Introduction to Roy Lichtenstein’s Hamptons Home
The idyllic Southampton estate of the late pop artist Roy Lichtenstein is now available at a $2 million discount. The classic shingled home hit the market last September for nearly $20 million, roughly two months after the death of Lichtenstein’s widow, the philanthropist Dorothy Lichtenstein. It now asks $17.95 million.
History of the Estate
The Gin Lane home has belonged to the Lichtenstein family for 55 years.
The Lichtensteins acquired the enviable address in 1970. The 5,825-square-foot carriage house and its 1.9 beachfront acres longed served as their primary residence. Roy Lichtenstein, pictured in 1994. Wolfgang Kuhn/United Archives via Getty Images
Dorothy Lichtenstein, pictured in 2002, was a dedicated champion of her husband’s work. AP
Features of the Home
Dorothy, who outlived her husband by more than 25 years, worked as the dedicated steward of his massive estate. She donated more than 1,000 of Roy’s artworks during her lifetime, many of which now grace of the walls of the Whitney in New York. Roy’s comic book-inspired art style — filled with bright colors, ben-day dots and bold lines — is nowhere to be found at the understated home. Sage tones grace the interiors, along with warm wood floors and beamed ceilings. Glass walls open up to brick patios and picturesque balconies, and five bedrooms upstairs enjoy unobstructed coastal views.
Large stone tiles line the floor of the open-concept kitchen. Richard Taverna for Sotheby’s International Realty
A cozy library features built-in shelves and a fireplace. Rise Media for Sotheby’s International Realty
French doors invite the sea breeze into this corner bedroom. Richard Taverna for Sotheby’s International Realty
Property and Location
The property claims one of the wealthy enclave’s most coveted locations, on the south side of Gin Lane, yet it lacks the accoutrements that now define luxury East End living. There’s no swimming pool or tennis court, for example. However, there’s plenty of room for installing both should a buyer wish. Well-maintained perennial gardens give way to a private path onto Little Plains Beach.
Lichtenstein made a series of changes and additions to his historic Hamptons home. Getty Images
The property’s lush gardens remain well-preserved. Rise Media for Sotheby’s International Realty
Additional Features and Recent Sales
An artist’s studio, built specially by Roy, sits separate from the home with a two-car garage attached. It stands in original condition, according to the listing, but buyers won’t find any rough sketches for “Crying Girl” or “Whaam!” here. Most of the home’s furniture and art, include a Matisse piece, were previously auctioned off, Mansion Global reported.
Multiple Lichtenstein properties have entered the market over the last year since Dorothy’s death. The West Village space Roy used to store his personal art and wine collection sold for $5.5 in March, and the family’s West Village townhouse was scooped up for $6.5 million in May.
Conclusion
Given the generous discount to its price tag, the Lichtensteins’ Gin Lane home might just be the next ben-day-dotted domino to fall. The home’s unique blend of history, art, and natural beauty makes it a rare find in the Hamptons. With its recent price reduction, it’s an opportunity for buyers to own a piece of art history.
FAQs
Q: How much is the Roy Lichtenstein’s Hamptons home currently listed for?
A: The home is currently listed for $17.95 million.
Q: How long has the home been in the Lichtenstein family?
A: The home has been in the Lichtenstein family for 55 years.
Q: What features does the home lack that are typically found in luxury East End living?
A: The home lacks a swimming pool and tennis court.
Q: Who holds the listing for the property?
A: Corcoran brokers Thomas Davis and Tim Davis hold the listing alongside agents Harald Grant and Bruce Grant of Sotheby’s.
