Southamptons Villa Maria!

Southamptons Villa Maria!

Southamptons Villa Maria!

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Built at the height of the Gilded Age in 1887 as a summer home for the family and friends of Lombard, Ayres & Company and undergoing a major restoration in 1919 by its third owner, it finally went to its fifth owner in 1953, the Sisters of the Order of St. Dominic. Over the next 52 years, the sisters used it as a school, a retirement home for aging nuns and a spiritual center. Without the funds to keep up the property, it fell into serious disrepair. Finally, unable to afford the taxes and sustain the property, in 2005 the nuns sold it to shoe designer Vince Camuto, co-founder of Nine West.

The Camutos spent the next six years in a massive renovation of the estate which was orchestrated by Andre Tchelistcheff Architects and Carol Egan Interiors. Today, it is the epitome of an eclectic summer beach house that has been preserved, enhanced and rebuilt to highlight the mansion’s best features. At approximately 22,000 square feet, the interior encompasses 11 bedrooms, 16 bathrooms, a ballroom now turned living room with multiple conversation areas, large eat-in kitchen, den, library, wine cellar, office, yoga studio, study, large media room, formal dining room and multiple outdoor terraces.

Situated on 11 acres, the lawns extend to the water’s edge on Mecox Bay with its own dock and approximately 950 feet of bulkheaded waterfront. There is also a swimming pool, pool cabana, tennis court, two bedroom guest house and sweeps of restrained and classic professional landscaping accentuating the water views.

Purchased by the Camutos in 2005 for $35 million, after total restoration the landmark estate, was listed at $49.5 million in 2013 on 7.6 acres and is now listed at $69 million on 11 acres with more land available. For more information.

Photos Copyright 2014 by Jake Rajs, all rights reserved.

Source: www.sothebysrealty.com