by Lori Szepelak
CHESTER-Nestled on 12 acres is a 1752 residence that is a “home away from home” for William Ivey Long, known worldwide for his costumes that have graced the stages of Broadway for decades. 
While Long has called New York home for years, it was through a friend in 1982 that he discovered the town of Chester and when he saw the colonial house and red barn along a stream his friend had told him about that was for sale he said “yes” immediately.
“Having attended the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, and being surrounded by the colonial influence, I fell in love with the house,” said Long during a recent phone interview at his New York studio.
“I believe the house is the oldest in town,” he said, noting the “creamy yellow” structure with wooden shingles has gone through several renovation phases since he acquired the property.
“The house had only been sold twice in its life,” said Long, adding the last owners passed on to him some pewter dishes and cups that had been part of the home’s history.
“There are good vibrations throughout the house,” he said, adding “The spirits are also very welcoming.”
In the current issue of Vanity Fair magazine, Long was featured as “Broadway’s Costume King,” noting that his costumes have been a staple of Broadway (and off-Broadway) for years, spanning 71 productions including Hairspray, Chicago, and The Producers. He has been nominated for 15 Tony Awards, winning six times. Also, Long was recently nominated for an Emmy Award for his work on Grease: Live! for the Fox television network, and recently completed designing costumes for the prime-time variety series, Maya & Marty which aired on NBC this summer. His next designs for television can be seen when Fox debuts The Rocky Horror Picture Show starring Laverne Cox and Tim Curry in October.
William Ivey Long is surrounded by his costume designs in his New York studio. Photo courtesy of Kate Pollard.
When Long isn’t designing costumes, he is also active in the theatre community and recently completed a four-year elected term as Chairman of the Board for the American Theatre Wing. The American Theatre Wing is the founder of the Tony Awards.
“When I need to decompress, I visit my home in Chester,” said Long, noting the drive time is less than four hours. “I also do a lot of drawing there since it is so quiet.”
The 1752 house brings “great joy” to Long who always feels “grounded” once he settles in.
“I enjoy walking up into the mountains,” he said, adding that his view from the garden room (formerly used to house carriages in an earlier life) is spectacular when there is mist lingering over the fields.
“It is easy to connect with nature at a very basic level here,” said Long. “The mountain view is magnificent.”
Long said he also enjoys the changes of each season at his home.
“I love all 12 months since every season is a revelation,” said Long, adding that winter is especially a treat with a “wonderful fireplace” to be enjoyed.
“During my first weekend after I purchased the property the temperature dipped to 40 below,” he said. “There was no running water, the sump pumps were running, and I had the pot belly stove going. It was so basic and I was happy.”
Over the years Long also purchased the former school in town which now houses his archival materials including sketches, as well as the former Chester Inn in the downtown area.
“I love restoring old houses and working with others who share the same passion,” said Long, noting his town involvement over the years has included serving on the planning board.
Happiness for Long was a common theme throughout the conversation, noting he is especially happy when he is sharing his love of design with others – especially young people.
“I’m a storyteller through clothes,” said Long. “I also enjoy working behind the scenes.”
Long said for those interested in design – whether it is for the stage, television or film – it is important to know history and “read, read, read” as much as possible about different time periods.
“I have found that research is the secret to my work,” he said. “I encourage young people to fall in love with literature and history.”
With fall only a few weeks away, Long is back in the city and working on several projects including A Bronx Tale, the Musical, for Broadway with Robert DeNiro, and the national tour of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella which will debut in South Carolina.
“Every project is challenging,” he said, adding that’s the way he likes it.
“When it’s time to decompress again, I will drive to Chester because it’s always so welcoming,” he said. “Seeing mountains on both sides of my home allows my mind to wander and ponder the next challenge.”
