East Hampton, NY
Tuesday Tours Ep.03 - President's Summer White House Tour in Sag Harbour
Welcome to Tuesday Tours, Hamptons edition. Today, we are in Downtown Sag Harbor, and we are going to be meeting up with
Miss Rima Mardoyan Smyth, and taking a look at one of this place’s historic houses.
When you think of the Hamptons, the few things that come to mind are:
- Farm fresh produce,
- Amazing restaurants,
- Beaches,
- And of course, for many people, amazing outdoor spaces with lush gardens.
The charm and attraction of Sag Harbor is that it's historical and includes many architectural masterpieces. Built in 1796 and located in Sag Harbor, this was a summer home for an American President, Chester Arthur, and was also known as the "Summer White House". Unlike most 20 to 30 year old houses, this one was renovated and restored instead of being torn down and replaced.
Every part of this house is unique and everything was designed to make the interior resemble and give a 70s atmosphere. Every piece of hardware was cast and imported from London, such as the door knobs and waterworks.
In the kitchen you have a beautiful giant WOLF gas range, an immense model island, a gorgeous sink, brass hardware and all the windows have been blown in Savannah to give it an old wobbly old fashioned look. And it’s all thanks to the genius of Steven Gambrel, an amazing interior decorator and architect responsible for bringing this house back in time OR responsible for modernizing it without taking out the historic details.
In addition to being President Chester Arthur’s retreat home, it was later owned by Lady Caroline Blackwood and her husband.
It’s difficult to pick a favorite feature at 20 Union. The house’s garden is extremely beautiful and dreamy, which is landscaped by the owner herself, the Dining Room provides a very cozy and comfortable experience, and the bathroom looks gorgeous with the custom made marble finishes and hardware specially cast and imported from London, such as the door knobs and waterworks. It’s clear that no shortcuts were taken designing this interior.