Image Credit: Hedgerow Exclusive Properties
After over twenty years of luxurious summers and opulent gatherings, venture capital investor and philanthropist Ann Tenenbaum has decided to part ways with her stunning estate.
With a heart heavy from the recent passing of her husband, private equity legend Thomas H. Lee, Tenenbaum has placed the property on the market for an eye-watering $120 million, making it the priciest listing in the East End.
This move marks a poignant chapter in her life, as she said, “It was very much his place… I loved having family and friends around. I just didn’t love the Hamptons.”
Image Credit: Hedgerow Exclusive Properties An Unmatched Historical Residence
Ann Tenenbaum’s estate, Dune Cottage, ranks among the most historically significant and exquisite properties, rivaling the grandeur of America’s most gracious residences over the past two centuries.
Built in 1910 as part of the prestigious Wiborg Estate, the property stretches across 3.6 acres, featuring 225 feet of private white sand beach.
Gerald and Sara Murphy, prominent figures of the Jazz Age, once found refuge in this remarkable home, which was later cherished by Lee Radziwill, the sister of Jackie Kennedy, known for her enduring elegance.
Image Credit: Hedgerow Exclusive Properties Luxurious Amenities
Dune Cottage boasts an impressive array of outdoor amenities and luxurious indoor spaces.
This property features a tennis court, and a pool, all surrounded by the serene Hook Pond and a meticulously maintained golf course spanning over 200 acres.
The main house, measuring an impressive 14,000 square feet, is accessed through an allée of majestic beech trees leading to the top of a scenic dune.
Inside, the grand residence offers eight elegant bedroom suites with soaring 15-foot ceilings in the main living area, which opens onto an all-season terrace with breathtaking ocean views.
A separate 1,500-square-foot guest studio, just steps from the tennis court, provides two additional bedroom suites and a full gym.
To ensure a seamless transition from the beach to the indoor spaces, a cleverly designed tunnel, inspired by a similar feature in Positano, Italy, connects the heated pool directly to the lower level of the home.
The lower level of the main house also includes a screening room, a state-of-the-art gym, a wellness center, and a private grotto leading to the oceanside pool.
This estate, offers an unparalleled retreat, combining luxury, history, and natural beauty in one of the most sought-after locations on the East Coast.
Image Credit: Hedgerow Exclusive Properties Restoration and Transformation After Fire
The couple purchased the mansion originally from socialite Lee Radziwill in 2001 for $16.2 million, showcasing its resilience. Following a devastating fire in 2013, the couple didn’t just restore it; they transformed it, enhancing every corner while keeping the home’s spirit intact.
“Nobody was hurt, that was the No. 1 thing,” Tenenbaum reflected on the incident.
Image Credit: Hedgerow Exclusive Properties 
Image Credit: Hedgerow Exclusive Properties 
Image Credit: Hedgerow Exclusive Properties 
Image Credit: Hedgerow Exclusive Properties 
Image Credit: Hedgerow Exclusive Properties 
Image Credit: Hedgerow Exclusive Properties 
Image Credit: Hedgerow Exclusive Properties Legacy of Hospitality and Charm
Throughout their years at the estate, the Tenenbaums were renowned for their hospitality.
An open-door policy made their home a hub of activity, especially bustling with their children’s friends and various guests in the summer.
“It was fun, but it was a lot of work by the end,” Tenenbaum reminisced about the bustling social scene they hosted.
Image Credit: Hedgerow Exclusive Properties Historical Preservation
The estate’s deep historical roots go back to when ink magnate Frank Wiborg owned the sprawling 80-acre oceanfront property.
Tenenbaum and Lee not only restored the estate for luxury but also preserved its historical essence and personal authenticity, prioritizing these over mere ostentation.
“I don’t like McMansion-type houses,” Tenenbaum asserted, emphasizing her preference for authenticity in her living spaces.
Image Credit: Hedgerow Exclusive Properties Beyond the Hamptons: A New Chapter
Despite its grandeur and the joy it brought during gatherings, Tenenbaum admits the Hamptons never truly felt like home. Now, she looks forward to exploring new horizons, possibly in Santa Fe, Malibu, or even as far afield as Greece, embracing a nomadic lifestyle for a change.
“I’m done with the Hamptons,” she declared, ready to embark on a new journey filled with adventure and self-discovery.
Image Credit: Hedgerow Exclusive Properties 
Image Credit: Hedgerow Exclusive Properties
As this grand estate awaits its next steward, Ann Tenenbaum’s chapter in the Hamptons closes, leaving behind a legacy of grandeur, resilience, and heartfelt memories.
Image Credit: Hedgerow Exclusive Properties 
Image Credit: Hedgerow Exclusive Properties 
Image Credit: Hedgerow Exclusive Properties 
Image Credit: Hedgerow Exclusive Properties
