Renowned Photographer's Revitalized Hamptons Estate Hits Market for $9.3 Million
Swedish photographer Jonas Fredwall Karlsson, celebrated for his extensive work with Vanity Fair, has undertaken a remarkable project: the sensitive restoration and contemporary update of a historic home in Sag Harbor, New York. After dedicating almost a decade to this endeavor, his personal residence, a captivating 144-year-old Gothic Victorian, has been placed on the market, presenting a rare fusion of timeless charm and modern luxury. This endeavor highlights Karlsson's commitment to preserving historical integrity while infusing properties with sophisticated contemporary living standards.
Acquired in 2017 for $3.1 million, the extensively preserved property is now offered at a price just under $9.3 million. The listing, managed by Erica Grossman of Douglas Elliman and Lori MacGarva of William Raveis, includes comprehensive plans for a significant expansion. This expansion is designed to add approximately 1,500 square feet to the main dwelling, alongside the construction of a new studio and a pool house, collectively adding about 785 square feet to the estate. The current residence, spanning 2,500 square feet across two levels, features three bedrooms, four full bathrooms, and a powder room, all enhanced by newly finished wide-plank white oak flooring. The exterior, characterized by its distinctive white wood, dramatic turret, multiple gables, and expansive windows, is set on nearly half an acre of land, shaded by an ancient oak tree, with convenient access to Sag Harbor Cove. The property also boasts a private motor court and a detached garage.
Inside, the home welcomes visitors with an elegant entry foyer and a gracefully curving traditional staircase. This leads to a welcoming parlor room and an adjoining living room, which retains its original wood-burning fireplace. Additional features include a den adorned with built-in bookshelves, a bay-windowed dining room, and a recently renovated galley kitchen. The kitchen is equipped with shaker-style cabinetry, a polished subway tile backsplash, and a comfortable breakfast nook that opens via French doors to a screened-in porch. The upper level houses all en suite bedrooms, including a lavish primary suite with a walk-in closet and a marble-tiled bathroom featuring dual pedestal sinks and a freestanding soaking tub. The outdoor space is a private sanctuary, highlighted by a 45-foot by 12-foot heated gunite swimming pool, offering an exclusive retreat just moments from the village's vibrant core. Karlsson's decision to sell stems from his family's relocation from the area, though he expressed openness to future investments in the region, while intending to spend more time at his Stockholm residence and continue his professional commitments in New York.
This meticulously renovated historic estate stands as a testament to the seamless integration of past and present, offering an aspirational lifestyle rooted in elegance and tranquility. Such properties not only reflect personal taste but also contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage, demonstrating that with vision and care, historic homes can be transformed into contemporary marvels while honoring their legacy. It underscores the enduring value of investing in beauty, history, and community.
