Whaling Captain’s 1870s Sag Harbor Home That Has Undergone a Stunning Designer Renovation Lists for $5.4 Million

In the heart of Sag Harbor, a beautifully restored 19th-century home is offering buyers the chance to secure a prized piece of move-in-ready Hamptons real estate just in time for the summer season.

The four-bedroom home at 85 Suffolk St. recently came on the market for $5.35 million and is a true blend of historic character and contemporary comforts, all wrapped in turnkey designer interiors.

Built in the 1870s for whaling captain David Porter Vail, who once commanded a ship carrying the Marquis de Lafayette to the United States in 1830, the home has deep roots in Sag Harbor’s maritime past. 

Over the years, the house has been thoughtfully stewarded into modernity by several notable owners. 

“In the 1990s, Valerie and George Justin bought and restored the home. 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 of Douglas Elliman.

As an expert in textiles, Valerie dedicated her artistic eye to the restoration, helping preserve the home’s architectural heritage while setting the stage for future improvements.

Today, the 2,900-square-foot village home continues to reflect this meticulous attention to both preservation and design. According to Hofer, the property embodies the essence of Sag Harbor living.

“It’s a history buff’s dream, as it’s period-correct and has been preserved to meet architectural review board standards,” he explains.

Inside, the residence has been completely reimagined by its current owner, a designer, resulting in interiors that feel both elevated and welcoming. The home is also being sold turnkey, with all new systems, amenities, and the furniture included. 

“The kitchen, bathrooms, and mechanicals are all new and beautifully done,” says Hofer. “The home is designer-owned and it shows—very chic but also offering buyers the opportunity to live in a historic home without inheriting any issues.”

One of the property’s standout interior features is a distinctive prep kitchen and bar area positioned between the main kitchen and dining room. Designed for both entertaining and everyday functionality, the space delivers a sense of exclusivity and atmosphere.

“It’s a very purposeful prep kitchen and bar area that’s unbelievably beautiful and fun, reminiscent of some of the exclusive members-only dining clubs in style and decor,” Hofer says.

Outdoors, the 0.23 acre estate continues to impress. An expansive yard, which is considered generous by village standards, includes a pool and a fully outfitted pool house that can double as guest lodging.

This flexible outdoor living arrangement creates the perfect setting for summer gatherings or hosting family and friends, while the home's cozy, fresh interiors make it the perfect place to cozy up in the colder winter months.

Location is another defining feature. Tucked away from main thoroughfares, the home offers privacy and tranquility while remaining close to beloved village destinations. The property is also just a few minutes away from the nearby harbor cove.

“The location is perfect,” says Hofer. “It’s not on a main street, so it’s a very quiet setting, but still in the village, and it’s only a half mile to the American Hotel and any other of Main Street Sag Harbor’s beloved attractions and staples.”

Ultimately, what sets this property apart is the kind of lifestyle it offers: a turnkey historic village home that’s completely move-in ready. 

“The location, the renovation, and the size of the house and property all make it a unique opportunity,” says Hofer.