Inside Bette Midler’s Pasted-Themed Family Pool House Designed by Her Husband of 38 Years

• Bette Midler and her husband of 38 years, Martin von Haselberg, reveal the secrets to their enduring marriage.
• Their love story finds expression in a pastel-themed family pool house, a creative masterpiece designed by Haselberg.
• Step inside this architectural marvel that defies convention, where "all business in the front" meets "party in the back."

Love stories in Hollywood often have a reputation for their short-lived nature: here today and gone tomorrow. But every once in a while, there's a couple that defies the odds and stands strong, their relationship becoming stronger with each passing day.

Bette Midler and Martin von Haselberg are one such remarkable couple. Together for nearly forty years, they've broken the stereotypes and continue to bask in the warm glow of their enduring love.

The Impromptu Vegas Wedding

Their happily ever after began in a whirlwind fashion in 1984, when Midler and Haselberg impetuously eloped to Las Vegas and exchanged vows at the Starlight Chapel. "We went to the Starlight chapel, and we had a tape of Nina Rota music and we walked down the aisle. The Elvis impersonator did the ceremony, and then we walked out. There were no cell phones, of course, in 1984, and we had no pictures," Midler remembers with a chuckle.

The impulsivity of their story is an outstanding quality of their marriage. At the time of their meeting, Midler was already a celebrated Oscar-nominated performer, known for making decisions of her own and being in charge. The union of two people who had known each other for a mere six weeks might have been regarded with skepticism, but it set the stage for an incredible love story.

The Secret to a Lasting Marriage

So, what's their secret? How have they managed to keep their love alive for all these years? Many people often ask this question, but it will surprise you how simple the answer is. The key, they say, is putting family first. Midler discloses that it was not always smooth, as they had their fair share of "bitter fights" in the first years of their marriage.

But there came a turning point two years into their union when their daughter, Sophie, was born. This was where things took an amazing turn. Midler explains:

"We came to the conclusion that we wanted to raise a child. We never wanted to hurt that kid in any way. So, we stayed together until it got better, and it did."

Haselberg, who had switched careers from a performing artist to a commodities trader, decided to support his wife's career while playing an active role in raising their daughter. Midler is quick to shower him with praises, describing him as "probably the greatest father who ever lived." He went as far as teaching their daughter a foreign language and even how to cook.

While Haselberg is celebrated as a loving father, Midler herself has grown in this partnership, learning the importance of compromise. "Listening is very hard. And compromise. Compromise is the hardest of all," she admits. This experience has taught her the significance of not taking out frustrations on one's spouse and avoiding the blame game, which can be corrosive in a relationship.

Architectural Wonderland

Haselberg, an amazingly artistic man with boundless creativity, chose to express his love for art in a tangible way. He designed a pastel-themed family pool house on their New York estate in Millbrook. This architectural masterpiece is brimming with captivating features, boasting conceptual twists reminiscent of a Luis Buñuel film.

The pool house is a reflection of Haselberg's devotion to his family and his desire to bring joy to Midler's life. It reflects their commitment to one another, making it clear how their union remains firm after almost 38 years.

His artistic sensibilities, influenced by his background as a performance artist, culminated in the construction of a 1,200-square-foot structure full of conceptual twists and playful surprises. Nancy Kintisch, a renowned Los Angeles creative consultant and color specialist, was also involved in designing the minimalist Moroccan-inspired pastel fantasia that defies traditional design norms.

Haselberg's distaste for neutrality is evident in every corner of the pool house. From the moment you approach, it challenges expectations. It presents itself as a renovated country church, one that seems to have stood against the rolling landscape for centuries. The pool, hidden from immediate view, adds to the mystique.

Haselberg's whimsical approach becomes evident when you notice the massive arched front door, painted not in somber black but in a deep purple. It's a tip-off to the inspired madness that awaits inside. Haselberg drew his inspiration for the creation of his pool house from his love for simple country churches. He said:

"At one point, I thought I would make it a barn, but then I thought, Why not a sacred space?"

He was also inspired by a memory that stayed with him for 35 years of a house in Venice, California, designed by avant-garde architect Brian Murphy. It looked like a rundown shack from the street, but as soon as you stepped inside, it revealed a modernist paradise. This image ignited Haselberg's creative spark, and he knew he wanted to create something similar someday.

All Business in the Front, Party in the Back

The exterior of the pool house maintains the charm of a country church, a facade that blends seamlessly with the surroundings. It keeps the pool, a symbol of relaxation and celebration, purposefully hidden from immediate view. Haselberg humorously describes it:

"It's like a mullet. All business in the front, party in the back."

But the real magic unfolds when you step inside. Past the lavender-painted beamed ceiling and the iconic deep purple front door, you enter a world of delightful contrasts. The floors, lacquered in baby pink, set the stage for a playful and feminine atmosphere.

The space isn't cluttered with furniture; instead, painted cabinetry discreetly conceals the appliances, creating a sense of enchanting minimalism. A vast U-shaped built-in sofa adorned with cushions in Kintisch's digitally printed fabrics beckons you to relax in style.

In this imaginative space, Haselberg's artistic daring pushes boundaries, and Kintisch describes the pleasure of working with him, saying, "He's never afraid." Their creative partnership has spanned over 35 years, resulting in distinctive homes across the country. But the surprises don't end with the interior. The pool house has one final twist, a bravura finish that Haselberg enjoys unveiling.

As you walk out through the enormous sliding glass doors towards the serene pool, you're encouraged to glance back at the exterior. What once resembled a pristine church has now transformed into a classic beach cottage, complete with white wood siding and bright green stripes. A slate terrace dotted with tables shaded by canvas umbrellas creates the perfect spot for family gatherings and cherished moments.