Thursday, June 30 2022 - Welcome
  • ABOUT
  • PRESS
  • CONTACT
Black House Blue Sky
A creative lifestyle blog by Michel McClamrock Van Devender.
  • THE GOODS
    • THE GOODS

      YOU CAN NOW SHOP OUR CUSTOM DESIGNED +…

  • OUR HOUSES
    • OUR HOUSES

      THE HOME EDIT: PAIRING DOWN + LIVING WITH…

      OUR HOUSES

      HOME TOUR: OUR MODERN BLACK HOUSE NEW BUILD…

      OUR HOUSES

      NOTE CHANDELIER: UNIQUE LIGHTING FOR THE HOME

      OUR HOUSES

      OUR MODERN BUILD: STYLE

      OUR HOUSES

      NEW HOUSE UPDATE: WE HAVE DRYWALL

  • INTERIOR + EXTERIOR
    • INTERIOR + EXTERIOR

      FRIDAY MUSINGS: I WANT TO LIVE IN A…

      INTERIOR + EXTERIOR

      SUMMER IS COMING: THE BEST IN SWIMMING POOL…

      INTERIOR + EXTERIOR

      FRIDAY MUSINGS: NEW HOUSE 2.0

      INTERIOR + EXTERIOR

      BLACK KITCHEN CABINETS: DESIGN TREND OR NEW CLASSIC?

      INTERIOR + EXTERIOR

      KEEPING IT INTERESTING: MAKING A STATEMENT WITH YOUR…

  • STYLE + FASHION
    • STYLE + FASHION

      ALL THAT SPARKLES: HOW TO ADD PRETTY SEQUINS…

      STYLE + FASHION

      I HAVE A BIG STYLE CRUSH: ERIN WASSON…

      STYLE + FASHION

      21 FAUX FUR COATS THAT WILL ALWAYS BE…

      STYLE + FASHION

      I HAVE A BIG STYLE CRUSH: JENNA LYONS…

      STYLE + FASHION

      EASY, EFFORTLESS STYLE: ENTER THE MAXI DRESS

  • FOOD + DRINK
    • FOOD + DRINK

      SIMPLE ONE POT HOMEMADE TOMATO SOUP

      FOOD + DRINK

      NOT GONNA LIE, IT’S THE BEST CARROT CAKE…

      FOOD + DRINK

      THE BEST TURKEY BURGER RECIPE FROM BLUE APRON

      FOOD + DRINK

      OUR FAVORITE HALLOWEEN DINNER: HOW TO MAKE MUMMY…

      FOOD + DRINK

      A SUPER EASY PEACH CRUMBLE WITH GRANOLA TOPPING…

  • TRAVEL
    • TRAVEL

      A STYLISH STAY IN MONTAUK, NEW YORK

      TRAVEL

      A STYLISH STAY IN NEW YORK CITY: ACE…

      TRAVEL

      STAY IN STYLE: NEW ORLEANS

      TRAVEL

      TRAVEL FINDS: A STUNNING NEW YORK CITY MODERN…

      TRAVEL

      GET OUT OF TOWN: HIGH POINT NC FURNITURE…

  • LIFE + ETC.
    • LIFE + ETC.

      HOW TO MAKE EASY NATURAL EASTER EGG DYES

      LIFE + ETC.

      OUT OF INSTAGRAM JAIL: RELEASE DATE 3-24-2022

      LIFE + ETC.

      INSTAGRAM JAIL: WHY I’M OKAY WITH MY DISABLED…

      LIFE + ETC.

      SKIN CANCER: WHEN YOU LEARN YOU HAVE MELANOMA

      LIFE + ETC.

      DIY: HOW TO PAINT LEATHER + VINYL WITH…

new york

TRAVEL

A STYLISH STAY IN MONTAUK, NEW YORK

by Michel Van Devender September 14, 2021

We didn’t want summer to get completely away from us without writing about our Montauk, New York visit. After all, it was one of the highlights of our trip. Our New York adventure was divided into two legs – one part beach and one part city. You can read more about our NYC stay at the Ace Hotel in our separate blog post linked here. 

Back in June, we flew from Charlotte to NYC, rented a car and drove directly to Montauk. This was my second visit, but the first for everyone else in our family. It was a long travel day as I’m sure all New Yorkers would agree, driving from Manhattan to the end of Long Island is a haul, especially with the grueling traffic. Add in a couple of tired, grumpy kids in a car for four hours after a flight, and I’m sure you get the general idea.

