Ellen Barkin

The Dream of Ocean Air Growing up in the landlocked Midwest, Andy Cohen spent vacations dreaming of the ocean. In 2019, he took the leap, purchasing a plot of land in the Hamptons to build a permanent summer escape for his young family. Collaborating with architect Gordon Kahn, Cohen envisioned a home that dissolved the boundaries between inside and out. The design prioritized panoramic Atlantic views and immediate beach access, creating a sanctuary where the constant, therapeutic sound of crashing waves serves as the ultimate backdrop. Designing for Sandy Feet and Long Sunsets True beach living demands architecture that embraces the elements rather than fighting them. Cohen’s home features clever, low-maintenance design solutions tailored for active family life. The outdoor jacuzzi deck is constructed with intentional spacing between the floorboards, allowing sand to fall straight through to the ground below. A winding spiral staircase leads from the beach directly to an outdoor shower, ensuring nobody tracks the beach indoors. For the interior, Cohen enlisted his longtime friend, interior designer Jackie Greenberg, to curate a vibrant, colorful aesthetic filled with playful custom details, from Flavor Paper murals to custom tile work reminiscent of classic Paul Smith patterns. Cozy Rooms and Sunset Cocktails At the heart of the house sits the "everything room"—a combined living and dining space where the family gathers. Here, Brazilian lounge chairs invite long evening story sessions with his children, while a prized piano from Ellen Barkin sits nearby. Upstairs, the primary suite opens completely to the elements, allowing Cohen to sleep under the stars during late summer. The crowning jewel of the house is the expansive rooftop deck, where Cohen hosts long, multi-hour cocktail parties, letting guests watch the sunset melt over the water before descending to a massive fourteen-seat dining table for an informal buffet. A Legacy Built for the Future This home is not a temporary summer rental; Cohen built it to last a lifetime. He has already planned for the distant future, mapping out how the spiral staircase can convert into a tubular elevator when his joints eventually tire of the stairs. For now, the house serves as an open invitation for old friends and a magical setting where his children, Ben and Lucy, can grow up with the ocean right at their doorstep.