The back of this 1838 Greek Revival gem has been making the rounds on social media for years, and I have always admired it and wondered about the rest of the house. It just so happens that it has been on the market since 2015… and it was featured in the April 2010 issue of Traditional Home! Located in Bellport Village in Bellport, New York – about an hour’s drive from Manhattan – this historic estate has a storied past. It was once the summer home of Birdsall Otis Edey, author, playwright, and later, the organizer and national president of the Girl Scouts of America. In 2004 the current owners – who are art consultants – commissioned interior designer Jamie Drake of Drake/Anderson to restore their historic home, known as Nearthebay. Dilapidated and at one time nearly demolished, the elegant home was restored to its original grandeur, yet infused with modern informality. While traditional architecture is honored, the couple’s love for art (including Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein) takes center stage.
“This small East Coast village has smitten the likes of royals, Instagram heavyweights, and anyone looking for a picture-perfect getaway,” reports Town & Country. “Bellport is many things, but most of all, it is a sanctuary for those who still treasure community and good old-fashioned relaxation… Bellport has somehow managed to remain preserved in a time where neighbors were, well, neighborly, free time actually existed (and was treasured), and there was nothing wrong with a little (or a lot of) peace and quiet.”
“We love that each room is historically correct, yet has some quirkiness,” the homeowners told Traditional Home. “We bought a historic home and wanted to maintain that tradition and history, yet incorporate our love of color and contemporary art.”
Nearthebay features 5 bedrooms, 5.5 baths, 7 working original marble fireplaces, and over 6,ooo square feet on 1.54 acres. For additional information, please visit Old Purchase Properties Real Estate.
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It’s perfectly lovely. And reasonably priced, considering the location. It’s got all the bells and whistles, and is ready to move in, and completely restored. One wonders why it has lingered on the market. Surely some discerning person will want to snatch this up. So nice to see a house that has been correctly and tastefully restored and decorated. It’s all too rare these days.
Old money on old Long Island! What a dream!
When I was working for the late George Clarkson, I had the special privilege of being introduced to this very
exclusive and yet, inclusive world- of horses, gardens, old houses and even older gardens! I’ll always recall with fondness meeting C Z Guest at the estate of Mrs. Rodgers Denckla, on Great Plains Road in Southampton- we had our own cook who also worked for George, and she made fabulous tea sandwiches! Olive, watercress, tomato- delicious!
People truly enjoyed a leisurely summer season on long island- and read books, hit tennis and golf balls, and spent a lot of time outdoors. Bellport is a hold out from the madness that “the Hampton’s” has become!
Bargain price imo but it’s in NY state terribly high property tax and income tax
Great family home for a hedge fund guy to commute in better than some dinky condo in town at same price
I love the striped shades on the porch in the loose position with a stylish swag. But I would have to risk being a rude guest and move those urns to the corners of the pool.
This post got me deep down the google hole of “what’s Greek Revival?” To me it’s not this house so I needed to know more. I learned so much. This websites always opening my eyes to new things and a great education. Thank you