Once we reached Montauk, referred to as the end of the world, the pace completely slowed and the stress of the travel quickly melted away. Ahh… vacation mode on! Arriving around 5 PM at MARRAM, we were immediately struck by the quite, tucked away location and close proximity to town (We were able to walk for coffee, lunches and some dinners.). We had heard Montauk can be a bit of a party scene in the summer and were looking for something a little more family friendly and low-key. I mean, we can barely stay up past 10 PM, even on vacation! 

Checking in was a breeze. We were greeted by friendly, helpful staff at the front desk. Along with our room key, we were given written information about the hotel along with a list of Montauk restaurants and activity recommendations. As we embarked on the short walk to our first floor room, we were quickly lost in the natural, tranquil setting and lush, green landscaping. Exactly what we were looking for when we searched for lodging.

With a recent renovation, you forget the hotel was once an old-school motel, formerly the Atlantic Terrace Resort. With it’s own webcam and web-based surf report, this specific break has been a surfing mecca for decades. There are two long, two-story main buildings facing each other with a large center walkway, set back and running perpendicular to the beach. On the back side, there are additional buildings with a pool, restaurant and large indoor and outdoor common areas. There are areas for work and play, including a collection of outdoor loungy areas with fire pits where the nightly s’mores parties convene.

The overall vibe of the hotel is understated luxe, described by MARRAM as barefoot luxury. The design of the hotel and rooms is minimal, with texture taking center stage. The warm wood details, concrete floors, soft white walls and simple furnishings create a calm, serene setting, minimizing visual noise and maximizing unplugged relaxation. By the way, there are NO televisions in the rooms! We did not tell our kids this until we arrived. The layered neutral tones mimic the color palette of the Montauk surroundings, reflecting nature in all of the decor details. The Le Labo Santel 33 bath products are the perfect pairing for capturing the mood of the hotel in a singular, intoxicating scent. 

From beginning to end, we had a fantastic stay at MARRAM. The accommodations and level of service are top-notch. The hotel was a quiet, serene escape from the chaos and hustle of the real world. Montauk beaches are clean and stunningly gorgeous, creating the perfect backdrop for this stylish hotel. We will definitely be back MARRAM! Thank you for such a magical experience!

🖤💙,

0 FacebookPinterestEmail
TRAVEL

TRAVEL FINDS: A STUNNING NEW YORK CITY MODERN PENTHOUSE

by Michel Van Devender June 23, 2021

Oh, hey there New York City neighbor! Well, not exactly… we don’t live in NYC, but this was our across 29th Street neighbor we had the best view of from our 10th floor room of the Ace Hotel. By the way, I would highly recommend this Midtown NoMad district hotel and will be sharing more about our stay soon.

When we checked into room 1012, we couldn’t miss our stunning view of the Empire State Building. It immediately brought back such sweet, fond memories of when my now 22 year old son was four and he called it the “Entire” State Building! Having this view was such a lovely surprise. Once I enjoyed a memory and my eyes moved beyond the iconic landmark, an across the street building, clearly an older, historic property, caught my eye. The ornate style, partially hidden by repair scaffolding, was juxtaposed with the coolest, modern penthouse addition, including a green rooftop terrace space. I’m completely smitten and my design curiosity goes into overdrive, wanting to learn more about this place.

Once we were out and about roaming the streets, I made it a point to look for the name of the building. The unassuming, lackluster building awning read – Gilsey House. A quick google search of the name revealed the story of this exact property I’d been studiously stalking from our room window since our arrival. By this point, my husband thinks I’m a bit hyper focused. Obsessed I am my dear! Dwell Magazine featured the Manhattan dream home back in March 2017, with all of the details on the renovation/addition, including interior and exterior photos. And, oh the delight of getting my very own little home tour from across the way!

The historic building with its cast-iron facade of the Second Empire style was constructed in 1869 and has storied evolution from its glory days operating as a posh hotel to at one point being in disrepair and falling victim to dilapidation and then being resurrected with new energy and life. The architect and penthouse owner, Jay Valgora, principal of STUDIO V Architecture, purchased the loft over 25 years ago. The reimagined space for his growing family showcases the successful, harmonious blending between the old and new, juxtaposing the zinc and glass rooftop addition with the white, historic building. For me, it is nothing short of NYC living perfection with an enormous wow factor!

And by the way, this home stalker departed the city without incident, although I’m often tempted to embarrass myself and my family in the name of my love for design! For the full story on this NYC reno/addition, check out the linked Dwell article. 

🖤💙,

A photo taken from our hotel room.
A photo we took of the building entrance.

