Dating to 1870, a time before Southampton Village itself was formally incorporated, the grand estate known as Redcraft has been impeccably restored and reimagined and is enveloped by gardens and grounds inspired by those at England’s at Sissinghurst Castle.
Historic Redcraft
Southampton, New York | Harald Grant & Bruce Grant, Sotheby’s International Realty – Southampton Brokerage
The gardens at Sissinghurst Castle—created in the mid-1900s by poet Vita Sackville-West and her diplomat-author husband, Harold Nicolson—are widely recognized as some of the world’s most beautiful and influential gardens. An estate as grand as Redcraft, a historic Southampton home dating to 1870, deserves gardens equally extravagant. Award-winning landscape designer Perry Guillot took charge of the creation of these meticulously manicured grounds, which occupy an impressive 3.5 acres.
Redcraft was originally built for Charles G. Francklyn, industrialist, prominent member of New York society, and heir to the Cunard shipping fortune. Esteemed interior designer Steven Gambrel—a member of the elite AD 100 who has been recognized for his timeless, comfortable designs in locations such as suites at the Plaza Hotel—undertook an impeccable restoration and reimagining of the 6,700-square-foot manor.
The home retained its timeless redbrick façade, beyond which are seven restful bedrooms and an enticing collection of distinctive public spaces perfect for sophisticated living and entertaining—each of which has a singular character underpinned by unique detailing. They begin with an entry parlor warmed by a fireplace and include a cheerful sunroom, a formal dining room with a fireplace, and a great room with a striking black mahogany ceiling, period multi-paned top-sash windows, a fireplace, and French doors to a private patio. Eye-catching floor and backsplash tiles distinguish the spacious eat-in kitchen, which features a six-burner dual-oven Wolf range, other top-tier appliances, marble countertops, and a built-in banquette. Further facilitating consummate entertaining is a butler’s pantry with plentiful cabinet and counter space as well as a wine chiller. Richly hued wood surfaces create a cozy ambience in the reading nook, which has a delightful built-in window seat. The stylish master suite overlooks the grounds from its balcony and encompasses a spacious, impeccably appointed dressing area with extensive built-ins and a luxurious bath with tastefully elegant floor and wall treatments and a glass-enclosed shower.
As for the inspired grounds, they are best appreciated on the home’s breadth of patios—one sunny and expansive, another cool, shady, and covered. Impressively manicured copper-beech hedgerows surround colorful formal gardens, creating “rooms” similar to those pioneered at Sissinghurst. Across stretches of lush emerald lawn, a row of stalwart horse chestnut trees directs the attention to the alluring pool, enveloped by hedges for privacy and accompanied by a chic contemporary pool house perfect for fabulous indoor-outdoor fêtes. The generous acreage includes space for the addition of a tennis court, if desired.
