Whaler’s 1870s Sag Harbor home that has undergone a stunning $5.4 million renovation
In the heart of Sag Harbor, a beautifully restored 19th-century home offers buyers the opportunity to secure a valuable piece of move-in ready Hamptons real estate just in time for the summer season.
The four-bedroom home at 85 Suffolk St. recently hit the market for $5.35 million and is a true blend of historic character and contemporary comfort, all wrapped in turnkey designer interiors.
Built in the 1870s for a whaling captain David PorterVailwho once commanded a ship transporting the Marquis de Lafayette to the United States in 1830, has deep roots in Sag Harbor’s maritime past.
Over the years, the house has been carefully brought into modernity by a number of notable owners.
“In the nineties Valerie And George Justin bought and restored the house. George was a production manager and executive who worked on major films like ‘On the Waterfront’ and ’12 Angry Men,’ says listing agent Adam Hofer by Douglas Elliman.
As an expert in textiles, Valerie devoted her artistic eye to the restoration, helping to preserve the house’s architectural heritage while paving the way for future improvements.
Today, the 2,900-square-foot village hall continues to reflect this meticulous attention to both conservation and design. According to Hofer, the property embodies the essence of Sag Harbor living.
“It is a history buff’s dream because it is historically accurate and has been preserved to meet architectural council standards,” he explains.
Inside, the home has been completely redesigned by the current owner, a designer, resulting in interiors that feel both lofty and inviting. The home is also being sold turnkey, including all new systems, amenities and furnishings.
“The kitchen, bathrooms and mechanicals are all new and beautifully done,” says Hofer. “The house is owned by a designer and it shows: it is very chic, but also offers buyers the opportunity to live in a historic house without inheriting problems.”
One of the property’s striking interior features is a striking prep kitchen and bar, located between the main kitchen and dining room. Designed for both entertainment and everyday functionality, the space offers a sense of exclusivity and ambiance.
“It’s a very purposeful prep kitchen and bar that is incredibly beautiful and fun and reminiscent in style and decor of some of the exclusive members-only dining clubs,” says Hofer.
Outside, the 0.23-acre estate continues to impress. An extensive garden, considered generous by village standards, includes a swimming pool and a fully equipped pool house that can also serve as a guesthouse.
This flexible outdoor living space creates the perfect setting for summer gatherings or entertaining family and friends, while the home’s cozy, fresh interior makes it the perfect place to socialize in the colder winter months.
Location is another defining characteristic. Tucked away from the main roads, the house offers privacy and tranquility whilst remaining close to much loved village destinations. The property is also just a few minutes away from the nearby harbor bay.
“The location is perfect,” says Hofer. “It’s not on a main street, so it’s a very quiet area, yet in the village, and it’s only half a mile to the American Hotel and all the other beloved attractions and sights of Main Street Sag Harbor.”
Ultimately, what sets this property apart is the type of lifestyle it offers: a turnkey historic village home that is completely move-in ready.
“The location, the renovation and the size of the house and building all make it a unique opportunity,” says Hofer.
