It was time for Amanda Pays and Corbin Bernsen to maneuver—once more. After years of dwelling in LA, the multi-talented actors—Amanda is now a full-time designer and Corbin has critical carpentry abilities—had been newly settled of their upstate New York farmhouse (see Hollywood within the Hudson Valley) once they determined they preferred the surroundings however wanted extra space.
In California, the couple misplaced rely of their joint home productions at 20: they buy, overhaul, keep some time, after which flip. The apply continues upstate, the place, Amanda says, the chilly local weather requires “wallpaper, horny colours, plenty of layers,” and others components of her English upbringing.
Their new 1880 property got here in the marketplace whereas the couple had been at their Household Home within the South of France, the one property they are saying they’ll by no means promote. Two of their 4 sons did the touring and inspecting, they usually purchased the farm from afar. Along with 5 bedrooms and a pool, this one had authentic particulars lurking underneath the carpeting and paint: “It was promising,” says Amanda, “however very, very drained.”
Through the eight months of development, the couple assumed their roles: Corbin is the area planner, cupboard designer, and fence builder. She orchestrates the overhaul, selects the finishes and furnishings, and does the bargaining. Collectively they scour auctions, architectural reclamation yards, and equipment shops in Paramus, New Jersey: they’re keen to drive hours for a discover and are of the “stroll away if the worth is just too excessive” college of buying. “Don’t madly fall in love with every bit,” instructs Amanda, “hold trying and ask to strive issues at house.” She invited us in for a tour, and was pleased to share the place they shelled out and the place they saved.
Pictures by The Lillie Ok. Staff (@buyingupstate), courtesy of Amanda Pays.
Above: The porch had lots of rot—”pillars had been dangling”— and required rebuilding; the couple widened it and had it flip the nook to increase off the lounge. As for the sky blue ceiling: Amanda says, “It was already there, I simply made it extra pronounced.”
The contractors on the undertaking had been Hudson Constructing and Restoration: “I noticed their sign up Germantown, referred to as them, they came visiting and began work the following day. I’m now on my second home with Mike and Joe.”