TWO BARNS A LOVE STORY
Exquisitely reimagined English barns in Water Mill are now for sale
In the mid-17th century, just as the English were settling the East End, two incredible barns were built in the English countryside using brick and hand hewn black oak beams, many of which weighed upwards of 700 lbs and were saved from old sailing vessels. There the barns sat for over 300 years, until 1981, when renowned literary agent Ed Victor and his wife Carol Ryan shipped each barn, piece by piece, to a two-acre wooded lot on a ridge above Water Mill farmland, connecting the transatlantic lives they had been leading. Reassembled by architect David Howard, and local builder John Falkowski, the barns were transformed into 3,000 square-feet of light-drenched, living art, with 5 bedrooms, 4 baths, wide plank floors, rambling romance and infinite possibility. Almost four decades later, their storybook estate hits the market for the first time, retelling a beautiful tale of love and history.
At first glance, the dramatic entry captures the viewer with sky-high casement windows and doors inspired by British architect Edwin Lutyens. Just beyond sits the 25’ tall great room, where white stucco walls are punctuated by towering hand hewn beams, aged brick, endless natural light, and 15’ tall French doors leading to the outdoor living spaces. The grand master suite, encompassing the entirety of the second barn, repeats the same dramatic aesthetic, with towering ceilings, dramatic beams, French doors to the outdoors, plus a sitting area with fireplace, and dressing area with walk in closets. In the en suite master bath, a double vanity, free standing Victorian claw tub, shower, sauna, and another fireplace, all exhibiting endless character and style. The first floor is completed with two en suite bedrooms, dining room, an office and a gourmet kitchen. The lower level features built-in shelving and a huge exposed brick wall, expanding the living space with 2 more bedrooms, a bath, a full gym/recreation room, and convenient access to the 2-bay garage.
Outdoors, the gardens are inspired by the famous White Garden at Sissinghurst Castle, where Victor and Ryan were tenants of the property’s South Cottage for many years. Surrounded by pines, blueberry bushes and mountain laurel, the secluded outdoor entertaining areas feature a tennis court with viewing pavilion, putting green, an oversized pergola dining area, full outdoor kitchen, heated pool with decking and separate spa deck. Two Barns is renowned for hosting lavish parties filled with famous writers and artists, all discussing fresh idea’s late into the languid summer evenings.
Beautifully written stories about this property have been featured in many publications over the years. When we buy a piece of history, we don’t just buy an object or a piece of land -- we buy substance, heart, soul, love, stories and a legacy.