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RewRiting HistoRy How tHe former NortH SHore Home of pulitzer prize–wiNNiNg autHor JoHN updike Started a New cHapter. by alexandra hall PhotograPhy by andy ryan "Every novelist becomes, to a degree, an architect," wrote the revered John Updike in 19 85. "A novel it self is, of course, a k ind of dwelling, whose spaces open and constrict, foster display or concealment, and resonate from room to room." It's a telling analog y from a man who viewed both his writings and his homes as such personal endeavors. A nd when desig n consultant Suzanne Eliastam was approached by the new owners of one of the late aut hor's most beloved abodes—a g ra nd Georg ia n home on t he Nor t h Shore na med Haven Hill, where Updike lived for yea rs—she took that sentiment to heart in redecorating it. "Above all, the homeowners were interested in creating something that respected the heritage of the home but was also inviting and very livable," says E lia st a m, who ha s k now n t he new ow ners socia lly for yea rs. "They had been remodeling t he house for four yea rs a nd had f ired t wo ot her desig ners when t hey a sked me to help. T hey were In renovating the former home of John Updike, the owners' goal was to maintain its dignity and refinement while making every room relaxed and inviting. continued on page 106 bostoncommon-magazine.com 105 haute property