Briar Patch, a magnificent waterfront estate often called one of the most beautiful properties in the Hamptons, is now on the market for $140 million. Owned by just three families in its 80-year history, the home is on the National Register of Historic Places.
With 1,156 feet of waterfront along the shore of fabled Georgica Pond, Briar Patch enjoys stunning panoramic views across the pond and towards the Atlantic Ocean in the distance. The prevailing onshore ocean breezes convey cool air throughout the summer and the southern exposure creates magical light in every season.
Century-old sycamores, beeches and lindens tower over the grounds. A private pond, woodlands and vast expanses of elevated lawns not only provide the ultimate in privacy and security, but a sanctuary for abundant birdlife, such as swans, egrets, ospreys, and the occasional eagle.
Beautifully sited in 1931 by its original architect, Arthur C. Jackson, Briar Patch is perched on a knoll, which provides views and the sound of the ocean without the risk of being swept away by it. During the Hurricanes of 1938 and Sandy in 2012, Briar Patch stood safely above the sea’s surge.
Every detail of the Georgian Revival, 6-bedroom, 10,000-square-foot main house was painstakingly restored and renovated over two-and-a-half years by the internationally renowned architect Peter Marino. The proportions and sequence of the rooms are in perfect harmony, from the three-story great room to the chef’s country kitchen. Briar Patch is graced with two-foot-wide reclaimed floorboards, handmade wallpaper, hand-stenciled or trayed ceilings, and four generous fireplaces. All of the ground-floor rooms enjoy French doors leading to the expansive porches. The house is ideally suited to a sunset dinner for four or a large event for hundreds of guests.
The 3,500-square-foot, four-bedroom guesthouse with a double-height master bedroom is completely private and has its own entrance drive. The property also includes a sunken tennis court, beautiful teak-bordered pool, hot tub, and expansive third-floor gym with sea views.
The property is subdivided into two buildable lots with building envelopes well beyond the ample structures that currently exist, permitting the construction of a private art gallery, conservatory, spa/gymnasium or expanded residence for guests or extended family. East Hampton Airport, with private transport by helicopter and jet, is less than ten minutes away.
“As we embark upon the next chapter of our lives, we feel fortunate to have been the stewards of this wonderful home and its land for 25 years. It has been a source of great happiness to us, our now-grown children, extended family and many friends,” said Chris Whittle and Priscilla Rattazzi, its current owners.
“This is a property with unmistakable global appeal–with unique character and the most desirable of attributes,” said Kathy Coumou, Senior Vice President, Northeast Region for Christie’s International Real Estate. “A seaside estate of this refinement and importance rarely goes on the market. It’s a prime example of how world-class architecture and sublime land can reach the heights of great art.”
Peter M. Turino, President of Brown Harris Stevens of the Hamptons, is the exclusive listing broker.
