Robert Downey Jr. and his wife, Susan Downey, have quite an impressive real estate portfolio. The list of their real estate investments goes on and on; however, one of the most interesting additions is their very own Windmill cottage! The home, originally created in 1885, still stands tall in East Hampton and is now owned by one of Hollywood’s biggest stars.
In 2017, Robert Downey Jr. bought a windmill cottage in East Hampton
Architectural Digest reported that the beloved actor invested a whopping USD 10.5 million into a 141-year-old home in East Hampton. Called the Edward DeRose Windmill Cottage in East Hampton, New York, it was built in 1885 and underwent many renovations throughout the years until Downey finally bought it.
Robert and Susna Downey invested USD 10.5 million in the home in 2017. (Instagram)
History of the Edward DeRose Windmill Cottage that is now owned by Robert Downey Jr
The property on which the cottage sits was acquired by wealthy businessman Edward DeRose from Jeremiah Miller. The Windmill style was popular on Long Island during that time, and he commissioned architects to build the iconic Victorian summer home there on the farmland. The property surrounding the cottage was called ‘Millfield,’ and the faux windmill in the house acted as an entry foyer, office, and library.In the following years, additional living wings were added onto the main structure, and it was renovated and improved. While the original design was maintained, the small cottage became a full-scale residential compound. Around the 1980s, the house gained more cultural significance after appearing in a film.Director Sidney Lumet chose the windmill cottage as a primary setting for the 1982 film adaptation of Ira Levin’s mystery thriller ‘Deathtrap.’ The film starred Michael Caine and Christopher Reeve in the leading roles, while the eccentric house served as the main home for Caine’s character.In 1998, new additions to the home were made, including a modern kitchen, new dining areas, a mudroom, and guest accommodations. The plot expanded to 8,500 square feet on a 4-acre space with gardens, a pool, a tennis court, and a guest house.
About the interior of Robert Downey Jr’s home
The interior of the house was changed and redone within six weeks after finalizing the sale of the property. (YouTube)
In 2017, after the ‘Iron Man’ star purchased the property, he enlisted famed designer Joe Nahem to restructure and renovate the space to his and his wife’s liking. The property was renovated within six weeks and was made ready for the Downey family to move in whenever they wished. The main entrance area was covered and decorated with rainbow-striped wallpaper, while the living room was redesigned to sit lower than the entryway, giving it a ‘sunken’ feeling. The living room also featured a custom-made ceramic wraparound fireplace created by artist Peter Lane.One of the bedrooms featured an all-white interior with ivory-hued matching pillows. Additionally, there is a small room with a huge portrait of wildly crashing waves, along with golden-colored sofas and pristine wooden floors to contrast the light-colored textures. As for the outside area, the property consists of a pool along with a personal bar, TV set, and dining area with a mosaic table.One of the most notable features of Downey’s property is the outdoor decor. The space is covered with eccentric sculptures, including a green praying mantis statue that greets visitors near the entrance.
