Brightwater Estate Quantuck Bay Sells For $15 Million

Where can $15 million buy you a magnificent estate on a parcel just shy of seven acres? In Westhampton Beach, overlooking Quantuck Bay. A description of the property can lead one to think that the new owner got quite a bargain. It changed hands in December.

William C. Atwater was a turn-of-the-century coal baron, a time when this was an enviable occupation. He decided to plow some of his profits into a mansion on eastern Long Island, which would later be dubbed Brightwater. He hired the architect Henry Bacon, who had earned his spurs at the McKim, Mead & White firm in New York and today is mostly known for having designed the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. Mr. Bacon created for Mr. Atwater a shingle-style manor house that took full advantage of the 620 feet of water frontage.

The main residence is 16,000 square feet on three floors, housing nine bedrooms, ten baths, and six fireplaces. A three-story staircase leads to a reception area and living room with one of the fireplaces and a banquet-size formal dining room with hand-painted murals and another fireplace. The house also features a gourmet kitchen, billiards room, sunroom, an office, and a third-floor living room. Nearly every one of the rooms offer a view of Quantuck Bay.

On the grounds are a carriage house, in-ground pool with spa, formal gardens and well-manicured lawns, a Lord & Burnham greenhouse, and century-old catalpa trees which line the long driveway. There is room for a tennis court, and if one enjoys water outings, there is access to the bay from a deep-water dock.

Mr. Atwater had the privilege of enjoying his estate for many years, as he lived to the age of 78, dying in 1940. Perhaps the new owner of 66 Seafield Lane will be just as fortunate.