Jackie O’s Home in Martha’s Vineyard Is Offered at $65M
On the southern tip of Martha's Vineyard lies Red Gate Farm, the sprawling oceanfront estate purchased by former First Lady Jackie Kennedy Onassis in 1979.
Over the following two years Jackie O worked with architect Hugh Newell Jacobson to design a 3,000-square-foot main residence, as well as a guest house on the property. Reports from the time recall her meticulous involvement, with surprise inspection tours to oversee every last detail.
First built in 1981, the main house sits in the middle of the farm, overlooking views of the Atlantic Ocean and Squibnocket Pond. Clad in cedar-shake siding, the home follows the traditional Cape Cod style.
The property was recently put up for sale by her daughter, Caroline Kennedy. In a statement Kennedy said, "Forty years ago, my mother fell in love with Martha’s Vineyard. When she found Red Gate Farm, it was a perfect expression of her romantic and adventurous spirit. We hope that a new family will treasure this place as we have for three generations."
At the time, it was reported that Jackie O sourced antiques and materials from all of the world. One request was for traditionally constructed windows, built with wooden pegs instead of nails.
In 2000, Caroline Kennedy commissioned Deborah Berke, current dean of the Yale School of Architecture, to renovate and expand the main house to its current size of 6,500 square feet. The two-story home now offers five bedrooms and five bathrooms, along with several large living areas and outdoor spaces for entertaining.
Caroline Kennedy also had portions of the interior updated during the renovation, careful to retain some semblance of the original floral motif completed by English interior decorator Georgina Fairholme.
The landscape design was originally completed by renowned horticulturist Rachel Bunny Mellon, whom Jackie O previously hired to redesign the White House Rose Garden during the presidency of John F. Kennedy. Today, the the property's grounds are largely wild and natural, bordered by over a mile of private Atlantic Ocean beachfront.
A similarly styled guest house was part of Jacobson's original design. The separate space offers another four bedrooms and three bathrooms, along with a living area and kitchen.
A large pool is surrounded by a grassy area for relaxing and entertaining. The Kennedys have long enjoyed this home as a summer retreat for their large family and close friends.
The rear of the home overlooks an expansive natural landscape. Views of the ocean can be taken in from almost every room in the house.
Other buildings offered in the sale include a caretaker's home, several barns and garages, as well as an original hunting cabin—the only structure on the property when Jackie O first purchased it. Spread across the land are also two freshwater ponds, a vegetable garden, and a blueberry patch.
A small treehouse overlooks grassy fields and Squibnocket pond in the background. Jackie O reportedly had the structure built for her grandchildren when they were younger.
There is plenty of space to explore the property's more natural corners. The freshwater ponds offer opportunities to fish or simply enjoy the solitude.
Almost guaranteeing privacy, the landholding includes over a mile of private Atlantic Ocean beachfront. The beach runs toward the more famous Cliffs of Gay Head on Martha's Vineyard.
Once a sheep farm, the wild, rolling acres were tamed by Jackie O. Now, new owners can continue building on the legacy of this serene Aquinnah retreat.
Red Gate Farm is currently listed for $65,000,000 by Gerret Conover and Tom LeClair of LandVest, the exclusive affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate on Martha’s Vineyard.
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