In the world of celebrity home tours, few episodes capture pure joy and personality quite like Architectural Digest’s Open Door visit to Robert Downey Jr. and Susan Downey’s converted windmill estate in the Hamptons. Far from the sleek Malibu compounds or sprawling California ranches associated with Hollywood royalty, the Downeys created something refreshingly original: a late-19th-century windmill folly—originally built as a Victorian playhouse—transformed into a full-fledged, family-centric home bursting with character, color, and cat-approved chaos.
The story begins in classic Hollywood serendipity. Two summers prior to purchase, the couple rented designer Joe Nahem’s heavenly Amagansett retreat. Impressed by the AD100 talent behind Fox-Nahem Associates, they casually asked him to keep an eye out for unique properties. Months later, Nahem delivered a gem: a secluded East Hampton estate featuring the enchanting windmill, mature sculptural trees, and gardens designed by landscape artist Joseph Tyree. Proximity to town paired with genuine privacy made it irresistible.
“We wanted something we haven’t seen a million times,” Downey explained in the tour. The couple gave Nahem and his team just six weeks post-holiday to turn the historic structure into a “Downey-rific” sanctuary tailored for their adventurous tastes and young children—son Exton (then 5) and daughter Avri (then 3)—while accommodating older son Indio from Downey’s previous marriage.
The transformation was anything but ordinary. The octagonal entry foyer at the base of the windmill sets a joyful tone with rainbow-striped wallpaper. Just beyond, the living room was reconfigured with a dramatic sunken floor and anchored by a massive wraparound fireplace wall crafted by ceramic artist Peter Lane—creating instant architectural drama and a natural gathering spot. Structural additions over the decades had already expanded the original folly into a proper residence; Nahem’s interventions enhanced flow, comfort, and whimsy without erasing its quirky soul.
Outdoor living received equal attention. Rather than forcing the guesthouse into double duty, Nahem collaborated with Alveary Architecture on a dedicated freestanding poolside pavilion. It features a striking mosaic-topped table by Kelly Behun Studio, an outdoor living room, bar, and a television nearly cinema-sized—perfect for family movie nights under the stars.
Inside, the aesthetic strikes a delightful balance: pedigreed antiques mingle with approachable off-the-rack finds, bold pops of color dance against soothing neutrals, and eccentric accents add that signature Downey spark. Susan’s emphasis on efficiency and ease complements Robert’s puckish spirit, all refined by Nahem’s expertise in crafting livable homes with a touch of magic.
One of the most charming details? The cats have full run of the place. The Downeys’ feline companions roam freely—from sun-drenched windowsills to the windmill’s upper levels—embodying the home’s relaxed, joyful ethos. In the tour, the family’s warmth shines through: laughter echoes as they open closets, share favorite artworks, and explain how this unconventional property perfectly suits their life.
The windmill itself remains the star. Its tower now houses a library and office, offering elevated views and a sense of playful escape. Seven bedrooms and 11 bathrooms spread across the main house, guesthouse, and studio, supported by a pool, tennis court, and sprawling four-acre grounds. A larger-than-life green praying mantis sculpture on the lawn greets visitors with the same irreverent humor that defines Downey’s public persona.
This Hamptons hideaway represents more than real estate—it’s a deliberate choice for whimsy over convention. In Downey’s words, they didn’t aim for “conspicuously wacky,” just fun and far from boring. The result is a home that feels alive, loved, and perfectly suited to a family that has weathered Hollywood’s storms to build something enduring together.
The Open Door episode remains a fan favorite for its humor, heart, and insider access. It reminds us that even Iron Man needs a cozy windmill—and a few cats—to call home.
