Where white gates open to golden days, Clover Top blends Southampton’s storied past with modern luxury, one sun-drenched porch at a time.
Words By: Jessica Hall
In Southampton’s exclusive FAIRLEA enclave, nestled south of the famed Gin Lane, lies Clover Top—a property that seems to transcend time. Beyond its crisp white gates, a sprawling 1.3-acre sanctuary unfolds, where the Atlantic breeze mingles with the scent of salt and sun-soaked hedges. Built in 1883, this stately eight-bedroom home, once a cornerstone of Southampton’s storied past, has been thoughtfully updated to meet the demands of modern luxury while preserving the elegance of its original craftsmanship.
As you approach the property, the soft gravel crunches underfoot, a satisfying reminder of arrival. The wraparound porch, framed by perfectly manicured boxwoods, invites you to linger, offering a front-row seat to nature’s subtle grandeur. Here, you can sip coffee in the golden hush of morning, listening to the rustle of leaves as a sea breeze dances through the trees, or unwind in the cool serenity of dusk as the distant waves lull the evening to stillness.
Inside, the foyer greets you like a whisper from a bygone era—a warm fireplace flickers beneath a hand-carved mantle, while the ornate staircase draws the eye upward in a spiral of old-world craftsmanship. The home’s expansive proportions are immediately apparent. The oversized living and dining rooms, adorned with fireplaces of their own, exude understated grandeur, their soaring ceilings and rich hardwood floors grounding the space in a sense of permanence. Light spills in through French doors, which open onto the sunlit porch, a seamless flow that encourages guests to move effortlessly between indoor refinement and alfresco leisure.
For those who revel in quiet productivity, the home’s library—complete with custom bookcases and generous windows—offers an inspiring refuge. As sunlight streams through, casting playful shadows across pages, the room becomes a canvas of light and stillness, ideal for contemplation.
The heart of Clover Top lies in its intimate connection with the outdoors. Step down from the porch, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by lush gardens, where lavender and hydrangeas bloom in bursts of soft purple and white. The centerpiece of the grounds, a heated gunite pool, glistens under the sun, its tranquil surface broken only by the laughter of children or the splash of a diving guest. Just beyond, the cabana, with its outdoor shower, becomes a haven after an afternoon spent on Southampton’s coveted private beaches.
Upstairs, the bedrooms unfold like chapters of a summer novel. The primary suite is a retreat unto itself, complete with a glowing fireplace and an oversized bath where time slows. The windows frame views of the sprawling lawn, dappled with afternoon sunlight and cooled by ocean breezes. Down the hall, charming guest rooms, each with their own personality, offer a respite for family and friends. A third-floor bedroom—spacious enough for two full-size beds—feels like a hideaway, filled with echoes of childhood laughter and secret games played under the eaves.
For extended guests or live-in staff, a renovated suite above the garage combines comfort and privacy with an efficiency that complements the home’s grandeur. It is this harmony—between legacy and livability—that sets Clover Top apart.
Beyond the gates of 3 Fair Lea Road, Southampton itself beckons. Here, the world’s elite converge to embrace a lifestyle where tradition meets privilege. A short stroll leads you to the Atlantic Ocean, where a private path winds its way to Southampton’s famed beaches—soft, white sands that have graced countless summers.
The area is a masterclass in exclusivity. Nearby beach clubs offer impeccable service and private cabanas, while prestigious tennis clubs, such as Meadow Club, provide a social rhythm to the season. Main Street and Jobs Lane, just minutes away, serve as the cultural heart of Southampton. Boutiques curated with bespoke fashion, artisanal goods, and fine jewelry cater to discerning tastes, while dining options—from farm-to-table bistros to world-renowned establishments—promise unparalleled culinary experiences.
For art lovers, Southampton’s galleries feature contemporary masters and celebrated Hamptons artists, while the Parrish Art Museum offers a cultural respite with its architectural brilliance and collections. Nearby golf courses like Shinnecock Hills, one of the oldest and most revered in the United States, invite aficionados to experience the links amid sweeping vistas.
Situated within Alfred Nelson’s Fair Lea compound, one of Southampton’s original six cottages, Clover Top represents more than a home; it is a legacy. Its timeless architecture and lush grounds offer not just a place to reside but a place to belong. Here, generations can gather for summers filled with laughter, fall evenings by the fire, and winters warmed by the glow of cherished memories.
In a world that moves too quickly, 3 Fair Lea Road stands still, offering a rare opportunity to own a piece of Southampton’s history while creating a future of endless possibility.
For the discerning few who seek beauty, privacy, and heritage, this Southampton estate is more than an offering; it is an invitation to embrace the art of living.
3 Fair Lea Road, Southampton, New York is offered at $18,500,000.
View Listing: 3 Fair Lea Road
For more information and a private showing, please contact:
Tim Davis, Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker
Thomas P. Davis, Licensed Real Estate Salesperson
Cathy Franklin, Licensed Real Estate Salesperson
Corcoran Group Real Estate
24 Main Street Southampton, NY 11968 T: 631.702.9211 or 516.356.5736
E: [email protected]
W: www.timdavishamptons.com
