Appreciating architecture extends to cherishing great historical gems. In many instances, however, these homes reflect a dated architecture style, often lacking a lot of natural light, open rooms and 21^st-century conveniences. Through rehabilitation and restoration, these properties can be preserved and assured a lasting future.

This 1928 Long Island estate was designed by the renowned firm McKim, Mead & White for a railroad heiress, Mary Harriman Rumsey, this Long Island estate is said to have inspired F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby. A lasting symbol of East Coast grandeur, the property is nestled along Long Island’s famed ‘Gold Coast’—a stretch once home to storied families like the Vanderbilts and Guggenheims.

The renovation began in 2013 and was led by Derek Hopkins, Principal at Harrison Design, alongside the firm’s late founder, Bill Harrison. Together, they approached the project with a deep respect for the home’s historic value and a clear vision for modern livability—honoring its legacy while adapting it for the future.

Though the home had strong architectural bones, it hadn’t been significantly updated in nearly a century. When a family with three young children purchased the property, they partnered with Harrison Design to reimagine it for a modern lifestyle while honoring its storied past. 

The three-year renovation focused on thoughtful spatial reorganization with some strategic additions and the careful restoration of its original craftsmanship, all without compromising the home’s architectural integrity. 

“Our goal was both historical preservation and modernization,” says Derek Hopkins, Principal at Harrison Design, “The home simply didn’t function well for today’s lifestyle—especially for a young family. But we knew we could give it new life without compromising its identity.”

One of the most transformative changes occurred in the kitchen. Originally designed as a service area for staff, the space was long and narrow, divided into a series of smaller rooms with outdated appliances and little natural light. The family envisioned something open and connected—a kitchen that could become the true heart of the home.

To improve circulation, the team extended the secondary staircase down into the kitchen, allowing for a seamless connection from the children’s rooms upstairs. A small playroom at the base of the stairs further enhances this newly family-focused part of the home.

Walls were removed and the space was reoriented to accommodate a large central island with seating, perfect for casual breakfasts and relaxed gatherings. Just beyond, a new breakfast nook surrounded by windows invites natural light to flood the space. An oversized skylight above the dining area and a clerestory window in the adjacent stair hall brighten areas that were once dark and enclosed. 

With 11-foot-4-inch ceilings and cabinetry painted in soft white, the kitchen feels fresh and timeless—modern, yet fully in tune with the historic nature of the home. 

The master bath underwent a similar transformation. Once dated and closed off, it was redesigned to include a freestanding tub, double vanities, and a private water closet. While the master bedroom remained largely intact, a new dressing area was added—featuring custom wardrobes, mirrored closets, and full-height storage 

Design elements throughout the bathroom nod to the home’s 1920s roots: hexagonal tile floors, tile wainscoting with textured caps, and custom-built medicine cabinets all reflect the period. A leaded glass skylight—originally found in the home’s stair hall—was restored and repurposed as a ceiling fixture, adding a final touch of historic charm.

“I hope that inhabitants – and guests alike – feel that the property is approachable, inviting and comfortable.  Given the alterations made to the existing home, it is my hope that the updated design accommodates, enhances and promotes an eased modern daily lifestyle.  The home is steeped with large scale interior spaces that manage to retain a sense of coziness through the purposeful use of materials and proportions.  I also hope the home continues to evoke the grandeur and craftsmanship of the Golden Age in which it was originally constructed.  We took painstaking measures to ensure that the lines between existing and new become elusive as people traverse through the renovated home” Hopkins states.

This renovation is a testament to how historic homes can be beautifully reimagined for modern living. Through Harrison Design’s thoughtful approach, this Long Island estate retains its architectural heritage while embracing a refreshed layout and functionality that suits contemporary life. The result is a home that honors the past, serves the present, and ensures its legacy for generations to come.

See more of the before and after progress on our Instagram.

* Photography by Gordon Beall