Peter Halsey Cook may not be a household name like his ex-wife Christie Brinkley, but in the world of architecture and Hamptons real estate, he has built a name for himself that commands respect. Known for his sophisticated designs, elite clientele, and long-standing presence in New York’s most exclusive communities, Cook has lived a life that blends creativity, wealth, and controversy.
While many recognize him from his high-profile marriage to Brinkley, there’s much more to Cook’s story. This article delves deep into his background, architectural career, personal life, and financial standing to offer a comprehensive look at who Peter Halsey Cook really is.
Quick Bio Table: Peter Halsey Cook
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Peter Halsey Cook |
| Birthdate | January 1, 1959 |
| Age | 66 (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | New Jersey, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Architect, Real Estate Developer |
| Net Worth | Estimated $20 Million |
| Height | 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) |
| Marital Status | Divorced (Christie Brinkley), Engaged |
| Children | Sailor Lee Brinkley-Cook, Jack Paris |
| Social Media | No public personal accounts |
| Residence | East Hampton, New York |
| Known For | Architecture, Marriage to Christie Brinkley |
Early Life and Background
Peter Halsey Cook was born on January 1, 1959, in New Jersey, United States. He comes from a deeply rooted American lineage, tracing his ancestry back over 350 years. His family is connected to the Cook, Halsey, and Ludlow clans, some of the earliest settlers in the Hamptons region of New York.
Cook’s family heritage plays a significant role in his identity and professional trajectory. Growing up in a socially prominent family offered him access to education, networks, and opportunities that laid the foundation for his future endeavors in architecture and design.
While specific details about his schooling are private, it is widely understood that Cook received a formal education in architecture, which he later transformed into a flourishing career.
Career Highlights: Architect and Developer in the Hamptons
Peter Cook is a licensed architect and real estate developer with a specialty in high-end luxury properties. He is the founder and principal of a private architecture firm located in Water Mill, New York, one of the wealthiest enclaves in the Hamptons.
Over the years, Cook has designed and developed a multitude of elegant estates, waterfront homes, and commercial buildings. His work is widely appreciated for its modern sensibilities, attention to detail, and seamless integration with the coastal environment of eastern Long Island.
Many of Cook’s clients come from the upper echelons of society, including celebrities, business moguls, and generational wealth holders. His firm is often associated with discreet, high-value projects where privacy, luxury, and aesthetics are equally prioritized.
His portfolio reflects a consistent architectural philosophy: timeless design, understated elegance, and functionality that aligns with the lifestyles of the affluent.
Marriage to Christie Brinkley: The High-Profile Union
Peter Halsey Cook stepped into the public spotlight in 1996 when he married Christie Brinkley, one of the most recognizable supermodels in the world. Their relationship instantly became tabloid material, particularly because of the age gap—Brinkley being 45 at the time and Cook 37—and their glamorous lifestyle.
The couple tied the knot in a lavish ceremony and eventually settled in the Hamptons, where they raised their blended family. Their daughter, Sailor Lee Brinkley-Cook, was born in 1998 and has followed in her mother’s footsteps as a model.
Cook also adopted Jack Paris Brinkley-Cook, Christie’s son from her previous marriage, further cementing the family unit.
For several years, they were considered a “golden couple” of the Hamptons, often photographed at charity galas and social events. However, the marriage began to unravel publicly in 2006 when Cook’s extramarital affair with a younger assistant came to light, ultimately leading to their divorce in 2008.
The legal proceedings were messy and heavily covered by the media. Brinkley accused Cook of “narcissistic behavior,” and Cook responded by claiming emotional neglect. The scandal tarnished Cook’s public image and became a defining moment in his personal narrative.
Life After Brinkley: Marriage to Alba Jancou
After his divorce from Christie Brinkley and a brief marriage to Suzanne Shaw, Peter Cook found love again with Alba Jancou, a much younger woman whom he began dating in 2017. The couple got engaged in September 2019 during a romantic trip to Santorini, Greece, with Peter proposing with a six-carat Glenn Bradford diamond ring.
After pandemic-related delays, Peter and Alba were officially married on September 8, 2023, in an elegant and intimate ceremony in Capri, Italy. The celebration took place at the luxurious Hotel Luna, overlooking the iconic Faraglioni rock formations. It was attended by just six close guests and described by the couple as an “over-the-top elopement.”
