Fire Island's Horace Gifford Beach House Revived by Granddaughter
August West has lovingly restored her grandfather Paul McGregor's Horace Gifford beach house on Fire Island Pines. The project, undertaken after her grandfather's passing in 2013, has transformed the iconic modernist retreat into a vibrant, personal space.
West and her friends took on the restoration themselves, adopting a DIY approach. Over two months, they reupholstered furniture and hand-painted fabric, adding new furnishings and decor throughout the house. The living room now boasts a built-in sofa covered in denim collected from friends.
McGregor originally bought the sandy parcel for $6,000 in the 1960s to build a retreat one house back from the ocean. He enlisted renowned architect Horace Gifford to design the modernist cedar-and-glass house, which became known as the Bamboo House. In later years, McGregor created sculptures from driftwood, further adding to the home's unique character.
The recent renovation was designed by the architecture firm Hart Howerton. West ensured the design honoured her grandfather's spirit, painting on various surfaces without being too attached to the final result.
The restored Horace Gifford beach house stands as a testament to August West's love for her grandfather and his legacy. The house, once a retreat for Paul McGregor, now serves as a cherished gathering place for West and her friends, filled with personal touches and DIY charm.
