A Storied Return To Market: Rosewood Farm Estate In Southampton

In a captivating return to the real estate stage, the Rosewood Farm Estate in Southampton, previously owned by the late and acclaimed architect and designer Thierry Despont, now graces the market with an asking price of $19.95 million. This extraordinary property is exclusively represented by Douglas Elliman agents Michaela Keszler, Paul Brennan, and Martha Gundersen, following Despont’s passing in August.

Nestled amidst more than 34 acres of tranquil countryside, this estate carries a rich history as the former abode of the illustrious Southampton Riding & Hunt Club. Once a thriving horse farm, Despont meticulously transformed this land into the unique and splendid estate it stands as today. At the heart of the estate lies the six-bedroom primary residence, formerly the main barn, embracing a central cobblestone patio courtyard adorned with a charming fountain on three of its sides. Alongside this central piece, the property also encompasses a separate four-bedroom guest house, a converted stable now serving as a pool house, and a separate barn transformed into a four-car garage, also having been Despont’s personal art studio.

The grounds surrounding the estate are a testament to magnificence. A lush, rolling lawn, graced with a tree-lined path, guides one to an infinity-edge pool, complemented by a stately pool house. The pool house itself offers a welcoming lounge area, a fully equipped workout room, a soothing sauna, and a revitalizing steam shower. Just south of the pool house, a picturesque meadow unveils itself, featuring a tranquil walking path leading to a Gazebo and mature specimen trees imported from Africa. Adding to the property’s allure, the Southampton estate boasts a stunning vista, overlooking an additional 50 acres of agricultural reserve.

On August 13, 2023, Despont, aged 75, bid adieu to this world. A deep dive into his extraordinary legacy can be found in his obituaries in the New York Times and Architectural Digest.

Despont’s achievements are nothing short of remarkable. He was inducted into the Architectural Digest AD100 2023 Hall of Fame and left an indelible mark on several of New York City’s iconic structures. His creative touch graced the interiors of 220 Central Park South, contributed to the transformation of the Woolworth Building, and played a vital role in the restoration of the Statue of Liberty, among other notable projects. Additionally, Despont lent his expertise to the residences of industry luminaries such as Bill Gates, Calvin Klein, Jayne Wrightsman, Annette and Oscar de la Renta, Conrad Black, and Peggy and Millard “Mickey” Drexler, who collaborated with Despont for over three decades on the design of several homes.

Beyond his architectural prowess, Despont was also a proficient sculptor and painter, celebrated for his metal sculptures depicting insects, orbs, and masks, as well as his “cabinets of curiosity” and lunar-shaped tapestries. His artwork found prominence through exhibitions by the Marlborough Gallery in New York, London, and Monaco. Notably, many of his original creations were born here in Southampton, adorning the residence and art studio at 320 Majors Path.

Learn more here.

Ty Wenzel

Co-Publisher & Contributor

Ty Wenzel started her career as a fashion coordinator for Bloomingdale’s followed by fashion editor for Cosmopolitan Magazine. She was also a writer for countless publications, including having published a memoir and written features for The New York Times. She is an award-winning writer and designer who covers lifestyle, real estate, architecture and interiors for James Lane Post. Wenzel is also a co-founder of the meditation app for kids, DreamyKid, and the social media agency, TWM Hamptons Social Media.