Who Knew?

We here at Ellen Hanson Designs were delighted to learn a little more about the history of the Hamptons Cottages and Gardens Idea House we are working on this summer. The Wall Street Journal published an item about the former owner, James Jones - author of From Here To Eternity. The project consists of a previously existing home which is getting renovated and then being linked up with a very modern addition with the whole project aspiring to LEED certification. Considering the former owner as well as such guests as Arthur Miller and Kurt Vonnegut this is an idea house in more ways than one.


From The Wall Street Journal
Former James Jones Home to Go on Sale
A developer has renovated the former Hamptons home of "From Here to Eternity" author James Jones and plans to put it up for sale for $12 million to $14 million.

In 1975, Mr. Jones and his wife, Gloria, moved to the house in Sagaponack, N.Y., and hosted writers such as Arthur Miller and Kurt Vonnegut. Mr. Jones died in 1977 at age 56, but his wife lived in the house until she died in 2006 at age 78.

Their children then sold the 1.5-acre property for roughly $4 million to developer Peter Sabbeth, who restored the original 3,500-square-foot wood house and expanded it by 4,000 square feet. Specializing in ecologically focused design, Mr. Sabbeth added solar panels and a geothermal heating system. There are five bedrooms, nine bathrooms, a two-car garage and a pool. A planned basement will include a wine cellar, gym, playroom and steam bath.

Construction is in the final stages, Mr. Sabbeth says. Next week, designers will begin decorating the home as part of the annual Hamptons Cottages and Gardens Idea house, scheduled to open July 26. Rylan Jacka, of Sotheby's International Realty, has the listing.