Grey Gardens: A Storied Estate and Its Enduring Legacy

A testament to resilience and the enduring bond that revived a decaying mansion.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 12, 2025

A testament to resilience and the enduring bond that revived a decaying mansion.

Grey Gardens: A Hamptons Estate with a Storied Past

In the heart of East Hampton, New York, lies Grey Gardens, a property whose legend rivals the most storied American houses. From its architectural origins to its cultural infamy and modern restoration, Grey Gardens stands as a living testament to resilience, reinvention, and the entwined histories of its renowned occupants.

The Beale Family’s Grey Gardens: Glamour and Decline

Grey Gardens was built in 1897 by Joseph Greenleaf Thorpe and purchased in 1923 by Edith Ewing Bouvier Beale—known as “Big Edie”—and her husband Phelan Beale. Located in the exclusive Georgica Pond neighborhood in East Hampton, it originally epitomized Hamptons affluence and charm, surrounded by lush gardens and elegant rooms.

Big Edie and her daughter Edith Bouvier Beale, lovingly known as “Little Edie,” were not only society fixtures but also aunt and cousin to Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis. In its heyday, the home bustled with social events and family gatherings, with Jackie and her sister Lee Radziwill visiting during their youth .

Residence period: 1924–1979 under Beale family ownership
Connections: Aunt and cousin to Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis
Architectural style: Shingle-style, 14-room house

From Grandeur to Squalor: The Beales in Isolation

The decline of Grey Gardens began in the 1930s, when Phelan left Big Edie, leaving mother and daughter in financial hardship. Without the resources for upkeep, the house deteriorated. Neighbors’ stories and media exposure in the 1970s revealed the home’s shocking conditions: flea-infested, overrun by cats and raccoons, missing running water, and filled with decayed possessions.

Living in isolation, “Big Edie” and “Little Edie” became reclusive.
The home was threatened with eviction and demolition by health authorities.
Cultural fascination grew after New York Magazine and the National Enquirer covered their living conditions .

The Intervention of Jackie Kennedy Onassis and Lee Radziwill

When their plight became public, Jackie Kennedy Onassis and her sister Lee Radziwill stepped in, funding extensive repairs to meet health code standards. Hundreds of bags of trash were removed, and the overgrown gardens were cut back, allowing Big Edie and Little Edie to remain in their home. This family intervention is a pivotal chapter in the home’s history, revealing both the darkness and loyalty underlying family ties .

The Documentary and Cultural Impact

Filmmakers Albert and David Maysles brought worldwide attention to Grey Gardens with their 1975 documentary, Grey Gardens. Through direct cinema, the film intimately captured the eccentricities and deep bond between mother and daughter, immortalizing the decaying mansion and making its name synonymous with faded grandeur and resilience.

The documentary was critically acclaimed and spawned numerous adaptations:

Broadway musical in 2006
HBO television movie in 2009
Feature-length documentaries with unseen footage, such as The Beales of Grey Gardens and That Summer

Transition of Grey Gardens: The Sale to Ben Bradlee and Sally Quinn

Big Edie died in 1977, and by 1979, Little Edie could no longer maintain the home. She sold Grey Gardens to Washington Post executive editor Ben Bradlee and his wife, journalist Sally Quinn, for $220,000. The sale contract strictly forbade demolition, ensuring the mansion’s survival .

Key points:

Bradlee and Quinn are lauded for their commitment to restoring both house and gardens to former glory.
They honored a vow to preserve rather than raze the home, setting a new era of stewardship.

Restoration: Returning the Estate to Splendor

The restoration of Grey Gardens under Bradlee and Quinn became legendary in its own right. The couple tackled structural decay, overgrown grounds, and interior neglect, choosing to maintain historical authenticity while revitalizing the estate’s beauty and habitability.

Restored original features and repaired damage, from the ornate woodwork to period detailing.
Opened up the gardens, reinstated rose borders, and curated plantings for year-round interest.
Created a livable, elegant environment that respected the mansion’s storied past .

