East Hamptons Legendary Grey Gardens Estate Enters Into Contract
After listing for $19.995M in February and getting a $2M price cut in April, the famed Grey Gardens estate is now officially in contract for an undisclosed price.
Built in 1897, the East Hampton home was first thrust into the spotlight by the well-known 1975 documentary, Grey Gardens, which detailed the lives of the estate's reclusive Bouvier occupants. Once home to “Big Edie” Bouvier Beale, Jackie O’s aunt, and “Little Edie” Beale, the 6,000-square-foot house has now been owned by author Sally Quinn for decades. HC&G featured an exclusive tour of the property in our June 2012 issue.
Quinn and her late husband, esteemed Washington Post editor Ben Bradlee, executed a major renovation after buying the seven-bedroom abode in 1979 for $220,000. They put $600,000 into the project—updating the decaying 3 West End Road house to modernity while also restoring priceless original details. The estate still boasts romantic gardens, but now offers luxury add-ons like a gunite pool and Har-Tru tennis court.
After the passing of her beloved husband in 2014, Quinn found it painful to spend time at the Hamptons home, according to the Washington Post. The decision to list was also a decision to let go and the longtime owner is reportedly pleased with the contract, which will close in the next few weeks.
Many of the Beale’s original furnishings came with the home and are still in Quinn’s possession, but not for much longer. The author plans to have an estate sale where history buffs and antique enthusiasts alike can purchase pieces that Jackie O’s eccentric relatives owned.
