Sam Esmail’s latest Netflix film, “Leave the World Behind,” adapted from Rumaan Alam’s bestselling novel, unfolds its eerie narrative within the confines of a stunning vacation rental on Long Island’s North Shore. The movie introduces Amanda Sanford (played by Julia Roberts) and her husband Clay (portrayed by Ethan Hawke), who embark on a tranquil weekend getaway with their two teenage children. However, their idyllic escape takes an unexpected turn when the homeowner, G.H. Scott (Mahershala Ali), arrives with his daughter Ruth (Myha’la Herrold) in the middle of the night due to a mysterious blackout in Manhattan.
Despite the film’s premise revolving around a fictional U.S. cyberattack, the captivating house featured is entirely real, situated in the village of Old Westbury, according to Curbed. Constructed in 2019, the 5,200-square-foot modern farmhouse was crafted by architect John Patrick Winberry from The Up Studio, based in Long Island City. Named The Open Corner House, the project emerged after a fire consumed the previous French-style estate on the property.
Throughout the movie, the Sanfords, as guests, primarily inhabit the upper floors of the house. The living, kitchen, and dining areas seamlessly blend, adorned with abundant marble, natural wood, leather, and metal hardware. In the primary suite, extending over the pool, a seascape behind the bed intensifies in sync with the rising tension.
While the Scotts have their own space, circumstances force them to take refuge in the in-law suite in the basement, specially crafted for the film. Set decorator David Schlesinger explained to Architectural Digest, “The ceiling is very low in there, it’s a very cramped space. [G.H.] mentioned at one point that they had renovated the house, so we thought maybe the furnishings down there were older. It was more of a 19th-century historic vibe. We’re near the ocean, so there was a lot of thought about the sea and a nautical [feeling], the idea of it was almost like a ship’s cabin.”
The house serves as a central element in the movie’s plot, offering refuge to two families navigating the doomsday disasters unfolding outside. The L-shaped residence boasts an eye-catching infinity-edge pool, floor-to-ceiling windows, art-adorned walls, and a bright white brick façade. To enhance authenticity, the team recreated the home on a soundstage used for half of the filming. Production designer Anastasia White shared with Curbed, “It’s not a cozy house, but you don’t expect things will go wrong when you step into that place.”
