THE BIG EASY

The owners of this Hamptons home worked with designer Robert Stilin to evoke the kind of informality that invites guests to put their feet up

- JULIET BENNING

Skyfall, like the film it’s named after, is a house that evokes a spirit of adventure – and there’s a touch of Martini-fuelled decadence thrown in for good measure. The Bridgehampton property, which is owned by Kevin Menard, a herbalist and homeopath, and his partner David Lawenda, a media executive, is a playground for sports, dance parties and long indulgent dinners. Continually bursting with family, friends and several dogs, there is never a dull moment.

The house was realised after the couple decided a renovation of their former property would be too costly and swooped in on the opportunity to build afresh on a two-and-a-half-acre plot overlooking polo fields and pastures. Having met and befriended the interior designer Robert Stilin at a favourite restaurant 20 years previously, Kevin and David were in no doubt as to who to appoint to orchestrate their vision. Along with Robert, a team including architect Martin Sosa, landscape designer Chris LaGuardia and contractor Tom O’Donoghue was also assembled, collaborating for 18 months before breaking ground. ‘The house is one I could see myself in,’ says Robert. ‘David and Kevin’s and my tastes are so simpatico that the creative process was very natural, flowing and fun,’ he adds.