Listing of the Day
Location: Water Mill, New York
Price: $72 million
Every so often a property comes along that is unlike any other, a property where the superlatives actually apply. Welcome, Villa Maria—it even has its own Wikipedia page—in the Hamptons community of Water Mill.
This sprawling estate was conceived in the late 1880s, and named Red Gables after the color of its shingled roof, but most of its architectural development occurred in 1919 when it became the grandiose vision of shipping magnate Edward P. Morse. Sitting proudly on the edge of Mecox Bay, the home (renamed Grey Gables in keeping with its new roof) flaunted Morse’s wealth, and would remain a symbol of the times until the 1930s. It eventually landed in the possession of Roman Catholic nuns, who until 2005 would use the property for various purposes—and fall behind on its refurbishment. They also branded it with the name Villa Maria, which it retains today.
The current owner, fashion entrepreneur Louise Camuto, the widow of Vince Camuto, purchased the property in a state of disrepair, and its current handsomeness is the result of their four-year restoration in collaboration with New York City architect Andre Tchelistcheff.
The future owners of this architectural landmark will inherit one of the most remarkable properties in New York, a home that comes with a wealth of history and intrigue behind it. "This is truly a trophy property the likes of which rarely comes to the public market," said listing agent Cody Vichinsky, co-founder of Bespoke Real Estate.
More:East Hampton Estate Asks $85 Million
The Stats
The numbers on this home are truly something special: a 15-acre waterfront plot with a 20,000-square-foot residence. The home features 28 rooms, 12 of which are bedrooms, and each of them come with a private full bathroom, in addition to four additional powder rooms, and a three-car garage.
Amenities
At Villa Maria, extra amenities abound. Aside from the main house, two other structures stand on the property. The first, a carriage house, can be used as a children’s playhouse, an artist’s studio, or additional guest quarters. The other structure, which they call the "gate house," is a charming two-story turn-of-the-century cottage featuring two en-suite bedrooms, a dining room, a kitchen, and a sitting room. There’s a 68-by30 foot heated gunite pool, two pool pavilions with kitchens, and a tennis court, according to listing agent Zach Vichinsky, cofounder of Bespoke Real Estate.
"A property of this magnitude is reserved only for the most discerning purchasers who fall in love not only with the estate's history, but understand the unobtainable nature of the property's current state and potential," he said.
More:Famed ‘Grey Gardens’ Home in East Hampton Gets $2 Million Price Cut
Talking Point
An important piece of history comes along with the purchase of this home. President Theodore Roosevelt, an avid outdoorsman, had a beloved horse, General Ruxton. After the former president’s death, Morse purchased the horse and kept it in stables that once resided on property. When General Ruxton also passed away, he was given a proper burial onsite. This is the same horse that you’ll see set in bronze memorializing President Roosevelt in front of the Museum of Natural History in Manhattan.
Agent: Zach Vichinsky and Cody Vichinsky, Bespoke Real Estate
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