Holidays in the Hamptons: Rent Grey Gardens!

Yes, that’s right. Grey Gardens, the now legendary property once owned by Edith Bouvier Beale (“Big Edie”) and her daughter Edith Beale (“Little Edie”), who were Jacqueline Kennedy’s aunt and cousin, is available for rent this holiday season (Thanksgiving week goes for $7500 and Christmas week, $12,500). The property was the star of Alfred and David Maysles’s much-praised film of the same name and even inspired a musical. (There was a later HBO production, too, with Jessica Lange and Drew Barrymore in the mother-daughter roles.) How many Hamptons properties, regardless of their mega price tags, can claim that?

Author and journalist Sally Quinn and her late husband, the famous Washington Post editor Ben Bradlee, purchased the estate in 1979 and completely refurbished it. Quinn is not only known for her great writing but also for her great taste in decor, so the property can provide a casually sumptuous country setting for those looking for a getaway with a bit of history, unusual though it may be.

The two-acre estate, located  near Georgica Beach, was designed by Joseph Greenleaf Thorpe in 1897. The 6000-square-foot Shingle Style house comes with seven bedrooms and 6 1/2 bathrooms, as well as a number of spacious common rooms, so there’s plenty of room for family and guests. 

Gray Gardens is also available to rent on an annual basis, for a tidy $175,000. The winter season rental is $50,000; June to July $150,000; July $125,000. For summer rentals, keep in mind the property has a heated Gunite pool; Har-Tru N/S tennis court, and of course, the legendary gardens will be in full bloom.  Those interested in the property should contact Gary De Persia at Corcoran.