Drew Barrymore Reveals Her Cozy Country House She ‘Desperately’ Needed Outside of N.Y.C. — See Inside!

Drew Barrymore has recently showcased her charming New York country house, a project she passionately renovated over the past couple of years. Just before listing the property for sale at a price of £5 million, the host of ‘The Drew Barrymore Show’ opened up about her design journey in the Spring edition of Rue Magazine.

Situated in Harrison, New York, Barrymore revealed that this tranquil home was her retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life, particularly as her primary residence is located in New York City. The actress and entrepreneur expressed her long-standing desire for a space that would connect her to nature, stating, “I had desperately wanted a place outside the city because I had been working for years at this point inside a studio with no windows.” With nostalgic ties to her Californian roots, she yearned for the greenery and open spaces reminiscent of her upbringing.

In her quest for a more nature-infused lifestyle, Barrymore discovered the property while browsing Zillow. It struck her as a perfect fit not only for its lush surroundings but also for its quirky architectural features. “I just had this urge to find nature,” she confessed to the magazine.

The transformation of the house soon became her fervent project. Barrymore noted that sunlight was a key element she wanted to incorporate into her new retreat. Living in a city surrounded by tall buildings often deprived her of this vital natural light, which she acknowledges as essential for well-being. “I’ve been studying a lot about the importance of 20 minutes of sunlight in the morning,” she explained, citing it as particularly challenging in her urban environment.

Admitting her initial uncertainties about the renovation, she recalled the beginning stages, which involved clearing dense trees to allow more sunlight to flood in. As the renovation progressed, Barrymore turned her focus to improving the core systems of the home, tackling tasks such as updating electrical wiring and plumbing. She described the process as both overwhelming and rewarding, which included camping out in the house during the renovation phases. “I’ve roughed it in the house many times over,” she shared, referencing her limited cooking facilities in those early days.

A highlight of Barrymore’s design ethos included the concept of “attainable luxury,” which saw her furnish the kitchen with stylish yet practical appliances from ZLINE. Her approach to interior design was both a personal obsession and an artistic journey, allowing for multiple reimaginations of various spaces throughout the home, especially the living room.

Initially painted in a bold olive green, this room went through various transformations until settling into a more subdued rose colour that better suited her vision. Barrymore’s playful approach to her living space, which she affectionately referred to as a “play place,” resulted in a serene aesthetic featuring light grey tones and painted floors. “I ended up with this Gustavian, Finnish, sort of serene space,” she remarked, capturing the essence of her revamped living environment.

Though she embraced a minimalist style, the spaces she created were far from bland. Both her beloved living room and primary bedroom possess character without being overly colourful. Barrymore also took a conscious approach to furnishings, utilising many pieces from her previous home in Los Angeles while keeping new acquisitions to a minimum.

As a mother of two daughters, Barrymore also ensured that their rooms reflected her design philosophy. She firmly believes it is feasible to create an upscale atmosphere without excessive spending. “A little bit of trim can elevate and make a room look so much more expensive without spending a lot of money,” she advised, underlining her commitment to elegance over extravagance.

For more insights into Drew Barrymore’s New York home and her renovation experience, interested readers can explore the full feature in Rue Magazine.