House & Home of the Month

A pair of vintage rocking chairs of fers classic fireside seating below rustic beams. Rug, Selina van der Geest.

Homeowner Sloane Klevin sits outside her home.

modern pieces. She grew to love the style early, learning at the foot of her grandmother, Dorothy Hoffman, an interior designer. While other kids her age were playing cards, Sloane was discovering the difference between a Jalk and a Juhl — two of the most inf luential mid-century modern Danish designers. Combining this modern sensibility with cosy comforts encourages the kind of slow-paced pleasures she was seeking from country life, like watching the change of seasons from the ease of a vintage Hans Wegner rocking chair. “In full summer, the trees are heavy with leaves and it’s completely private, but it’s also great here with two feet of snow on the ground and a fire going,” says Sloane. Obviously, we couldn’t wait to hear more.

HOUSE & HOME: You seem like a happy urbanite. Why did you want a home in the country? SLOANE KLEVIN: I mostly grew up in Malibu Canyon, an area in California where you’re surrounded by nature. Every day after school, we’d go surfing or hiking. I love the spontaneity and energy of the city, but I couldn’t live without nature. I can’t wait to get up to my property this weekend because I know there will be blue wildf lowers, and the nettles are blooming, so hummingbirds, butterf lies and goldfinches will be dipping in and out. I’m hooked on the idea of spending the week in the city and the weekend in the country. Even my miniature pinscher, Benson, becomes depressed if he doesn’t get up north.

H&H: What’s the most surprising thing about weekends in the country? SK: How long the days feel with no distractions; how deeply relaxing being away from the city is; how soft my skin feels from bathing in well water; and how bright the moon is at night.

H&H: Why did you snap up this property in Columbia County? SK: I had previously rented two other properties — one was a farm and the other was architect Douglas Larson’s 18th-century Colonial house.