Restoration Category	Key Actions
Exterior & Structure	Stabilized foundation, restored shingles, replaced windows, and reinforced roofing.
Interior Spaces	Repaired water damage, refinished floors, updated kitchens and baths with modern utilities while preserving historic charm.
Gardens	Cleared overgrowth, replanted traditional beds, installed new terraces, and preserved iconic elements like arbor and hedgerows.

Grey Gardens: Inside the House and Grounds

The restored Grey Gardens recaptured its elegance, blending old-world craftsmanship with inviting comfort. Significant attention was poured into the specifically garden design, with Sally Quinn drawing upon the home’s romantic legacy for inspiration.

A sweeping lawn leads up to the house, bordered by luxuriant beds of perennials, roses, and seasonal color.
Mature trees and sculpted hedges give way to shaded sitting areas and secluded nooks.
Classic features—such as stone walls, trellises, and a wisteria-draped arbor—anchor the landscape.
The garden rooms are designed for both visual impact and intimate gatherings, evoking the spirit of its original Gilded Age incarnation.

Inside, light pours through restored windows, illuminating rooms once darkened by neglect. Public spaces celebrate both the Beales’ bohemian spirit and the stately decor favored by its new stewards. The overall result is a house that feels both timeless and loved.

The Ongoing Legacy of the Beales and Grey Gardens

Grey Gardens endures as a cultural phenomenon—one that extends beyond its bricks, mortar, and gardens. The Beales’ story of eccentricity and endurance captivates, while the Bradlee-Quinn restoration is celebrated as a triumph of rescue and respect for history.

Inspirations for multiple art forms: film, theatre, books, and documentaries.
The house has become an icon of American eccentricity and resilience.
The Grey Gardens legacy is kept alive by visitors, admirers, and new owners who honor its story and spirit.

Recent Chapter: New Ownership and Modernization

After 35 years at Grey Gardens, Sally Quinn found it too melancholic without Ben Bradlee, who passed away in 2014. The house was rented out until its 2017 sale to fashion designer Liz Lange. The new owners continue to update and preserve the property, including modern structural changes like lifting the house to create a basement. The gardens remain vital, blending legacy with fresh plantings and contemporary taste .

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Who lived at Grey Gardens before Ben Bradlee and Sally Quinn?

A: Edith Ewing Bouvier Beale (Big Edie) and her daughter Edith Bouvier Beale (Little Edie), relatives of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, lived at Grey Gardens from the 1920s until 1979.

Q: Why did Grey Gardens fall into disrepair?

A: After Phelan Beale left the family, Big Edie and Little Edie lacked funds for maintenance, causing the home to decline rapidly until the 1970s health department intervention.

Q: Was the house ever nearly demolished?

A: Yes, Grey Gardens was threatened with eviction and possible razing due to squalid conditions, but was saved by the financial support of Jackie Kennedy Onassis and Lee Radziwill.

Q: What is the cultural significance of Grey Gardens?

A: The house is famous for the 1975 documentary ‘Grey Gardens’ and its lasting influence on American culture, theater, and style.

Q: Who owns Grey Gardens today?

A: As of 2017, fashion designer Liz Lange owns Grey Gardens and has undertaken further renovations to preserve its heritage.

Grey Gardens in Context: Iconic American House

Grey Gardens is recognized not only for its architecture but for its deep cultural impact—serving as a lens through which to consider family, inheritance, decline, and transformation.
The estate continues to be referenced in books, documentaries, and design circles, inspiring a mythos that transcends its physical beauty.

Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of Grey Gardens

Grey Gardens remains one of America’s most beloved and enigmatic houses. From the heartbreak and tenacity of the Beale women to the careful stewardship of Ben Bradlee and Sally Quinn—and now the commitment of new owners—the story of Grey Gardens is an ongoing celebration of reinvention, legacy, and the lasting power of place.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

Read full bio of medha deb