Famed French Architect’s Grand Southampton Estate Enters the Market for $19.95M

There are many magnificent homes in Southampton, NY, but few are as beautifully appointed and historic as The Rosewood Farm Estate.

This prestigious, 34-acre property belonged to late French architect and designer Thierry Despont. The estate is listed for $19,950,000, creating an opportunity for someone to snag a bespoke home owned by a giant in the design world.

It previously served as a horse farm and the Southampton Riding & Hunt Club. Despont, who died at 75 in August, single-handedly transformed the estate over many years.

Despont was a legendary architectural and design force. He was named to the Architectural Digest Hall of Fame and became an officer of the Legion of Honor, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the industry. Most of his work was focused in New York City, and his career highlights include the interiors of 220 Central Park South, the restoration of the Statue of Liberty, and the conversion of the Woolworth Building.

But his vision extended worldwide: He renovated iconic London hotels, including Claridge’s, and transformed the Vendome Column in Paris.

He also worked with artistic and tech visionaries—Bill Gates, Calvin Klein, Annette and Oscar de la Renta, and Conrad Black—on their own personal residences, cultivating a sense of history and heritage to grand homes. Despont often formed relationships with his clients that lasted decades: He worked with Peggy and Millard Drexler on multiple homes over 30 years.

An architect’s singular vision

Despont’s vision for this Southampton property was as universal and historic as his commercial work but was also highly personal.

“The house is a culmination of Thierry’s career and personal life and also happens to be one of the most incredible houses that has blessed the Hampton’s real estate scene in recent years,” says the home’s co-listing agent Paul Brennan, for Douglas Elliman.

Previously a horse barn, the primary residence is now a strikingly elegant, six-bedroom space. On three sides, it surrounds a cobblestone patio-courtyard and fountain.

The property also includes a four-bedroom guesthouse, a stable that has been converted into a pool house with a fitness center and sauna, and another barn that has been turned into a four-car garage.

The garage also doubled as Despont’s personal studio. His artwork—primarily sculpture and watercolor—has been sold to personal collectors throughout the world.

“Walking up the barn stairs and finding a room full of museum-quality art and paintings is incredible,” Brennan says. “People literally gasp and are silent for five minutes while they take it all in. Art and sculpture fill every space in the room.”

Artwork may be available for purchase on a case-by-case basis, he adds.

The estate’s grounds include deciduous trees and flowering bushes that accent the main house and pool house, Brennan notes. Everything overlooks several acres of meadow with accents of African grasslands, and walking paths lead to a gazebo with mature-specimen trees from Africa.

The estate has multiple entrances and parking areas and is a perfect setting for grand parties or serene, intimate experiences.

“The ideal buyer is looking for an incredible home with breathtaking interiors,” Brennan says.

He is co-listing the home with Martha Gunderson and Michaela Keszler, also of Douglas Elliman.

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