This windmill cottage began as a playful retreat and was purchased by the Downeys in 2017 for $11.9 million, offering a refreshing departure from conventional celebrity estates. Renovated in just six weeks by Fox-Nahem Associates, the property reflects the family’s desire for uniqueness and fun, proving that even a historic structure can become a welcoming, low-maintenance haven.
From Playhouse to Family Home: The Conversion Journey
How did a 19th-century windmill playhouse transform into a functional residence for the Downey family? The answer lies in a thoughtful, fast-paced renovation that turned a whimsical structure into a livable home. The windmill cottage began its life not as a primary dwelling, but as a playhouse—a charming retreat meant for leisure rather than daily living. This meant that the playhouse conversion process required significant changes to make it suitable for full-time occupancy.
The Original Playhouse Structure
When you start with a historic property adaptation like this, the original layout often lacks the basics for modern family life. The windmill cottage, with its circular floors and narrow staircases, was designed for fun, not function. To turn it into a welcoming home, the renovation had to address everything from plumbing and electricity to insulation and kitchen space. While specific details of the playhouse-to-home conversion process are scarce, it likely involved adding modern amenities while preserving the structure’s unique charm.
Key Conversion Steps
Joe Nahem and Fox-Nahem Associates took on the windmill home renovation, completing the work in just six weeks. This tight timeline required a clear focus on blending whimsy with practicality. The team likely prioritized essential upgrades like a functional kitchen, bathroom, and heating system, all while keeping the windmill’s historic character intact. For any unique home transformation, the key is to balance what makes the property special with what makes it livable. In this East Hampton renovation, the result is a space that feels both playful and practical—a true family home born from a playhouse.
Interior Design and Quirky Decor
Step inside this windmill cottage, and the playful spirit continues in every room. The interiors are as whimsical as the home’s origin story, blending artistic touches with cozy, family-friendly spaces. From a dramatically sunken living room to a garden guardian that stops visitors in their tracks, the decor is anything but ordinary.
The Sunken Living Room and Fireplace
One of the most striking features of the windmill cottage is the sunken living room. This design choice adds a sense of intimacy and separates the space from the rest of the main floor without the need for walls. The focal point is a fireplace wall created by ceramic artist Peter Lane. The textured, handcrafted tiles bring warmth and organic artistry to the room, making it a natural gathering spot for family evenings. If you love sunken living room design, this example shows how a lowered floor can make a large room feel cozy and conversation-friendly.
Susan’s Tower Office
At the very top of the windmill tower, you will find Susan’s office. This perch offers panoramic views and a quiet retreat away from the main living areas. The tower’s circular layout and narrow staircase add a touch of adventure to the daily work routine. It is a practical yet inspiring use of space, proving that even the most unconventional nook can become a functional windmill tower office. For anyone working from home, this design encourages you to look up—literally and figuratively—for a change of scenery.
Garden Art and Other Decor
Outside, the quirky touches continue with a giant praying mantis statue standing guard in the front garden. This oversized insect is a conversation starter and a nod to the home’s offbeat personality. While other unique decor items and artworks remain undisclosed, the mantis alone shows that quirky garden statues can add humor and character to a landscape. The overall effect is a home that feels collected, not decorated—a place where unique home decor reflects the family’s creative spirit. Whether you are drawn to the ceramic fireplace wall or the tower office, this windmill cottage proves that a house born from a playhouse can grow into a home full of delightful surprises.
Family Life and Everyday Use
When you picture a celebrity family home with kids, you might imagine pristine rooms that barely look lived in. But the Downey family’s windmill cottage tells a different story. Robert and Susan share the space with their two children, Exton (14) and Avri (11), plus two cats, and the home reflects real, everyday life. Small signs tucked around the property, like a note reading “Don’t let the cats out,” show this is a pet-friendly home where practical reminders matter more than perfect staging. Toys scattered in certain areas hint at playtime and family routines, making the cottage feel welcoming rather than museum-like.
The unique layout of this windmill cottage supports both togetherness and personal space. The sunken living room creates a cozy spot where the family can gather for movie nights or quiet conversation. It feels separate from the rest of the house, giving everyone a designated relaxation zone. For work, Susan’s home office sits at the top of the windmill tower. This setup cleverly uses the tower’s height for a quiet workspace, proving that even unusual floor plans can be practical for a celebrity family lifestyle. The tower office offers privacy and a different vantage point, ideal for focusing while the rest of the household carries on below.