Alba wore a breathtaking floral gown by designer Lee Grebenau, while Peter opted for a ZEGNA dark blue suit. Their honeymoon took place in Puglia, Italy, and the newlyweds have since settled into life in the Hamptons. Peter continues his architectural work, while Alba has pursued a career in real estate.
Their marriage attracted media attention due to the 40-year age gap but also marked a fresh chapter in Peter Cook’s personal life—one grounded more in privacy and mutual ambition than celebrity.
Children and Family Relationships
Peter Cook is the biological father of Sailor Lee Brinkley-Cook, born in 1998. Sailor has established herself as a model and social media personality. She is known for body positivity and has appeared in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.
Cook also adopted Jack Paris Brinkley-Cook, Christie’s son from her previous marriage to Richard Taubman. Jack has pursued acting and modeling and maintains a cordial relationship with both his biological and adoptive parents.
Despite the fallout from his marriage with Brinkley, Peter is believed to have maintained contact with his children and continues to be part of their lives, especially as Sailor’s career has gained attention.
Personal Life and Public Image
Peter Cook’s lifestyle is largely shaped by his wealth, profession, and past media attention. He continues to reside in East Hampton, where he owns and develops several properties. His daily life includes architectural design, managing construction projects, and entertaining clients or guests within elite circles.
Despite being a successful professional, much of the public still associates Cook with his romantic scandals. His image has fluctuated between that of a sophisticated architect and a man plagued by personal controversy.
He is not active on personal social media platforms and prefers a low digital footprint, although his professional firm maintains listings and bios on real estate and architectural sites.
Net Worth and Business Success
As of 2025, Peter Halsey Cook’s net worth is estimated at $20 million. His income streams include:
- Architecture and design services
- High-end real estate development in the Hamptons
- Consulting and private contracting
His properties, clientele, and longevity in the business have positioned him as one of the top architectural names in the Hamptons, even if his celebrity associations have, at times, overshadowed his achievements.
He owns multiple properties and luxury vehicles and has a well-diversified business presence, giving him financial independence regardless of past legal battles or media scrutiny.
Social Media and Public Presence
Cook maintains very little public interaction online. He does not operate personal Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook profiles that are publicly known. His architectural firm does appear in online directories and Hamptons-based property listings, but he avoids the spotlight where possible.
This low-profile strategy may be intentional, as it allows him to focus on his business without the constant media attention that followed his high-profile divorce.
Legacy and Relevance Today
Peter Halsey Cook’s name may always be linked to Christie Brinkley, but his true legacy lies in architecture and development. With over three decades in the industry, he has contributed meaningfully to shaping the luxury landscape of the Hamptons.
Though his reputation has been marred by personal controversies, he continues to attract clients and maintain relevance through his professional skills and deep-rooted social connections with the Northeast elite.
Cook represents a complex figure—part visionary architect, part celebrity ex, and part quiet tycoon who knows how to navigate attention and retreat from it just as quickly.
Conclusion
Peter Halsey Cook is far more than just “Christie Brinkley’s ex-husband.” He’s a highly skilled architect, a successful real estate developer, and a key figure in Hamptons luxury living. His life, while not without scandal, is also a story of professional resilience and calculated reinvention.
Whether designing coastal mansions or making headlines for personal choices, Cook remains an intriguing personality whose influence in both architecture and pop culture continues in 2025.
FAQs About Peter Halsey Cook
1. What is Peter Halsey Cook known for?
Peter Cook is best known as a Hamptons-based architect and real estate developer and for his former marriage to Christie Brinkley.
2. How old is Peter Halsey Cook in 2025?
He is 66 years old, born on January 1, 1959.
3. Does Peter Cook still work as an architect?
Yes, he actively runs his architectural firm and continues to design and develop properties in the Hamptons.
4. What is Peter Cook’s net worth?
His estimated net worth in 2025 is around $20 million, largely from his career in architecture and real estate.
5. Is Peter Cook married now?
He is currently Married to Alba Jancou, following previous marriages to Christie Brinkley and Suzanne Shaw.