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In Portsmouth, Rhode Island, a historic farm that’s being touted as “one of the last remaining pieces of the original Vanderbilt estate” is now headed for auction.

Known as Sandy Point Farm, the 6.15-acre property was built at the end of the 19th century for Reginald Claypoole Vanderbilt — the father of Gloria Vanderbilt and maternal grandfather of Anderson Cooper.

An avid equestrian, Vanderbilt spared no expense in building his sprawling Portsmouth estate, which once spanned an impressive 280 acres.

Now, the farm that was once a cornerstone of the prestigious Vanderbilt estate is being auctioned off, along with its 30,000+ square-foot stables and 15,000 square-foot indoor riding arena, via Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions.

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A piece of Rhode Island history is up for grabs

A well-known landmark to architectural enthusiasts and historians alike, the iconic Sandy Point Farm in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, was once the cornerstone of the Vanderbilt estate.

With its architectural pedigree, extensive equestrian facilities, and 6.15 acres of pastoral beauty, the property is headed for auction — with starting bids expected to run between $1 million and $2 million.

A Gilded Age equestrian farm spanning over 6 acres

The property consists of 6.15 acres of land and is anchored by the massive Sandy Point Stables, a 30,000-square-foot structure that lives on as a majestic example of Gilded Age architecture.

The structure was built in the Colonial Revival style by renowned architect A.S. Walker of Walker & Gillette, one of the leading architectural firms of the twentieth century.

With a 24-stable, massive indoor riding arena

The 30,000+ square-foot stables feature 24 stalls, a spectacular 15,000 square-foot indoor riding arena, and multiple cupolas crowning the impressive 60-foot-high riding ring.

Until recently (in 2023), the stables have been operated as a Hunter Jumper boarding, lesson, and show barn. Accommodating all ages from summer camp, children, and ponies, to intercollegiate programs and serious competitors at the National level, Sandy Point also hosted annual shows, drawing in hundreds of riders from beyond Aquidneck Island.

Built for a Vanderbilt at the height of his wealth

The equestrian estate was built by Reginald (Reggie) Claypoole Vanderbilt in the 1800s and completed in 1902. Vanderbilt was the great-grandson of Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt and an avid equestrian.

He primarily built the stable complex for his show horses and country houses (the barn is the last remaining structure), and the property has been run as a barn and stables for show horses continuously from 1902 to 2023.

He passed away in 1925 at the age of 45, on his cherished horse farm, leaving behind two daughters — Cathleen and Gloria Vanderbilt, the latter famously known as the mother of CNN anchor Anderson Cooper.

Originally part of the massive 280-acre Vanderbilt estate

A fully operational and thriving equestrian center for 120 years, Sandy Point Farm and its stables were originally part of the sprawling 280-acre complex that stretched from East Main Rd. (Rte. 138) to the Sakonnet River.

Now, Sandy Point Farm lives on as one of the largest remaining stables from Newport’s Gilded Age and one of the oldest indoor arenas in the country.

There are 5 apartments on site

While it’s primarily an equestrian farm and not necessarily a family home, Sandy Point Farm does have 5 apartments with a total of 8 bedrooms, 5 full, and 1 half bath.

Four units are located on the North side, with Reggie Vanderbilt’s former lounge and guest quarters on the South side. The latter was reconfigured into a home that preserved most of the original details, including moldings, floor-to-ceiling woodwork, and built-ins, per the farm’s website.

Reggie Vanderbilt’s studio has been operated as a sound studio in recent years

For the past 40 years, Reginald Vanderbilt’s former lounge room within the stables has been home to Stable Sound Studio, considered to be the longest-operating recording studio in all of New England.

The Studio is recognized by regional and world-renowned musicians alike for its role as a vital incubator of jazz, blues, folk/traditional, and alternative music.

A picturesque setting within proximity to Newport, Rhode Island

With its beautiful setting in coastal Portsmouth, Rhode Island, the farm is a short drive from historic Newport, where other prominent Vanderbilt mansions are located.

Set on the picturesque shores of Aquidneck Island, Portsmouth offers world-class sailing, equestrian sports, and nearby golf courses, including the acclaimed Newport National Golf Club.

Bidding starts on October 17

Ready for the next chapter in its long history, Sandy Point Farm is now heading to auction, with Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions brokering the sale. Bidding opens on October 17 and closes on October 31, with starting bids expected to be between $1 million and $2 million.

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Source: fancypantshomes.com