A Rare Glimpse Inside one of East Hamptons Historical Houses, Greycroft
The East Hampton Historical House Tour
Part 2: Let's Visit Greycroft
on Huntting Lane in East Hampton
The annual East Hampton Historic House Tour offers us unique opportunities to see these grand homes. Greycroft is one of the most beautiful architectural gems in the East End of Long Island. This home is a rambling cedar shingle beauty, and the name harkens to British literature.
The home was built in 1893 in East Hampton by architect Isaac Henry Green who is credited with introducing the Shingle Style to this summer colony. I love the gambrel-roof, fan windows, paneled wainscoting, and as a textile designer, I also appreciate the beautiful crewel work, vintage textiles and furnishings throughout the home.
Back in the day, Emma Woodhouse turned these once swampy four acres into a beautiful Japanese Garden. She created this Japanese garden by hiring Remington King, a farmer and gardner from Sag Harbor who had been a whaler and had traveled to Japan. As a matter of fact, according to the New York Times, the very first Iris flower coming to the US was imported to this very garden in East Hampton village.
After her death in 1908, the gardens were passed on to her niece, Mary Woodland, who founded the East Hampton Garden Club. The club passed the Water Garden on to the Village, becoming the heart of today’s 24-acre Nature Trail. In 1980, Robert A.M. Stern renovated the home for the present owners. Lots of history on this property, and the current owners (the Patricof family) has worked hard to preserve its integrity.
Check out the Greycroft Tiktok showing video of our tour.