How Art Transformed a Couple's Bridgehampton Home Into a Living Gallery
A shared love of art brought Nicholas Howey and Gerard Widdershoven together—and shaped their Bridgehampton home. The couple, who met in 1987, spent decades curating a collection that now fills their Dutch-Colonial house, blending minimalist design with bold, colourful decor. Their journey from a Manhattan townhouse to a sprawling country property reflects both their personal history and their deep ties to the art world.
Howey and Widdershoven first settled in a townhouse on East 10th Street, where they lived for 20 years. Their move to Bridgehampton came in 2008, when they purchased a one-acre property featuring a Dutch-Colonial house originally built in 1925 by Whitey Pulver. The estate, later inherited by Pulver's daughter, included a three-car garage and a weathered barn, which Howey transformed into a private studio.
The couple's home is a testament to their lifelong passion for collecting. The interiors are simple yet vibrant, with white walls and open spaces that highlight their extensive art collection. A major influence is Robert Rauschenberg, under whom Howey studied after earning his M.A. in art from NYU in 1974. Over a dozen of Rauschenberg's works, including Booster and Reunion, are displayed throughout the house, their industrial and minimalist qualities shaping the home's aesthetic. The design echoes Rauschenberg's Combine paintings, reinforcing the connection between the couple's living space and their artistic roots.
Widdershoven's own background in design further enriched their home. In 1974, he founded Maison Gerard, a gallery specialising in Art Deco and mid-century pieces. This expertise is evident in the house's curated mix of modern and vintage elements. Even functional changes, like converting a main-floor bedroom into their primary suite, were made with an eye for both comfort and style.
Their collection also includes a surprising discovery: a Roy Lichtenstein poster diptych, which they learned—quite by chance—each owned half of.
The Bridgehampton property now stands as both a private retreat and a living gallery. Howey's studio, the repurposed barn, and the carefully arranged artworks create a space that reflects their shared history. From Rauschenberg's influence to Widdershoven's design expertise, every detail tells the story of a couple whose lives have been shaped by art.
