Long before the Hamptons became a playground for the 1%, it was a hub for potato farming. Now, an echo of that humble past is ready for its next steward.
Priced at $4.45 million, this property at 488 Ocean Road in Bridgehampton is a former potato barn turned into the beloved home and workspace of renowned artists Karl Mann and Hector Leonardi, which they’ve owned for the past 32 years. Of particular note is the mere look of the structure — with the barn largely embedded underground, as potatoes grow, and its pointed roof beginning to rise only slightly above the surface.
As Mann and Leonardi approach their 90s, they’ve decided to bid farewell to their retreat.
“The secret to renovation is deciding how you want to live,” Mann said.
When they first acquired the property, it was an agricultural building with a dirt floor. However, they envisioned its potential and undertook a meticulous restoration, blending rustic charm with their eclectic, artistic flair.
The barn’s interiors are a canvas of the couple’s creativity, showcasing their love for European antiquities — a flair that shows in the listing images.
One standout feature is a wall adorned with decorative plates sourced from various parts of Europe.
What’s more, a historic spiral wooden staircase from 18th century Paris adds both functionality and artistic intrigue to the offering.
The twin studios, awash in natural light, are testaments to Mann and Leonardi’s careers.
These creative sanctuaries — with paintings, brushes and canvases — have been the epicenter of their artistic endeavors.
Made up of three bedrooms and four baths, the property occupies 3,780 square feet.
Mann has dedicated his touch to the “subtle art of collage and assemblage,” a journey he has been on for more than 50 years, with his works showcased in prominent galleries across North America and in private collections worldwide.
Leonardi has exhibited his work extensively—from New York City to Japan and many points in between. Locally, his art is represented by The Drawing Room gallery on Main Street in East Hampton.
Kyle Rosko, the listing agent with Gomes Team at Douglas Elliman, describes the property as “one of the most unique assets you’re ever going to find.”
“To see this former potato barn with dirt floors and no windows, now drenched in sunlight and home to two separate artist’s studios is truly something of wonder,” he told The Post.
