Designer Dennis Basso's Blue Hamptons Haven

Couturier Dennis Basso says of his Water Mill home, "We love to entertain. And for us it's not work. One of my friends tells me the house has been coined Hotel du Cap for the service we provide. And we do want to make our guests feel as comfortable as possible." Set on a two-acre former potato field, the 8500sf home includes an outdoor pavilion for entertaining with a wood-burning fireplace, bar and dining spot; custom-made furnishings; and a garage lined with shelves of dishes and tabletop accoutrements.

The house itself is eclectic, with new and antique pieces, along with some fine art, such as an Alexander Calder watercolor in the living room. The custom-made dining room table can be configured multiple ways. "The table breaks apart and can become three tables that seat 12 or four tables that seat eight," says Dennis. "We can bring in some additional round tables, and we have our own mahogany ballroom chairs. We've been able to seat up to 62 people in that dining room." Above the dining table hangs a pair of 1890s wrought-iron chandeliers. Want to see the rest of the house? Pick up the September edition of Traditional Home magazine.

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