Former HarperCollins CEO Lists $5 Million Hamptons Retreat

An architecturally significant estate with Asian-inspired influence has just hit the market in East Hampton, NY for $4,995,000.

The Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired four-bedroom retreat sits on 2 acres of privacy surrounded by a koi pond and nature trails, with direct access to a bay beach.

The current owners have given the interior a Zen-like feel, but listing agent Adam Hofer of Douglas Elliman said the house could easily be given a midcentury modern look if a buyer wanted.

“It’s a very cool home that I imagine being used as a secondary home,” he added.

The residence is owned by Jane Friedman, the former chief executive of HarperCollins and co-founder of Open Road Media, who bought the property for $350,000 in 1999, according to public records.

“Over the last year or two, there have been significant sales in the area in the $17-18 million range,” Hofer noted. “That’s a testament to people realizing it’s a great place to maintain your privacy in the traditional Hamptons setting surrounded by nature.”

The 5,000-square-foot open floor plan features rich wood details, stone finishes, clean lines, expansive windows, and glass walls providing a seamless transition to the outdoor living area.

The sun-soaked great room has a stone fireplace. A midcentury-inspired entertainer’s kitchen has custom cabinetry, a breakfast bar, and a separate dining area that opens up to an outdoor patio.

A cozy library with a fireplace has built-in bookshelves and oversized windows framing the serene views.

The tranquil primary suite has a soaking tub and access to a private terrace. Built-in bookcases line a stairway leading to the top-floor bonus room with skylights and a gas stove.

Hofer believes the next buyer will likely use the property as a getaway retreat.

“Looking at these types of homes, I would defer to an artist or writer because of its vibe,” Hofer said. “We have someone in the neighborhood who is giving it a serious look. It has a beautiful driveway with a three-car garage, so it could also be a car enthusiast or an architecture-appreciating type buyer. You always think you know who the buyer might be but are surprised by who it actually is.”

Designed for entertaining, the stunning sanctuary, with its preserve-style setting, also boasts multiple guest suites and a separate studio wing with a sauna.

Outside, a 50-foot infinity-edge heated pool with a spa, a koi pond, and a pergola for gathering offer a peaceful setting for meditation and entertaining.

“That neighborhood is a special spot called Grace Estates,” Hofer noted. “It’s in the northernmost part…