Dream Homes

For the First Time in 30 Years, East Hampton's 'White House' Is For Sale

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A fabulous East Hampton estate known to locals as “The White House” has come onto the market for the first time in 30 years. The historic home, which sits on a prominent corner near East Hampton Village, is asking $12.5 million.

The property is owned by the estate of developer Fred Mengoni, who purchased it in 1989 and spent the next four years completing renovations that transformed the residence. Mengoni passed away in February 2018. Since 1992, there haven’t been any renovations made to the 7,615-square-foot structure.

According to Douglas Brown, the Douglas Elliman agent representing the listing, historians believe the house dates to 1724 — though if so, it has seen a lot of changes since the 18th century. Originally the home faced east, but in 1906, Brown says, it was moved back from the road and turned to face south.

The Georgian-style mansion how has 7 bedrooms, 6 full bathrooms, 2 half-baths, and a first floor completely outfitted with heated marble flooring. Future residents will also enjoy a rosewood-paneled library, multiple fireplaces (including two in upstairs bedrooms), a gourmet kitchen, and a finished lower level with a bar, sauna, and wine cellar.

The nearly 3-acre property includes a heated gunite pool with pool house, tennis court, gazebo, three-car garage (attached to the original barn), and even a cherry tree. The barn dates to the 1800s, but the pool house and garage were added by Mengoni.

The magnificent property has been on the market for about a month and a half, and Brown says he’s already shown it several times.

“People are drawn to the house because it is the first house you see when you enter the village — kind of the ‘You’ve Arrived’ house,” Brown says. “It has been a mystery house for the past 30 years. Everyone always wants to know who owns the house and what it’s like inside. The house is very stately and always looks immaculate, and yet you never see anyone there.”

Interestingly, Brown says Mengoni only spent about 15 nights at the property over his nearly three decades of ownership. Apparently, the former owner used to arrive at the house at about 5 a.m. before going on a bike ride, and then return to his New York residence later the same day.

Located at 6 Woods Lane in East Hampton, the White House sits at the corner of Woods Lane and Main Street, and is less than a mile from both the village and Main Beach.

Inspired to find your next home on the East End? Search Out East for rental and sale properties in the Hamptons and North Fork.