisp says. His thoughtful design leaned into smart, space-saving European conventions, with the kitchen pulling double-duty, thanks to a dedicated laundry area to be used for towels and bed linens. In similar fashion, the bedroom was set up for guests to sleep comfortably but also to offer plenty of elbow room to slip into a swimsuit. A beautiful Jack-and-Jill-style bathroom, just off the living room, checked the last box.
Exterior-wise, the primary goals were to take advantage of the views, construct an al fresco kitchen with a grill, and provide plenty of covered dining space to make spending time outside comfortable. A cedar and stainless-steel outdoor shower added yet another welcome grace note.
In the end, the concept of “a little pool house that could” became a focal point for future family get-togethers that are the stuff of memories.
Stainless-steel appliances and classy pendant lights complement a timeless white and wood kitchen. The large center island creates a natural hang-out hub.
Viva Italia
Visiting Italy is often described as the joy of a lifetime. Incredible wine, incomparable food, breathtaking art—and not to mention, some of the warmest people on earth. One Manhattan couple with a weekend place in the Hudson Valley was so entranced by their serial trips to Tuscany, they set their sights on building a pool house with the vibe of an Italian villa, so they could happily channel the Bel Paese at their home right outside of Millbrook.
Architect Jimmy Crisp was the right man for this job, too. “The first big question was where could we put the pizza oven,” he recalls. (Priorities!) From there, plans came together relatively quickly to construct a 990-square-foot structure tucked behind the house, with a kitchen, living room, bathroom, and an upstairs art studio beneath the second-story rafters. Crisp made the most of every square inch inside, for functionality and creature comforts. “There is a laundry area in the bathroom, and the basement shares space with mechanicals and a secret wine room,” he explains.
In the kitchen, white cabinets and black granite counters create eye-catching contrast. The space opens to a cozy living room with curl-up-worthy couches, perfect for taking a break from the heat. Copious doors and windows let light pour in from every angle and opening them allows refreshing breezes to waft through. All that glass also affords clear views of multileveled bluestone terraces that flow down to the outdoor seating areas and crystal-clear pool. “The clients told me they love this place so much they spend more time in the pool house than in the main house,” Crisp notes.
As for the pizza oven, an authentic, pro-quality brick model sits just outside at the ready to bake all the irresistible wood-fire pies they (or anyone) could want.
With such a European vacation-y vibe, it’s no surprise that the pool house is the place to be on this property.
