Fancy the chance to explore the iconic Grey Gardens estate in East Hampton and leave with an incredible memento? Well, the weekend before Thanksgiving, an estate sale is being held at the legendary East End property that was once home to Little Edie (Edith “Little Edie” Bouvier Beale), a first cousin of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Lee Bouvier Radziwill, and her mother, Edith.
The once of a lifetime shopping experience is being organized by Susan Wexler of Behind the Hedgerows. “A friend of mine, who was the selling agent recommended me – Michael Schultz,” Wexler told us. “That’s how I connected with Sally Quinn.” Quinn purchased the house with her late husband, Washington Post editor Ben Bradlee, in 1979. Earlier this year she listed the property for $19.995 million and it was recently sold.
“The key things that really stand out are the original pieces that Sally found in the attic, which is a lot of wicker, lighting, upholstered pieces, which of course have been reupholstered. There’s tables, chairs, all kinds of accessories, antique lace pillows, some photography, baskets, some antique quilts, lots of china, glassware – there’s even some napkins with Grey Gardens printed on them,” Wexler noted. “There’s a curio cabinet and everything’s in it – the little miniatures. It’s like a little glass menagerie and everything in there is original.”
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Fancy the chance to explore the iconic Grey Gardens estate in East Hampton and leave with an incredible memento? (Courtesy Photo) |
Shoppers can even purchase something that was featured in the documentary about the eclectic duo that was directed by Albert Maysles, Ellen Hovde, David Maysles, and Muffie Meyer. “There’s a mirror, a handheld silver mirror, that’s featured in the movie. There’s an antique cigarette dispenser. It’s just a treasure trove of history,” she shared. “It’s been amazing working here.”
For those worried that they won’t be able to find something in their price range, Wexler told us there will be some absolute steals. “It ranges from a couple of dollars to several hundred dollars. I think the most expensive thing will be a table that we haven’t priced yet,” she explained. “We’ve done our research and considered the providence and history behind the original items.”
Wexler has been working on the estate sale for nearly a month. “Each room is staged as close to the original as possible. One room just has linens and bedding. Each room is staged for its purpose. There’s one bedroom that’s reportedly haunted,” she noted. “There’s quite a bit of outdoor furniture, antique originals from the house. There’s beautiful, obviously not original, but beautiful tropical potted plants that are for sale. A complete suite of rattan furniture in the sunroom.”
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The property that was once home to Little Edie (Edith “Little Edie” Bouvier Beale), a first cousin of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Lee Bouvier Radziwill, and her mother, Edith.
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She expects quite the turnout for the one-of-a-kind event. “I know some people that are coming from the West Coast,” Wexler said.
“It’s been such a unique experience,” she concluded.
The estate sale will take place Friday, November 17 and Saturday, November 18 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, November 19 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Grey Gardens is located at 3 West End Road in East Hampton. Parking will be available at Georgica Beach.
