HOME TOURS: A Brooklyn Renovation, Historic West Village Gem & California Canyon Living | Open House

Video Description

This week on Open House, host Sara Gore guides viewers through a sequence of remarkable homes, each defined by architectural integrity, purposeful renovation, and a distinct sense of atmosphere. We kick things off on the Upper East Side, just off Madison Avenue, inside an elegant apartment offering more than 2,500 square feet of refined living. From the foyer, the home unfolds into a generous great room with dedicated areas for dining and lounging, anchored by an open kitchen with custom cabinetry and modern appliances. A separate bedroom wing ensures privacy, with 3 quiet bedrooms including a serene primary suite. In Park Slope, Brooklyn, architect Alex Miller of TM Architecture presents a thoughtful townhouse renovation that balances modern intervention with historic character. Original architectural detailing remains intact, while contemporary lighting and tailored finishes add new dimension. The entry vestibule is wrapped in wallpaper titled Sunrise, setting a warm and immersive tone. In the formal dining room, a custom marble slab table appears to float, supported by a folded sheet of brass. A cluster of pendants descends at varied heights, drawing the eye upward. Deep green paint reframes the fireplace, stained glass window, and parlor openings, amplifying the room’s architectural presence. On the garden level, refreshed cabinetry, new stone slabs, and a brass wrapped refrigerator elevate the kitchen. A substantial banquette invites long meals and everyday gathering. Upstairs, the primary suite extends into a corridor and office library, where wallpaper titled Sunset offers a poetic counterpoint to the foyer. Floor to ceiling bookshelves and a facade spanning desk complete the retreat. Next, we drop by a nearly 4,000 square foot penthouse in Greenwich Village that is represented by Leonard Steinberg and designed by Nate Berkus. Converted from a 1910 structure into eight residences, the building reflects Berkus’s focus on livability. A private landing opens to a great room divided into distinct living and dining areas connected by three openings. A bow window draws in southern light, illuminating generous ceiling height and expansive wall space suited for art collections. The kitchen centers on a substantial marble island and a Lacanche range, with a built-in banquette for relaxed dining. Four bedrooms occupy the main level, including a primary suite with a large walk-in closet and beautifully detailed bath. As for the upstairs area? A glass-lined living room feels suspended above the neighborhood. Just picture yourself on this swanky sofa with a cocktail in hand as light streams in from the south and west. Beyond, a private terrace functions as an outdoor living room with seating for dining and lounging, framed by open Village views. Meanwhile, over on the West Coast in Studio City, California, interior designer Rob Diaz introduces Fryman Estate along Fryman Canyon, which is the former estate of 'Jeopardy' host Alex Trebek. The 300-ft wide property is surrounded by trees and composed of pavilions separated by steep A-frame forms and central decks. A compressed foyer opens into a dramatic volume with 36 foot vaulted rift white oak ceilings. A silver travertine fireplace anchors the dining area, flanked by 16 foot expanses of glass facing meadow and landscape. The primary kitchen connects to a secondary service kitchen, while an 80 foot lap pool aligns precisely with the main living space. Patinated brass task lights & art installations provide illumination without recessed fixtures. The primary suite, finished in clay & white oak, includes a sitting area, bar, and a 27-ft closet, continuing the home’s serene material palette. Back in Manhattan, 555 Hudson Street in the West Village is introduced by Missy Modell. Built in 1842, the townhouse was home to Jane Jacobs for 21 years, where she wrote 'The Death and Life of Great American Cities.' The main entertaining level features a living and dining area with two original wood burning fireplaces, custom millwork, and notable ceiling height. The updated eat0in kitchen overlooks the garden. Upstairs, the primary bedroom retains original floors, built-ins, and a wood-burning fireplace. A terrace above offers a quiet escape from NYC. The tour concludes in the West Village at the Minettas, the home of architect Adam Kushner. The property includes a front house and 3-story rear space that is arranged around a courtyard. Inside, a 25-ft high living area framed by red oak pillars features a working fireplace positioned ten feet above the floor and a cordwood wall storing timber for future winters. A roof deck designed for cooking and dining crowns this 12-year passion project. A jaw-dropping feature? The tallest private rock climbing wall in the world that rises above the space against open sky. From historic row houses to light-filled penthouses and canyon retreats, this Open House episode invites viewers to imagine daily life within each space.