Home

[Oznell]

I only got interested in the Martha's Vineyard property a few years ago, upon learning that the late, great Georgina Fairholme, my favorite English designer (and a protege of legendary John Fowler), was one of those who had a hand in the design.

Unfortunately, after her mother's death, Caroline Kennedy redecorated it, and expanded it from its original liveable 3100 square feet, to apparently over 6000 square feet.   And it's now been sold.

Blogger "Cultured Elegance with Faith" has done a fun video, which does separate out the earlier house from the expanded estate, and I snagged some images from her video, among other sources.

She found that young Jacqueline Bouvier had written, when she was only 10 years old, that whiling away time on a seashore, with birds circling about, was her all-time favorite thing to do.

Isn't this an adorable childhood photo she found of Jackie?  I've never seen this particular one before, and it shows personality and a certain self-possession!

Anyway, Jacqueline Onassis certainly found the most beautiful stretch of seashore, dune and meadow on which to build her house, "Red Gate Farm".

She loved the low stone walls of her former sheep farm, and so do I--

Unless otherwise noted, the following interiors are the original ones that Jackie Onassis had while living there-- all pre-1994.  Interesting bold color in her entrance, with the swans.

More color, and antiques--

A comfortable sitting room, with her favored seagoing art--

She was said to have fires lit both morning and night--

Her dining room below, with more seafaring paintings.   Very old school, restrained and "unshowy".

"Cultured Elegance" even found Jackie's preferred food preferences when here.  She usually had 1/2 a cup of bran flakes, with Folger's coffee and a cup of fruit, for breakfast.   Typical lunch--  cottage cheese and carrots.  Typical dinner--  fish and vegetables. 

The house was oriented toward the lovely views.  This house was more relaxed than her New York apartment, and other residences....

I wish there were more of the original images!   Here's one charming sitting room that was done after the expansion, and at least, it seems to be in the "spirit" of the original house--

Both of the Bouvier sisters had such discerning taste in their various houses and apartments over the years....

If interested in Red Gate Farm, just google Cultured Elegance with Faith to get the video, a much more comprehensive glimpse. 

And of course, Christie's, and lots of other sources, show the property after the extensive remodel.

[We rescue cats]

@Oznell  Thank you! I just love all things Jackie Kennedy! I appreciate the opportunity to share at least a bit of her lifestyle here, it looks so comfortable and loving. 

[LindaSal]

Beautiful property!   I was saddened when Caroline remodeled and sold the house.  I love Martha's Vineyard and have good friends that live out there and have for decades.  Living in RI we have visited often, even met Carly Simon years ago.   Another time we were in a coffee shop in Vineyard Haven and sat at a table next to Meg Ryan and Laura Dern.  You see lots of famous people out there........enough about me.  I was a big Jackie O fan and wish I could've won powerball and bought that place, dream of a lifetime.

Even got to visit Hammersmith Farm  when they did tours of it.  Fascinating.

Thanks for posting @Oznell , you always capture my interest.

[spiderw]

Martha's Vineyard is one of my favorite places, stunning and spectacular.  Red Gate Farm could be empty and I would still live there!!!!!!!!  However, it is lovely and I am sure Jackie had a happy existence there.  The picture of her is so pretty!!!

I love the entry way,  simple in decor but so inviting.  All of he rooms are warm and lovely, the art work stands out and he furnishings comfortable and fitting for the home.  Of course the outdoors, just beautiful, I would spend a lot of time outside.  It is unfortunate that Caroline made change but it sounds like the house was still spectacular.  

[Mz iMac]

@Oznell  Is the tennis court on JO property?  If so, how do you get to it?  I see no road or trailes leading to the court. 

From the pics you have to drive, ride a golf cart, a bycycle, call a taxi or Uber to take you there.

[ECBG]

Oh I love this home!  When you say "designer", do you mean interior designer or architect please?

[Oznell]

Good question, @Mz iMac !   I'm not sure.  But given the size of the property she owned, I'm going to guess the tennis court was hers, however you may have been able to get to it...

@ECBG ,   Georgina Fairholme was one of the interior designers involved with the house.  If I'm not mistaken, I seem to remember reading that Hugh Newell Jacobsen was the architect on the project...    Oh, and I think that Jackie Onassis's friend Bunny Mellon helped with the landscape design--  she loved Bunny Mellon's taste in all things. 

[DREAMON]

Stunning property...and so interesting. Thank You!

[Oznell]

Somehow I missed out on this shot before.  Peaceful-- what a great outdoor place to linger.   Even the shapes of the trees are so pleasing... 

[shoptilyadropagain]

For it's time, the  furnishings are very nice although I would have gutted it too if I were Caroline.  I'll have to google and see if I can find pictures after she had it renovated.