All images via Dwell unless otherwise noted.

0 FacebookPinterestEmail
Load More Posts

Hi, I’m Michel! Welcome… so glad you’re here :)!

Most Loved Posts

  • 1

    WHAT MY FALL DREAMS ARE MADE OF: A-FRAME CABINS

    November 9, 2021
  • 2

    THE BEST GRAPEFRUIT MARGARITA RECIPE

    May 5, 2021
  • 3

    THE DREAMIEST OUTDOOR LIVING SPACES YOU’LL LOVE

    May 11, 2021
  • 4

    DARK HOME EXTERIORS: 17 BLACK HOUSES YOU’LL LOVE

    May 28, 2021
  • 5

    HOME TOUR: 5TH STREET

    April 28, 2020

Pinterest Inspiration

@blackhousebluesky

Get On The List

Want to stay in the know with what's new around here? Simply subscribe!

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Youtube

@2022 - Black House, Blue Sky. All Rights Reserved.


Back To Top
Black House Blue Sky
  • THE GOODS
    • THE GOODS

      YOU CAN NOW SHOP OUR CUSTOM DESIGNED +…

  • OUR HOUSES
    • OUR HOUSES

      THE HOME EDIT: PAIRING DOWN + LIVING WITH…

      OUR HOUSES

      HOME TOUR: OUR MODERN BLACK HOUSE NEW BUILD…

      OUR HOUSES

      NOTE CHANDELIER: UNIQUE LIGHTING FOR THE HOME

      OUR HOUSES

      OUR MODERN BUILD: STYLE

      OUR HOUSES

      NEW HOUSE UPDATE: WE HAVE DRYWALL

  • INTERIOR + EXTERIOR
    • INTERIOR + EXTERIOR

      FRIDAY MUSINGS: I WANT TO LIVE IN A…

      INTERIOR + EXTERIOR

      SUMMER IS COMING: THE BEST IN SWIMMING POOL…

      INTERIOR + EXTERIOR

      FRIDAY MUSINGS: NEW HOUSE 2.0

      INTERIOR + EXTERIOR

      BLACK KITCHEN CABINETS: DESIGN TREND OR NEW CLASSIC?

      INTERIOR + EXTERIOR

      KEEPING IT INTERESTING: MAKING A STATEMENT WITH YOUR…

  • STYLE + FASHION
    • STYLE + FASHION

      ALL THAT SPARKLES: HOW TO ADD PRETTY SEQUINS…

      STYLE + FASHION

      I HAVE A BIG STYLE CRUSH: ERIN WASSON…

      STYLE + FASHION

      21 FAUX FUR COATS THAT WILL ALWAYS BE…

      STYLE + FASHION

      I HAVE A BIG STYLE CRUSH: JENNA LYONS…

      STYLE + FASHION

      EASY, EFFORTLESS STYLE: ENTER THE MAXI DRESS

  • FOOD + DRINK
    • FOOD + DRINK

      SIMPLE ONE POT HOMEMADE TOMATO SOUP

      FOOD + DRINK

      NOT GONNA LIE, IT’S THE BEST CARROT CAKE…

      FOOD + DRINK

      THE BEST TURKEY BURGER RECIPE FROM BLUE APRON

      FOOD + DRINK

      OUR FAVORITE HALLOWEEN DINNER: HOW TO MAKE MUMMY…

      FOOD + DRINK

      A SUPER EASY PEACH CRUMBLE WITH GRANOLA TOPPING…

  • TRAVEL
    • TRAVEL

      A STYLISH STAY IN MONTAUK, NEW YORK

      TRAVEL

      A STYLISH STAY IN NEW YORK CITY: ACE…

      TRAVEL

      STAY IN STYLE: NEW ORLEANS

      TRAVEL

      TRAVEL FINDS: A STUNNING NEW YORK CITY MODERN…

      TRAVEL

      GET OUT OF TOWN: HIGH POINT NC FURNITURE…

  • LIFE + ETC.
    • LIFE + ETC.

      HOW TO MAKE EASY NATURAL EASTER EGG DYES

      LIFE + ETC.

      OUT OF INSTAGRAM JAIL: RELEASE DATE 3-24-2022

      LIFE + ETC.

      INSTAGRAM JAIL: WHY I’M OKAY WITH MY DISABLED…

      LIFE + ETC.

      SKIN CANCER: WHEN YOU LEARN YOU HAVE MELANOMA

      LIFE + ETC.

      DIY: HOW TO PAINT LEATHER + VINYL WITH…