A MODERN CAMELOT
It doesn’t get better than living in a Normandy style mansion on five and a half acres within one of the most prestigious addresses in the Hamptons and all the while, being a thoroughly modern individual, now does it?
Southampton, and 408 First Neck Lane, sits on the mind as comfortably as fine champagne and caviar does on the tongue. The eyes of any beholder see beauty each and every time one spies this Normandy style mansion in the distance or up close; gossamer shadows of Knights and Damsels flitter whimsically across the lawns – or is it merely the branches of the stately trees circling the estate?
Completely refurbished, restored, and decorated by the famed Anthony Ingrao design team, it may be one of the more fashionable properties in the area and delivers breathtaking and abundant amenities. Mr. Ingrao told Private Air that: “The house hadn’t been touched since the 1950s. Our mission was to make it breath, to open up spaces and make it flow – to make it authentic – in fact. There were three different ceiling levels in one area for example, with a myriad of steps leading one up and down constantly. Now it has a country rather than an apartment feel.” The three storied home of 8000 square feet encompassing nine bedrooms and 8.5 baths, five fireplaces, heated pool and guest house, tennis courts and is placed on 5.5 acres. It is truly a vision of beauty in its most stately form while at the same time being thoroughly contemporary. When one takes into consideration the grandness of the estate, not enough adjectives can be found even in the Oxford English Dictionary.
Tim Davis, listing agent of the Corcoran Group, described the estate as a, “Truly exceptional opportunity to live on Lake Agawam and very close to the ocean, clubs, and to town on the most desirable First Neck Lane in Southampton. The expansive grounds include an equally expansive pool house with bath and lounge/sitting room, waterfront swimming pool with massive terraces and outdoor ‘living rooms.’The new sunken all-weather ‘deco-turf’ tennis court is located out of view and convenient to other outdoor sporting areas.”
Notable also, is that this is an easy estate in which to live, with the main house being approachable in a setting, that when you look through the gates, you view parkland and mature trees and more lawns and parkland all around. On approach, one is charmed by the intimacy and detail surrounding the renovated brick courtyard. Enter into a more relaxed feeling home where jeans or a cocktail dress seem equally appropriate; where warmth and light enter each window, an adjacent library room, separate dining room, eat-in kitchen with magnificent black marble counter tops and an area that sports every imaginable appliance – plus beautiful and modern finishes – with doorways that open to gardens, the lake, and acres of lawn – are most delightfully inviting. An expansive patio area with fully equipped pool house including a bath and lounge/ sitting room, waterfront swimming and an infinity swimming pool awaiting your approval. There are massive terraces and abundant outdoor living features for any kind of sports activities. And how could one say no to grandeur of this level? But wait, as the commercial says…
Five en-suite bedrooms include the deluxe waterfront master bedroom offer the ultimate in relaxation along with the master bath featuring dual vanities, soaking tub and large shower. Private balcony/terraces are peaceful and oh so privately serene. A separate staff wing with two bedrooms and bath are located ideally, while the guest cottage is ultimately a home in its own right with sitting room, kitchen, two bedrooms and baths.
The difficult part of the restoration for Ingrao was as he says: “To create a sense of big flow where there previously were small halls, and to create a level of interior detail that had been missing. The main house now offers breathtaking water views from the entry foyer and all the principle rooms that are styled for today’s living.” The most joyous part of the restoration of the home for him was to work on the kitchen. One can readily see this labor of love in the level of sophistication that turned this space into this professional chef ’s kitchen dream.
There is no shame in admitting that this estate and this destination is one of unparalleled natural beauty and uncomplicated luxury. Whether it is for a large family or small, the lifestyle amenities at this Normandy-like mansion in Southampton is unmatched anywhere. “Southampton still represents to me the ideal Hamptons getaway for anyone because of its beauty, climate, and accessibility. This town may change over the years but it will remain one of the most charming places to live and visit in the world,” summed up Tim Davis.
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