A century-old Hamptons cottage, built on farmland bought for just $50, has hit the market for a jaw-dropping $14.25million.
Tucked away in Water Mill – one of the most prestigious enclaves within the opulent Hamptons – the historic Rosemary Lodge is now recognized as one of the area’s premier legacy estates.
The five-bedroom home, originally constructed in 1884 by Reverend Henry Turbell Rose, sits on just under an acre of land and has been meticulously preserved and modernized over its 141-year lifetime.
Rose, a native of Lowell, Massachusetts, bought the original half-acre plot of farmland from his uncle for fifty bucks – a price that could hardly buy lunch in the Hamptons today.
At the time, the Massachusetts-based Reverend also purchased the house’s unique building plans from a Massachusetts architect, for just $25, opting to do much of the construction himself.
Now, the centuries-old summer cottage, which started as a modest family home, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and boasts nearly every luxury imaginable.
Earning its historic namesake from Rose and his wife Mary, the Rosemary Lodge features intricately hand-carved woodwork, stained glass windows and original fireplaces with custom mantels.
Tucked away in Water Mill – one of the most prestigious enclaves within the opulent Hamptons – the historic Rosemary Lodge is now recognized as one of the area’s premier legacy estates
Earning its historic namesake from Rose and his wife Mary, the Rosemary Lodge features intricately hand-carved woodwork and stained glass windows
Just a quick drive from the Atlantic Ocean, residents of the 322 Rose Hill Road home (outlined in white) can indulge in a short walk to Mecox Bay
In addition, each room inside the Hamptons estate features a different kind of vintage wood paneling, with some walls etched with poetic verses – including lines from William Shakespeare.
‘There is poetry literally carved into the walls, including works by Shakespeare,’ listing entity, Brown Harris Stevens told BehindTheHedges.com.
Throughout the home, residents can also find delicate floral motifs, ships, butterflies, and birds are carefully etched into the age-old wood, along with the initials ‘RL.’
However, as time passed the classic home has seen some changes with modern upgrades including a stunning outdoor pool and an adjacent pool house equipped with an outdoor shower, cooking station and a vegetable garden.
‘Modern additions include a porch and dormer on the west side of the north wing and some replacement casement windows,’ according to a history of the house.
Inside however, the 4,110-square-foot residence features a media room – with big-screen television and a fireplace – and a stunning chef’s kitchen set with a professional gas stove, as well as a massive center island.
Now, the centuries-old summer cottage, which started as a modest family home, has is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and boasts nearly every luxury imaginable
In addition, each room inside the Hamptons estate features a different kind of vintage wood paneling, with some walls etched with poetic verses – including lines from Shakespeare
Throughout the home, residents can also find delicate floral motifs, ships, butterflies, and birds are carefully etched into the age-old wood, along with the initials ‘RL’
As time passed the classic home has seen some changes with modern upgrades including a stunning outdoor pool and an adjacent pool house
‘Modern additions include a porch and dormer on the west side of the north wing and some replacement casement windows,’ according to a history of the house
The primary suite, which can be found on the second floor with two other bedrooms, boasts a spa-like en-suite bath, a spacious walk-in closet and a terrace overlooking open land.
Bonuses in the house include a state-of-the-art darkroom – primarily used for processing photographic film and making prints – as well as a dedicated exercise and bicycle shed and a newly installed electric vehicle charging station.
In 1985, however, the Hamptons home moved slightly from its original location, while still retaining much of its original charm, earning it the reputation as a ‘museum quality’ example of Shingle-style architecture.
According to listing agent Steven Dorn of Brown Harris Stevens, the one-of-a-kind estate represents a rare combination of history and luxury.
‘Rosemary Lodge is one of the last great legacy estates in the Hamptons,’ Dorn told BehindTheHedges.com. ‘The craftsmanship and attention to detail are just not found in homes these days. It’s a very special place.’
The beautiful residence also boasts plenty of privacy – a hard-to-come-by commodity on the dense island – as is sits tucked behind hedges on a quiet street.
In 1985, the Hamptons home moved slightly from its original location, while still retaining much of its original charm, earning it the reputation as a ‘museum quality’ example of Shingle-style architecture
According to listing agent Steven Dorn of Brown Harris Stevens, the one-of-a-kind estate represents a rare combination of history and luxury
The beautiful residence also boasts plenty of privacy – a hard-to-come-by commodity on the dense island – as is sits tucked behind hedges on a quiet street
Despite its relocation and modern renovations, the home still offers a hard-to-find glimpse into the past – while commanding a very 2025 price tag
Just a quick drive from the Atlantic Ocean, residents of the 322 Rose Hill Road home can indulge in a short walk to Mecox Bay.
Despite its relocation and modern renovations, the home still offers a hard-to-find glimpse into the past – while commanding a very 2025 price tag.
The eye-watering $14.25 million is a far cry from Rosemary Lodge’s dirt-cheap origins, showing just how valuable Hamptons real estate has become.