Elizabethan-Style Historic Home in East Hampton Village
The Woodhouse Playhouse, a stunning example of Elizabethan Revival architecture, was commissioned in 1916 by philanthropists Lorenzo and Mary Woodhouse as a birthday gift for their 16-year old daughter, Marjorie.
Designed by legendary architect Francis Burrall Hoffman Jr., the estate originally served as an artistic and social hub for the influential Woodhouse family and the Playhouse is the last surviving remnant of a 50-acre estate owned by Mary Woodhouse, a woman often called East Hampton’s "Medici" or "First Lady" for her extraordinary contributions to the town.
A Storied History
The Playhouse was commissioned in 1916 by philanthropists Lorenzo and Mary Woodhouse as a birthday gift for their daughter, Marjorie. Designed by legendary architect Francis Burrall Hoffman Jr., the estate originally served as an artistic and social hub for the influential Woodhouse family, whose contributions to East Hampton include funding the East Hampton Library, restoring Clinton Academy, and establishing Guild Hall.
The Woodhouse Playhouse, a stunning example of Elizabethan Revival architecture, stands as a tribute to East Hampton's Gilded Age splendor. Built in 1916 as a birthday present for Marjorie Woodhouse, the family’s 16-year-old daughter, this unique structure was never intended as a residence but as a space for creativity, gatherings, and whimsy. At the heart of the Playhouse is a 75-foot-long, half-timbered great hall. Anchored by a massive stone fireplace and adorned with a pipe organ and whimsical gargoyles playing cymbals and drums, it served as a stage for performances and parties. By day, leaded-glass windows flood the room with light, while sconces and candelabras create a magical ambiance after dark.
A Matriarch's Vision and Legacy
The Playhouse is the last surviving remnant of a 50-acre estate owned by Mary Woodhouse, a woman often called East Hampton’s "Medici" or "First Lady" for her extraordinary contributions to the town. Mary and her husband arrived in the Hamptons in 1895, riding a wave of wealth from banking and a partnership with Marshall Field’s. Their estate reflected their influence, with the Playhouse as one of several outbuildings complementing their main residence, The Fens, a 1903 shingled mansion.
Known for her philanthropy, Mary restored an 18th-century school, funded the East Hampton Library, and established Guild Hall, shaping East Hampton into the cultural hub it remains today. Often spotted wearing her signature hats and pearls, she embodied the elegance and grandeur of her era.
The Playhouse: A Space for Celebration
According to architectural historian Gary Lawrance, author of Houses of the Hamptons, 1880–1930, the Playhouse was a “fun room” built for gatherings and performances. Unlike the formal, compartmentalized mansions of the time, its open floor plan fostered a sense of freedom and casual grandeur. “These were rec rooms or fun rooms,” Lawrance explains. “It’s always fun to have a little pavilion in your backyard.”
The Playhouse, with its grand proportions and whimsical details, became the preferred venue for parties and artistic endeavors, perfectly embodying the opulence and creativity of its time.
The Woodhouse Playhouse stands as a monument to a bygone era, where whimsy, art, and grandeur intertwined seamlessly. Its survival and preservation offer a rare glimpse into the history and culture that shaped East Hampton’s identity.
“This property truly encompasses the grandness of the Hamptons,” says realtor Leslie Reingold. “It’s a testament to the area’s rich history and the visionaries who shaped it.”
At the heart of the 6,000-square-foot home is the Elizabethan-style salon, a 75-foot-long room with a 40-foot vaulted ceiling. Once equipped with a stage, the space hosted theatrical performances and cultural gatherings, earning the estate its name, "The Playhouse." Gargoyles, a massive stone fireplace, and intricate timber beams evoke the artistic grandeur of the Gilded Age.
“These great rooms were built for enjoyment, to be casual yet grand,” notes architectural historian Gary Lawrance, co-author of Houses of the Hamptons, 1880–1930. “The Playhouse’s scale and craftsmanship make it a rare gem.”
Over time, the Playhouse evolved from an artistic venue into a year-round residence, complete with renovations that respect its historical integrity. Its 2020 copper-clad conservatory addition even won an AIA design award, blending seamlessly with the home’s original design.
Property Highlights
Size: 6,000 sq. ft. interior on 2.8 meticulously landscaped acres
Bedrooms/Bathrooms: 5 bedrooms, 5 full baths
Features: Renovated kitchen, glass conservatory, vaulted great room, leaded-glass windows
Additional Spaces: A spiral staircase imported from Europe, a terrace for entertaining
The home has retained much of its charm, from the pipe organ and timber beams to its functional updates that support modern living.
The Grounds: A Private Oasis
The estate’s nearly three acres are a visual feast, featuring mature specimen trees, formal gardens, and a heated gunite pool. Its southern border abuts a nature preserve, offering privacy and tranquility. The grounds also include a fountain and expansive terrace, ideal for entertaining.
“This property’s variety of terrain, coupled with its proximity to nature trails and East Hampton Village, creates a truly unparalleled living experience,” adds Reingold.
Situated on Huntting Lane, the home offers easy access to Main Street’s shops and restaurants, as well as cultural institutions like Guild Hall. Just minutes away are Maidstone Club, one of the oldest golf courses in the world, and Atlantic Beach, ranked among the country’s finest.
Photo: Gavin Ziegler for Sotheby’s International Realty.
