Liev Schreiber, known for his formidable on-screen presence, reveals an unexpected vulnerability: a lifelong apprehension towards chickens. This revelation comes as he and his wife, Taylor, unveil their meticulously renovated triplex in Manhattan's NoHo neighborhood. The transformation of their urban dwelling into a family-centric haven, complete with a rooftop chicken coop, showcases a unique blend of sophisticated design and personal comfort, expertly orchestrated by AD100 firm Ashe Leandro.
The journey began with Taylor's vision to soften the apartment's previously masculine aesthetic and to integrate elements reminiscent of her South Dakota farm roots. This aspiration led to the creation of an expansive rooftop garden featuring wisteria, berry bushes, a cold-plunge pool with stunning city views, and, notably, a chicken coop. Here reside Grandma, Sizzurp, Fern, Pico, and Miu Miu, whose fresh eggs are proudly packaged in 'Hazel's Hens' cartons, a tribute to the couple's daughter, Hazel Bee.
Schreiber's initial purchase of a one-bedroom apartment in a 19th-century Neo-Grec industrial building was prompted by earnings from a film role. Over time, as his acting career flourished and his family grew with children Sasha and Kai, he expanded by acquiring the two-floor apartment below, forming the current triplex. After an amicable separation from his former partner, Naomi Watts, Schreiber returned to his bachelor pad, which he had previously updated with the help of his brothers, a stonemason and a carpenter. However, with his children dividing their time between two residences, he recognized the need for a more refined and expanded living space.
The latest renovation addressed the family's evolving needs, especially after the arrival of Hazel Bee. Faced with the challenge of finding a larger home in a beloved neighborhood, the solution was found next door: purchasing a neighbor's two-bedroom apartment. Designers Ariel Ashe and Reinaldo Leandro were tasked with seamlessly merging the newly acquired space into a four-bedroom residence without sacrificing its urban integrity. This involved reconfiguring the layout, transforming the lowest level into a private family area with individual children's bedrooms, a den, and a home office for Schreiber's screenwriting and voice-over work. The upper floor now hosts the public spaces, including a living room with a striking de Sede Snake sectional and a kitchen equipped with a Lacanche range where Taylor prepares meals and Schreiber proudly serves cappuccino.
The primary bedroom, also on this floor, features a custom linen headboard embroidered by SAVED New York, chronicling significant moments in the couple's relationship, from their first meeting at Broadway's Booth Theatre to their initial date at Hurley's pub. Taylor affectionately describes the embroidery as depicting them as a 'raccoon family,' a nod to their shared passion for rehabilitating raccoons on Long Island.
In their renovation approach, Leandro emphasized honoring the building's historical character. This involved exposing original brick walls and charred wood beams in the family room and revealing the ceiling's inherent structure on the upper floor by removing drywall. A blackened-steel spiral staircase, fabricated on-site, serves as a central architectural element, reflecting the industrial heritage of the building and leading to the expanded rooftop garden, meticulously landscaped by Brooklyn Grange.
The collaborative design process, marked by lively negotiations, such as the placement of the fireplace in the kitchen (a win for Taylor), fostered a deep connection between the family and their designers. Schreiber and Ashe's playful debates and Leandro's calming influence underscore the strong bonds formed during the project. Ashe and Taylor's daily conversations, spanning motherhood, antiques, and the well-being of the chickens, exemplify the close relationship that developed.
Schreiber, whose childhood fear of chickens stemmed from his hippie parents' move to a Canadian commune, is now successfully overcoming his aversion, albeit with one firm rule: no chickens inside the house, except for special occasions like photo shoots. This blend of personal narrative, thoughtful design, and a touch of the unexpected creates a truly unique and harmonious living environment for the Schreiber family.
The redesigned residence is a testament to the idea that a home can evolve alongside its inhabitants, reflecting personal journeys and changing needs while retaining its core identity. The careful integration of personal histories, functional requirements, and aesthetic preferences has resulted in a space that is both visually compelling and deeply personal. The triplex, with its expanded layout and unique features, now stands as a vibrant example of how urban living can be enriched with elements of nature and personal charm.