Set against the rugged coastline of Montauk, New York, an architect designs a dream home into a cliff, creating a beach house that balances architectural precision with its natural surroundings. Designed by SAOTA with interior design by Rafael de Cárdenas, the residence responds to its elevated position through considered architecture, natural materials and uninterrupted ocean views. Conceived as a summer retreat, this coastal home combines relaxed beachside living with the sophistication of a city residence.
Located at the eastern end of Long Island, Montauk offers a distinctive alternative to the neighbouring Hamptons. Its surf culture and exposed coastal conditions informed the architectural approach. Rather than imposing a singular design language, SAOTA sought to create a cliff house that belongs to its landscape. As the architect designs a dream home into a cliff, the site’s elevation shapes both the building’s form and the journey through it.
Arrival begins at the highest point of the property, where the ocean is visible beyond the roofline. From here, the home unfolds downwards, drawing occupants towards the coastline. The upper level contains the entrance, primary suites and study within a barn-like structure. Beneath it, a transparent living level accommodates the kitchen, dining and lounge areas, where natural light enters through expansive glazing. Subtle changes in floor height establish distinct zones without interrupting the openness of the plan, creating an engaging house tour.
Materiality reinforces the layered architecture of this Long Island residence. Dark, charred timber shingles define the upper structure, contrasting with warm blonde oak interiors. At the lowest level, locally sourced granite anchors the building within the terrain. As the architect designs a dream home into a cliff, these finishes establish a relationship between the building and its coastal environment, balancing solidity with transparency.
Inside, Rafael de Cárdenas introduces glamour while preserving the relaxed atmosphere of a beach house. The interior design incorporates custom furniture, artwork, ceramics and furnishings. A sculptural, serpentine stone wall defines the main living area, separating the kitchen from the lounge while maintaining visual connection. Its continuity with the flooring brings cohesion to the interiors, while natural light enhances the warmth of the materials.
Outdoor spaces are integral to the design. Terraces, a cabana and lower lawn are arranged across intermediate levels, easing the transition between the cliff house and surrounding landscape. These connections demonstrate how an architect designs a dream home into a cliff while maintaining a relationship with the ocean.
Realised through close collaboration between the project team, this Montauk residence reflects a commitment to coastal living. The home tour reveals how each level responds to its setting, from private upper spaces to open living areas below. Ultimately, the architect designs a dream home into a cliff that embraces its rugged surroundings, offering a distinctive interpretation of contemporary residential design. This house tour presents a home shaped by its site, materials and the experience of living beside the Atlantic.
0:00 – Introduction To Montauk Beach House By SAOTA
1:12 – A Summer Sanctuary Shaped By The Coast
2:08 – Bringing Urban Sophistication Into Beachside Living
3:13 – A Walk Through The Home’s Layered Spaces
5:03 – Three Distinct Elements Define The Architecture
6:53 – The Collaborative Effort Behind The Project
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Photography by Thomas Loof.
Architecture by SAOTA.
Interior design by Rafael de Cárdenas.
Build by Hobbs Inc.
Landscape design by Hollander Design.
Filmed and edited by O&Co. Homes.
Production by The Local Production.
Location: Montauk, New York, United States
The Local Project acknowledges the traditional territories and homelands of the Indigenous peoples in the United States. We recognise the importance of Indigenous peoples in the identity of our respective countries and continuing connections to Country and community. We pay our respect to Elders, past and present, and extend that respect to all Indigenous people of these lands.
#DreamHome #CliffHouse #HouseTour
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It’s amazing how every one of these architects and designers talk about bringing the clients vision to life, yet the houses exhibit zero individuality or personality.
In one of the next tours – can Local Project please do –
JOHN ELLWAY. ARCHITECT – Terrarium House – I would love to see more of John Ellway, he is fantastic architect.
An upside down house is never a great selling point. But this is well executed. Maybe too much blonde oak. But it’s very centralized. Super neutral palette lends itself to resale. This may have been the wrong season to film – it makes the surroundings look stark, which the house absorbs. I like the different planes of common spaces. The sunken living room lives! The kitchen is the weakest link here – just completely impractical. Otherwise, a nice modern.
These places always look like no one is currently or is ever planning on actually living there.
Delightful
Seeing homes like these is almost like a serene experience. Thoughtful yet complete, nothing overdone or left out. You really feel the soul of the house instead of just meaningless materialism. Truly beautiful how you can put so much character into a home.
Why the deafening background music that drowns out what's being said? (Possibly to cover up the archi-bollocks: "Accesses Outdoors Elements = Goes Outside" , "Vertical Differential = Change In Height".)
SAOTA are my fave. It's a privilege to live here in Cape Town – basically a drive-through portfolio of their residential projects along the Atlantic seaboard stretch.
Exterior looks goofy, just slapped some crap together.
Interior is awesome.
Beautiful. Finally we get to see much more of a house than lately. Great videography. Keep up this kind of format please.
I worked at the Montauk Yacht club back in 2006. The rudest coworkers and management ever! But I will say it is beautiful out there. Nice place for a visit.
Can I ask the amazing soundtrack for this video? Great video as always!
Gorgeous, composed, harmonious, soulless
Absolutely Stunning…
Certainly if you have the location, time, money, permits, talent and location.
My concern is the conformity. Becoming a slightly different version of all else.
This house is built and decorated in the very best of ways and to the highest standards.
Yet, feels just as empty.
Not just this one but so many like it.
it's good but boring
I'm sorry, but if I was here I would be stressed out about putting down something out of place. Just not comfy, homely.
all these houses look like car dealerships … with some shingles
Beautiful ❤
They created the kind of space that makes you feel inspired and hopeful! I really loved this one. It's simple yet elegant and timeless and not boring, because it hides little interesting surprises.
🙌🏽❤️🙌🏽
Quite stunning house!!!
This home looks like a movie location. Awesome work 🇿🇦
Very nice. Saota is amazing. I have seen many of these home on Enes Yilmazer' channel. It's my dream builder! This property is another beautiful example. Thanks for sharing
The more houses I see like this the more I’m reminded how monumental the architecture at Sea Ranch in California has had. Here, there is mention of a “barn like” structure. In Sea Ranch, old sheep barns directly influenced the design there. Beautiful home. Well done!
A dream house maybe, but does not feel like a home.
Beautiful house Well done great job
SAOTA are masters of modern ultra luxury mansions near beaches. Their South African properties are spectacular. This home oozes California vibes with hints of mid-century – especially those build-in sitting areas and sunken living room and breakfast area. I guess the barn on the top is their homage to rural Long Island. Honestly, it kind of looks out of place with the rest of the house when looking at it from the beach side. But it looks great from the road side – you can actually mistake it for a real barn 🙂
Music is peak 🩷
Sublime
SAOTA never disappoints! Stunning home.
Every single home is an architectural masterpiece. Excellent work guys and congrats!
🤮
This looks like they watched The Ghost Writer, loved the set they built in Europe and said we can build that in real life.
Absolutely gorgeous ❤
Spectacular. Amazing what you can do when money is no object.
Considering the location and budget, it has nice material but totally wasted space and horribly divided areas with 3 steps up or down everywhere. Owners must be really into fitness and gym is not needed at this point.
Magnifique réalisation comme toujours avec l’agence SAOTA . Sublime 🙏🙏
Interior design is spot on. Placement of furniture, objects perfect. Beautiful color scheme.
Darker wood would have looked so much better and modern rather than the 70's/80's yellow blonde wood everywhere.
Lacking bite. Interior is very bland and feels half committed. Pastels, yellows, too much of that yellow wood, it just feels plain and a little cheap tbh.
What a dream house, what a dream place