The nuts and bolts
5 bedrooms
5 bathrooms
6,000 square feet
2.8 acres
House proud
Built in 1916 and on the market for the first time since 1958, this home is offered with many of the original architectural details intact. The original Tudor-style structure was designed by Francis Burrall Hoffman for the Woodhouse family, noted philanthropists whose support included other East Hampton landmarks such as the library and Guild Hall. The home features leaded multi-colored stained glass windows—some floor to ceiling and with leading—a slate roof and half-timbered wood siding. Known as “the Playhouse,” it was a site for performances under the auspices of Marjorie Woodhouse, daughter of Mary and Lorenzo Woodhouse, for whom it was built.
“The Playhouse was the predecessor to Guild Hall as an East Hampton cultural center, with both designed by Hoffman,” says Leslie Reingold, the Sotheby’s International Realty Bridgehampton agent representing the listing.
What’s the plan?
The original structure featured a 75-foot salon with a 30’ vaulted ceiling and exposed wood beams, and has been added onto over the years. The first floor includes the salon—the centerpiece of the home—with a grand fireplace and two sitting areas, a family room, an ensuite primary bedroom with garden access, and two other bedrooms, one of which is ensuite. The copper-clad glass conservatory was added by the current owners and won a design award from the American Institute of Architects. A spiral staircase from the first floor primary leads to a second floor ensuite bedroom/study that overlooks the salon. In the wing above the other side of the great room is an ensuite primary bedroom with a fireplace and ample closets along the hallway leading to the bathroom.
What’s cooking?
The 10 x 10 kitchen has been updated through the years and now includes a Viking range, cherry wood-toned cabinets with upper glass-paned and open shelving. A 128-square-foot breakfast area adjoins the kitchen.
What else?
The grounds have a European park-like setting with a wide range of mature specimen trees. The southern border of the property borders acres of reserve land with nature trails and a wildlife sanctuary.
Amenities and more
- Heated 13 x 48 gunite pool
- Original wood-burning fireplace
- Decorative garden fountain
One cool thing
The vaulted Elizabethan-style salon once included a stage and was a hub for cultural events and performances before becoming a private residence. The current owner inherited the home from his mother, a classical pianist who wanted to continue the its artistic legacy.
Agent’s callout
“It’s a completely one of a kind house,” Reingold says. “So much of the interior design and integrity has been maintained—you don’t see many houses with this kind of detail preserved.”
Location, location, location
Reingold says the home is fortuitously sited between Main Street and Egypt Lane and just blocks from East Hampton Village. Nearby are East Hampton Duck Pond, Egypt Beach and the Maidstone Club.
Details
The home at 64 Huntting Lane lists for $17,500,000 and the details can be seen here.
