The nuts and bolts
8 bedrooms
5 full bathrooms
2 half bathrooms
8,000 square feet
2.6 acres
House proud
Located in the Fordune community, this home features a pool, tennis court and squash court. Built by the owners in partnership with their architect, the estate reflects their lifestyle and interests in leisure, sports and entertaining. It offers private deeded access to a coveted stretch of ocean beach.
“This property has some of the most extraordinary outdoor amenities I’ve seen in one property; it’s really unique,” says Eve Combemale, the agent at Sotheby’s International Realty’s Bridgehampton brokerage who is representing the listing. “It is a true retreat, designed for anyone who embraces an active lifestyle and holds a deep appreciation for seamless indoor/outdoor living.”
What’s the plan?
The main floor is dedicated to the common rooms and one ensuite bedroom. The rooms offer ample space for gathering and entertaining: a study, both a living room and family room, formal and casual dining areas with pocket doors, a screened-in porch, with multiple egress to the wrap-around patio. A wing contains a solarium, the squash court and changing room, and a dedicated game room lounge. The second floor houses the other seven bedrooms, each with its own bathroom, and some offering access to upper covered porches. The attached garage accommodates three cars. The pool house offers a living area, wet bar and a small mezzanine loft.
What’s cooking?
The eat-in kitchen is equipped with Viking range and two Sub-Zero refrigerators. The rich-toned wood cabinetry is topped with granite and the large work island seats four. There is a separate semi-open work area with cabinet storage and a sink, and a pantry behind the stove wall.
What else?
The home has three fireplaces, fueled by both wood and gas. The property is adjacent to five-acre reserve behind the house.
Amenities and more
- Kalamazoo custom-built outdoor kitchen
- 60-foot swimming pool and spa
- Squash court
- Har-Tru tennis court
- Outdoor shower
One cool thing
The area now known as Fordune is named for the Ford family, of Ford Motor Company fame. The 20,000-square-foot European-inspired manor at 90 Jule Pond Drive was built in 1960 for Henry Ford II, the eldest grandson of the founder. While Ford needs no introduction, less was known about his wife, Anne McDonnell (1920-1996), whose grandfather, Thomas E. Murray, was a prolific inventors, whose list of patents is said to have approached in number that of Thomas A. Edison. He invented the dimmer switch and the screw-in fuse.
At one time, it was a 250-acre waterfront estate, and sold in 2021 for a record $105-million dollars. It has been subdivided over time, with a 42-acre parcel comprising the current enclave of estate-level homes.
“Fordune has become a more modern estate section and very desirable for its access to one of the most beautiful stretches of ocean beach in the country,” says Combemale.
Agent’s callout
“The property is really exceptional for anyone who loves the outdoors because there are so many areas to go and ways to spend your time outside — even if you’re not a sportsman. It’s been impeccably maintained, screened from the neighbors and feels very private but not closed in,” Combemale says.
Location, location, location
The home in Fordune is 2.4 miles from the center of Southampton and 2.9 from Water Mill. Local interests include the Parrish Art Museum and numerous beaches and ponds. If you must stray outside the grounds of this estate, the Southampton Bath & Tennis Club and Water Mill Beach Club are nearby by.
Details
The home at 129 Jule Pond Drive lists for $15,500,000 and the details can be seen here.
