Southampton Masterpiece: A $35 Million Coastal Villa

Nestled on a sprawling 5.5-acre parcel, where lush greenery meets the endless expanse of the ocean, this Southampton estate is a testament to the art of architectural design. This $35 million villa is not just a home, it's a legacy. Boasting an impressive 450 feet of pristine shoreline, the property offers breathtaking views and a sense of seclusion that is both coveted and rare. 

Built in 1990, the residence, encompassing nearly 11,000 square feet, exudes a unique European elegance, characterized by grand, meticulously crafted rooms with high ceilings that amplify the feeling of space and light. The residence has been well kept, with an elevated 20 x 75 swimming pool perfectly positioned to showcase uninterrupted ocean views.

This detail, along with the home's west-facing orientation, ensures breathtaking early evening sunsets and allows for direct ocean breezes. The meticulous design ensures that every room within the villa captures the natural beauty of its surroundings. With ten bedrooms, thirteen and a half bathrooms, and a full staff wing, this estate goes beyond the ordinary, offering a wealth of space and luxury that caters to the most discerning of tastes.

The Genius Behind the Design: Jaquelin T. Robertson

The architectural brilliance of this Southampton villa is attributed to the vision of Jaquelin T. Robertson, a name synonymous with design excellence. He was not just an architect; he was a visionary whose career spanned decades and whose impact continues to resonate within the world of architecture. A former dean of the School of Architecture at the University of Virginia and co-founder of Cooper, Robertson & Partners, Robertson left an indelible mark on architectural design. His impressive portfolio is vast and varied, including award-winning new communities, important cultural centers, and exquisitely crafted private homes. 

Robertson's innovative designs and impeccable attention to detail did not go unnoticed; he was named one of "The AD 100" by Architectural Digest, the publication's coveted list of the top 100 architects and interior designers of the time. From his thoughtful work on master plans for historic landmarks like Monticello, to his international roles, Jaquelin was a true visionary who blended classical principles with a modern sensibility. 

Southampton: An Epitome of Coastal Luxury

Southampton, the location of this magnificent estate, is more than just a place; it’s an experience. Situated on the eastern end of Long Island's South Fork, Southampton is known as a haven of luxury and a symbol of upscale coastal living. This area is a magnet for the elite, attracting those who seek privacy, tranquility, and exclusivity all while being amidst natural beauty. The pristine beaches, quaint villages, and high-end boutiques create an environment that is both elegant and inviting.

Southampton represents the epitome of East Coast luxury, where historic charm meets modern sophistication. It is not only a sought-after destination, but it is also a prestigious area within the real estate market, consistently attracting buyers with the promise of a vibrant social scene and a sophisticated lifestyle. The combination of its natural beauty, from the wide stretch of shorelines to the stunning greenery, and its refined atmosphere, makes Southampton a truly unique and highly sought-after location.

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A Unique Fusion of Style: Russian Dacha Meets Coastal Elegance

The design of this particular property is imbued with a fascinating story. Commissioned by Ahmet and Mica Ertegun, the home was designed to mirror the style of a Russian dacha, a type of country house that emphasizes a harmonious relationship between architecture and nature. Ahmet, known for his impact on the music industry, and Mica, an interior designer who catered to the elite, infused their sophisticated vision into every facet of the home. Their desire was for the property to invoke the peace and beauty of the Russian countryside, a reflection of the time when Russian writers would come to their country estates to be one with nature.

As described in the book “Beach Houses,” the site was chosen for its ability to transport the owner to the tranquility of old Russian estates. To achieve this design, Jaquelin T. Robertson incorporated elements of Palladian architecture, seen in the villa's classical columns and meticulously proportioned spaces. The most dramatic example of this architectural fusion is the two-story living room with a soaring pyramidal vault ceiling, a space designed to allow for both grand entertaining and intimate gatherings. The roof, once gleaming copper, and the yellow ocher siding—described as "as Russian as borscht"—added a layer of charm that truly set this estate apart from others. A testament to Ahmet’s passion for music, the living room was specifically designed to be large enough to host a full orchestra, illustrating the scale and grandeur of this villa.

Unlocking Potential Through Virtual Staging

The Southampton villa, while exuding timeless elegance, was originally filled with unique antique furniture and art, reflecting the personal tastes of its previous owners. While beautiful, these elements posed a challenge in appealing to a broader range of buyers in today’s market. To capture the attention of a larger audience of potential buyers and show the home’s true potential, our client made a strategic decision: to engage our services to virtually remove all of the existing furniture. The goal was to present the property as a clean and uncluttered canvas, highlighting its spacious layout and architectural features, allowing the potential buyers to imagine the home with their own personal style.

The home went from a residence that appealed to a niche market, to a space that could be appreciated and imagined by a more modern audience. This approach is not only a way to remove potential distractions but a powerful marketing technique to help the potential buyer visualize the villa as their own. Our team created a clean space, free from all the past owner's very individual tastes, allowing the potential buyers to focus solely on the architectural beauty and the impressive space. Virtual furniture removal can give potential buyers a more neutral view of a space, removing any preconceived notions and biases. This ability to transform the feel of the space without any physical alterations is a testament to the effectiveness of our services in the luxury real estate world.

This $35 million Southampton masterpiece, with its incredible design, prestigious location, and fascinating history, represents a unique opportunity to embrace the beauty and elegance of coastal living. This villa is more than just a home; it's a sanctuary, a work of art, and a living testament to both architecture and interior design.