Hampton Land Purchase: From Tiny Sum to $14.25M Fortune

A historic Hampton cottage, constructed on agricultural land purchased for as little as $50, is now listed for an astonishing $14.25 million.

Nestled in Water Mill — among the most exclusive neighborhoods in the luxurious Hamptons — lies the historic Rosemary Lodge, which has become one of the region’s foremostlegacy properties.

The five-bedroom house, built in 1884 by Reverend Henry Turbell Rose, occupies nearly an acre of land and has undergone careful preservation and updates throughout its 141-year history.

Rose, who hails from Lowell, Massachusetts, purchased the initial half-acre piece of farmland from her uncle for just fifty dollars—a sum that wouldn’t even cover a basic meal in the Hamptons nowadays.

At the time, the reverend from Massachusetts also bought the distinctive construction plans of the house from a Massachusetts architect, at a cost of only $25, choosing to handle much of the building work himself.

Today, this century-old summer house, originally a humble family dwelling, is registered with the National Register of Historic Places and features virtually every amenity conceivable.

Named after its historical predecessors associated with Rose and his spouse Mary, the Rosemary Lodge boasts elaborately hand-crafted wooden decorations, colored glass windows, and vintage fireplaces adorned with bespoke mantels.

Moreover, every interior space within the Hamptons estate showcases distinct types of antique wooden panels, while certain walls are adorned with poetic inscriptions—featuring excerpts from William Shakespeare’s works.

"There is poetry etched directly onto the walls, including pieces by Shakespeare," as stated by Brown Harris Stevens. BehindTheHedges.com .

Across the house, inhabitants can spot intricate floral patterns, as well as meticulously engraved images of ships, butterflies, and birds, all alongside the initials 'RL' carved into the ancient timber.

As time went on, the traditional home underwent several modifications with contemporary enhancements, featuring a spectacular outdoor swimming pool along with a nearby poolhouse complete with an exterior shower, a cooking area, and a vegetable patch.

According to the house's history, modern enhancements comprise a porch and dormer added to the west side of the north wing, along with several new casement windows.

Inside though, the 4,110-square-foot home includes a media room equipped with a large TV and a fireplace, along with an impressive chef’s kitchen featuring a commercial-grade gas range and a sizable central island.

Located on the second floor alongside two additional bedrooms, the main bedroom features an upscale ensuite bathroom reminiscent of a spa, a large walk-in wardrobe, and a balcony that offers views over undeveloped terrain.

The home features several amenities such as an advanced darkroom designed for developing photographic film and producing prints, along with a separate workout area complete with a bike storage space and a recently added electric car charging point.

In 1985, though, the Hamptons house was relocated somewhat from its initial position but managed to keep most of its original allure, thus gaining recognition as a 'museum-quality' specimen of Shingle-style architecture.

As stated by listing agent Steven Dorn from Brown Harris Stevens, this unique property combines history and luxury in a singular manner.

"Rosemary Lodge stands as one of the final grandlegacy properties in the Hamptons," Dorn statedtoBehindTheHedges.com."The levelofcraftsmanshipandthedetailputintoitarejustnotseeninhomesanymore.It’saveryuniqueplace.”

This lovely home also offers ample seclusion — a rare find on the crowded island — as it is nestled behind shrubs on a peaceful road.

A brief drive away from the Atlantic Ocean allows inhabitants of the residence at 322 Rose Hill Road to enjoy a leisurely stroll to Mecox Bay.

Even after its move and contemporary upgrades, the house continues to provide a rare peek into history—despite carrying a hefty 2025 price tag.

The staggering $14.25 million price tag is a stark contrast to Rosemary Lodge’s modest beginnings, highlighting the significant increase in value of Hampton properties over time.