Outdoor spaces also play a role in daily life. A giant praying mantis statue in the front garden adds a touch of whimsy that the children likely enjoy. It is a playful reminder that this windmill cottage embraces fun alongside function. For your own home, think about how each room and corner can serve a clear purpose, whether for relaxation, work, or family connection. Even quirky features can become beloved parts of your everyday use of unique spaces.
The Challenge of a Six-Week Renovation
What makes a six-week renovation feel particularly intense? For the windmill cottage, the fast renovation timeline was certainly a major factor. Joe Nahem and Fox-Nahem Associates took on the project and completed the work in just six weeks, a schedule that even Nahem described as ‘insane.’ This tight window is a key part of the windmill cottage’s story, showing how even a seemingly playful structure can require serious effort.
Historic building renovation challenges often come from needing to preserve original character while updating for modern use. Converting a structure that began as a playhouse into a functional home means dealing with unusual layouts, limited square footage, and potentially outdated infrastructure. You might have to work around curved walls, narrow stairs, or small windows, all of which take extra time to plan and execute. For the windmill cottage, the unique shape likely added to the complexity, making that six-week deadline even more ambitious.
Another layer to consider is the question of zoning permits for unique homes. While the exact details of any permits for this project aren’t public, converting a playhouse into a livable residence typically requires navigating local regulations. Celebrity home renovation projects often face extra scrutiny, and you can imagine how a windmill shape might raise questions with planning departments. If you ever take on a similar structural conversion difficulty, be prepared to research your local zoning laws early. A practical tip is to start conversations with your local permitting office before you break ground, so you can avoid surprises that stretch your timeline.
Ultimately, this rapid transformation reminds you that even the most charming spaces come with their own set of hurdles. Whether you are tackling a small shed or a larger renovation, understanding these potential roadblocks helps you plan a smoother process.
Robert Downey Jr.’s Property Portfolio
Beyond the windmill cottage, Robert Downey Jr. owns a collection of homes that reflect his love for the unusual. At 61 years old, the actor has built a celebrity real estate portfolio that includes some truly distinctive properties. One standout is his $13.4 million Malibu home, which features animal enclosures and a concrete clubhouse. This Malibu celebrity home shows that he values spaces where creativity and practicality meet, much like the windmill cottage itself.
The Malibu Home
This property includes dedicated animal enclosures, which suggests a family-friendly approach to living with pets or rescued animals. The concrete clubhouse design adds a modern, durable element that contrasts with the whimsical feel of a windmill cottage. It is a practical choice for entertaining or relaxing, showing that Downey Jr. appreciates both style and function in his unique property collection.
Comparing Properties
When you look at these homes together, a pattern emerges: the actor seeks out spaces with character and purpose. The windmill cottage started as a playhouse, while the Malibu home offers room for animals and gatherings. Both properties invite you to think about what makes a house feel welcoming. Whether you prefer a cozy, storybook retreat or a sleek, modern layout, Downey Jr.’s choices prove that your home can reflect your personality without sacrificing comfort. This collection of celebrity real estate reminds you that a windmill cottage is just one way to build a space that feels truly your own.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did a 19th-century windmill playhouse become a functional family home?
The Downeys transformed the windmill cottage from a whimsical playhouse into a livable home by adding essential modern comforts while preserving its historic charm. They installed a compact kitchen, a sunken living area, and a tower office, making the circular layout practical for daily family life. The key was keeping the original structure intact while weaving in cozy, family-friendly details like soft furnishings and simple storage solutions.
Why did the Downeys choose this quirky property over more conventional options?
The windmill cottage offered a unique blend of history and personality that standard homes simply couldn’t match. For a family seeking a welcoming retreat, its playful origins as a playhouse and its distinctive tower spaces provided a sense of adventure and togetherness. Choosing this property meant embracing a low-maintenance, budget-friendly lifestyle that prioritizes memorable experiences over traditional square footage.
Is the windmill cottage safe and suitable for everyday family living?
Yes, the Downeys made the windmill cottage safe and suitable for their family by addressing key concerns like stair safety and pet-friendly access. They added secure railings to the spiral staircase and kept the layout open and clutter-free to prevent accidents. The presence of playful touches, like the giant praying mantis statue and ‘Don’t let the cats out’ signs, shows that the home balances whimsy with practical, everyday function.
