Tuesday, April 5, 2011

CRYPTOMERIA-THEN AND NOW


I've had the pleasure of visiting Cryptomeria, a stunning estate perched high on the Shinnecock Hills of Southampton, several times over the years. The 25-room Georgian style mansion was built in 1910 and designed by F.Burrall Hoffman. With formal English gardens by F.L. Olmstead and 35 acres of pristine rolling pastures, it is the quintessential Hampton estate. Having a cocktail on the terrace overlooking the gardens feels uniquely Gatsbyesque.

The 22,000 square-foot estate has recently come on the market and photos have surfaced that were taken in 1913 when the estate was known as "Ballyshere". What I find remarkable is how little has changed over the past 100 years. The stately exterior and exotic gardens have remained largely intact-a wonderful reminder of the grandeur of the past. 







9 comments:

The enchanted home said...

When you buy it, can I be a houseguest? Love it..whats not to love old, grand dame that it still is. I love seeing a beautiful grand home such as this one built around the turn of the century stand the test of time, having lovingly been enjoyed and taken care of. Hope it finds its way to a happy home that will cherish and honor and preserve its beautiful past.

quintessence said...

Stunning!! Love the old shots - what a simply exquisite estate. Let's just hope that no one buys it for the real estate alone!! And what an odd name for such a beautiful home - sounds like it belongs in the Addams Family

Unknown said...

Stunning house!!! Love the old photos and the shot of the garden.

What a treat to be able to visit and see it all up close. Harkens back to a different day!

xo Elizabeth

Stephanie @ La Dolce Vita said...

What a beautiful home! Thank you for sharing this. The name took me aback until I realized it meant "Secret Places" in Greek.

Anne said...

How lovely! I really enjoyed the tour... esp that conservatory! (but what an odd name for such a beautiful place, huh...?)

sega61 said...

It is hard to imagine owning a house like that today. Stunning....

www.horsecountrychic.blogspot.com

'LUSH' said...

Lovely then, lovely now! I'm glad most has remained the same. How wonderful that you were able to see it's beauty in person!I envy the one who will own it and make it home!

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous! Reminds me a little of the DuPont estates we have here in Wilmington, DE! If you are ever in the area you should check out Winterthur and the Nemours Mansion!

Anonymous said...

Cryptomeria is the name of the trees that surround the house that are an unusual Japanese tree. I have had the pleasure of being a house guest in this home, it is truly a special place.