Ever wonder how the ultra-wealthy create homes that feel both grand and welcoming? Susie hilfiger naturally mastered this balance at her Connecticut estate, mixing royal antiques with bold patterns in ways that broke traditional decorating rules. Her approach proves you can blend different styles successfully when you understand color, texture, and history – lessons any homeowner can apply to create spaces with real personality and charm.
Who is susie hilfiger and what defines her Denbigh Farm collection?
Susie Hilfiger is a design enthusiast who spent nearly 30 years creating one of the most stunning estate collections in Greenwich, Connecticut. Her Denbigh Farm collection showcases a perfect blend of vintage-inspired textiles, vibrant colors, and elaborate patterns that tell the story of refined American living.
The collection stands out for its mix of historic pieces from notable figures, including furniture from the late Duke and Duchess of Windsor. Eagle-shaped consoles, a green Venetian secretary, and other carefully chosen antiques fill the rooms. Each piece reflects her eye for combining British, French, and American design elements.
What makes this collection special is how it brings together different styles without feeling cluttered. The design concept draws inspiration from Sister Parish, focusing on lively colors and intricate patterns that create warmth throughout the home.
The Denbigh Farm story: a Greenwich estate and design legacy
Built in the late 1700s by a Quaker family, Denbigh Farm carries centuries of American history within its walls. The property underwent a major transformation in the early 20th century when Albro & Lindeberg renovated it in the style of an English country estate.
The estate spans over 17 acres overlooking Long Island Sound, creating a perfect backdrop for the grand home. Previous owner Joseph Verner Reed Jr., a diplomat and art collector, added his own touches before Susie Hilfiger made it her family’s home.
In the early 2000s, Virginia-based architect Allan Greenberg updated the property once more. This renovation involved major infrastructure work, including redoing the roof and plumbing systems. The updates respected the home’s historic character while making it perfect for modern living.
The grounds tell their own story with manicured gardens, horse stables, and tennis courts. An apple orchard adds charm to the landscape, while a carriage house provides additional space. Perhaps most unique is the playhouse modeled after George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate, which susie hilfiger commissioned specifically for the property.
Inside the Denbigh Farm interiors: color, pattern, and art that define the look
The interiors showcase a masterful use of color and pattern that creates visual interest in every room. Working with Colefax & Fowler, the design team created spaces that feel both elegant and comfortable for daily living.
The dining room features de Gournay hand-painted botanical wallpaper that serves as a stunning backdrop for meals. A heavy English triple pedestal dining table anchors the space, surrounded by George III chairs. The room’s chandelier adds the perfect finishing touch to this formal yet welcoming space.
Susie Hilfiger-inspired textiles
Textiles play a starring role throughout the home, with each room showcasing different approaches to fabric and color. The primary bedroom features a Bunny Mellon-designed four-poster bed dressed in beautiful floral fabric that matches the room’s floral-print carpet.
The attic room takes a bolder approach with red-and-yellow Batik fabric covering everything from the canopy bed to the chaise lounge. Even the dormer ceiling gets the fabric treatment, creating a cozy cocoon-like feeling in this unique space.
We recommend paying attention to how different textures and patterns work together throughout the home. The mix includes:
- Vintage fabrics from renowned textile houses
- Custom upholstery that matches wallpaper patterns
- Antique rugs that tie room elements together
- Window treatments that frame the estate’s beautiful views
Gracie wallpaper and other signature patterns
While de Gournay wallpaper graces the dining room, other signature patterns appear throughout the estate. Chinoiserie designs bring an exotic touch to several spaces, while floral motifs create continuity between rooms.
The wallpaper choices show careful consideration of each room’s purpose and light. Brighter patterns appear in well-lit spaces, while more subdued designs create intimate feelings in cozy areas. This thoughtful approach makes each room feel intentional and well-planned.
Auctions, previews, and how to participate
The estate’s contents became available through a significant auction that took place in April, giving collectors and design enthusiasts access to these carefully curated pieces. The sale included everything from antique Chinese porcelain to Staffordshire pieces.
A Louis XVI wingback chair and various decorative accessories were among the highlights. The auction attracted attention from serious collectors who appreciated the quality and provenance of the pieces.
Auction timeline and preview schedule
Preview events allowed potential bidders to examine items up close before the sale. These preview schedules typically run for several days leading up to the auction date, giving people time to research and plan their bids.
We advise checking with the auction house for specific preview dates and times. These events often include expert staff who can answer questions about individual pieces and their history within the estate.
How to bid: steps to participate online or in person
Both online and in-person bidding options were available for the Denbigh Farm auction. Online bidding makes it possible for collectors worldwide to participate, while in-person attendance allows for a more traditional auction experience.
For those new to auction participation, we recommend these steps:
- Register with the auction house before the sale date
- Review the detailed catalog to understand lot descriptions
- Set a budget and stick to it during bidding
- Understand the buyer’s premium and any additional fees
- Arrange for shipping or pickup of winning items
Visiting Denbigh Farm and learning more about the Hilfigers
The estate itself tells the story of thoughtful collecting and design over many years. Now listed at nearly 18 million dollars, the property represents one of Greenwich’s most significant residential offerings.
The decision to sell came as the family planned to relocate to California, ending an era of careful stewardship at this historic property. During her years there, Susie Hilfiger maintained privacy around the residence, with few public photos or interviews about the home.
The extensive gardens and architecture reflect both colonial inspiration and early 20th-century design legacy. Walking through the spaces, visitors can appreciate how different periods of renovation respected the home’s original character while adding modern conveniences.
The combination of vintage French, British, and American furniture throughout the rooms creates a sophisticated international feeling. This mix shows how different design traditions can work together when chosen with care and understanding of each piece’s role in the overall composition.
FAQ
Who is Tommy Hilfiger’s ex-wife?
Tommy Hilfiger’s ex-wife is Susie Hilfiger. They were married on September 3, 1980, and had four children together before divorcing. Susie played a significant role in the establishment of the Hilfiger fashion brand, especially during its rise in the 1990s.
Who owns Denbigh Farm now?
Denbigh Farm is currently owned by Susie Hilfiger, who transformed the historic property into her family’s home over the decades. While it was recently listed for sale, her stewardship has left a significant impact on the estate’s design and legacy.
Where does Susie Hilfiger live now?
Susie Hilfiger now lives in California. The decision to sell Denbigh Farm came as the family planned their move, marking a new chapter after nearly 30 years in the Greenwich estate that showcased her remarkable design talents.
Who is Tommy Hilfiger’s first wife?
Tommy Hilfiger’s first wife is Susie Hilfiger. Their marriage began on September 3, 1980, and lasted until their divorce, during which time they built a family and the Hilfiger brand’s identity in the fashion industry.
What is Denbigh Farm known for?
Denbigh Farm is known for its stunning design and rich history. The estate features a blend of vintage-inspired textiles, elaborate patterns, and antique furnishings, creating a unique narrative that reflects American living and artful elegance throughout its interior spaces.
What types of design elements are found at Denbigh Farm?
Design elements at Denbigh Farm include a mix of British, French, and American styles. The interiors showcase vibrant colors, intricate patterns, vintage fabrics, and historic pieces that create a cohesive and inviting atmosphere, demonstrating Susie Hilfiger’s thoughtful curation.
John has been passionate about furniture and interior design for over a decade, combining his love for vintage pieces with modern styling techniques. After years of helping friends transform their spaces and restoring countless furniture finds, he started this blog to share his expertise and inspire others to create homes they truly love. When he’s not writing or hunting for unique pieces at estate sales, you’ll find him refinishing a mid-century dresser or experimenting with new room layouts in his own ever-evolving home.
