In a bold architectural move, renowned interior designer Timothy Godbold has transformed his Southampton residence into something straight out of a James Bond film. With its dark, brooding exterior and contemporary design, the house now resembles the hideaway of a quintessential Bond villain.
The 1,700-square-foot property was initially designed in 1973 by architect Eugene L. Futterman, who was celebrated for crafting distinct residences throughout the Hamptons in the mid-20th century. In his redesign, Godbold took inspiration from the sleek modernist structures commonly found in James Bond movies, drawing upon memories from his childhood in Perth, Australia. He intended to marry the essence of his Australian upbringing with the enigmatic charm of a cinematic lair.
The home’s most striking transformation is its newly painted black cedar-clad exterior, a change that not only imbues it with a mysterious allure but also conceals any imperfections. The house, characterized by its two interlinked trapezoidal structures, creates an intriguing roofline silhouette. This unique design is further complemented by a series of picture windows that offer glimpses of the enveloping woodlands, while overhead skylights, adorned with timber louvers, usher in additional sunlight.
The house’s layout has been ingeniously planned to maximize space and light. One-half of the property houses a split-level living space. Here, under the angular mono-pitched roof, warm light floods in, casting a glow over the dark dining table and the adjacent kitchen. The living area showcases vintage pieces such as a Lara sectional by designers Roberto Pamio, Noti Massari, and Renato Toso and a chic coffee table designed by Lella and Massimo Vignelli.
Not one to avoid bold design choices, Godbold has covered the walls and ceiling in a muted grey plaster. This neutral backdrop accentuates the house’s architectural features, like the Mayan ziggurat-inspired fireplace and the “hanging garden” reminiscent of Paul Rudolph’s angled walls. Above this living space lies a secluded TV room, hidden behind an angled planter, with more seating options and a vintage coffee table.
The upper level houses the primary suite, where barriers have been dissolved to fuse the bedroom with the bathroom. A bed punctuates this open concept on a raised platform encircled with a flowing linen curtain. On the same level, the TV room provides an intimate relaxation space featuring an array of seating and another vintage coffee table.
Two guest bedrooms can be found in the lower regions of the house, linked by a corridor illuminated by vast windows. One of these rooms is a testament to Godbold’s dedication to detail, boasting a stainless steel bed with a built-in desk. The continuous use of stainless steel is reminiscent of the luxurious aesthetic found in iconic villain lairs.
Beyond the house, the property spills out into a tiered garden. Geometric “lily pad” steps grace the front yard, while the rear opens to a raised patio connected by a steeper flight of stairs. As a final touch, nestled deeper within the trees, a minimalist firepit stands on a circular platform, cheekily echoing the nuclear symbol.
Besides his design pursuits, Godbold is actively engaged with Hamptons 20th Century Modern, a nonprofit organization dedicated to showcasing architectural masterpieces within the area. His home now stands as a testament to the transformative power of design, echoing the architectural prowess seen in other renovated midcentury properties in Long Island.
