Gateway to the Gilded Age: 157 Linden Lane
“The moment you drive onto the street you are instantly transported to the Gatsby era”
For the past six years, the Gill family has been raising their family in this French colonial-style home nestled in the heart of Upper Brookville. Set on two acres along the most timeless country lane in Upper Brookville, their Normandy-ear charmer serves as a testament to the charm of the bygone days. Read about what attracted them to this property, their favorite space as well as the design journey that made it their home.
Family Name:
Gill
Home Address:
157 Linden Lane
How long have you lived in the house / Upper Brookville?
Six years.
Is there anything unique about the home's history? / What is the home's story?
The moment you drive onto the street, you are instantly transported to the Gatsby era, which, coming from Manhattan, was such a welcome escape. The home is a French-style colonial set on 2 acres on the most timeless country lane in Upper Brookville that leads right into Youngs Farm's zinnia and sunflower fields. The street and neighborhood are also referenced in Nelson DeMille's book "The Gold Coast," which takes place during the Gilded Age.
What drew you to the house in the first place?
We instantly loved the timeless, Normandy exterior aesthetic of the home and saw so much potential with the grounds. The pool house cottage and bluestone pool area are set off to the side of the property, which further enhances the expansiveness of the property.
Do you have a favorite space/room in the house?
The pergola overlooking the pool has a very special place in our hearts. We have spent countless hours gathering in this space celebrating just about every occasion with family and friends. COVID brought about a newfound appreciation for this space and all of the outdoor grounds of this property, which were maximized during lockdown.
Tell us about the design inspiration.
The gardens all around the property are magnificent and tell a new story with every season. We wanted to illuminate the nature and tranquility of the property by bringing these elements inside and elevating the interior to create a timeless, elegant and chic ambiance fit for our modern lifestyle, while still maintaining the historical elements of the home. I worked with a close Canada-based interior designer friend to bring my vision to life for the first phase and then worked with local Locust Valley designer Meg Braff's team to update the dining room, which was our last room to finish.
What do you like about living in Upper Brookville?
We absolutely love the location. The proximity to highways makes getting to NYC a breeze, yet the quintessential Gold Coast neighborhoods like Mill Neck, Locust Valley, and Oyster Bay are just minutes away. Driving through these streets, especially in the fall and spring, is breathtaking and a constant reminder of just how lucky we are to live here.