Renowned actress Diane Sawyer has put her exquisite 20-acre Martha’s Vineyard beachfront estate, named ‘Chip Chop’, on the market for a staggering $24 million.
The 77-year-old actress is aiming to make a substantial profit of $19 million from the sale of this remarkable property.
This move comes 28 years after Diane Sawyer and her late husband, acclaimed director Mike Nichols, acquired the estate for a mere $5.3 million in 1995.
Sadly, Nichols passed away in 2014, but their shared memories and the legacy of this property endure.
A Piece of History
The history of ‘Chip Chop’ dates back to 1937 when it was designed by Eric Gugler for the renowned actress Katharine Cornell, often referred to as the ‘First Lady of Theatre’.
However, due to circumstances, the property was not completed until 1945.
Today, this estate boasts not only a magnificent 20-acre beachfront but also features several houses, two private stretches of beach, a swimming pool, tennis courts, a pool deck with breathtaking ocean views, and tranquil gardens with flowing lawns.
A Sentimental Connection
Mike Nichols was deeply enamored with Martha’s Vineyard since the 1960s, and the couple’s fondness for the island led them to purchase this extraordinary estate several years after their marriage.
Sawyer recalls Nichols’ admiration for the property, describing it as the most beautiful house he had ever seen.
He particularly cherished the great room with its lustrous wood and expansive sliding doors, as well as the inviting path leading to the beach.
The Grandeur of Chip Chop
The main house, spanning 5,000 square feet, features three bedrooms and a remarkable ten chimneys.
Additional accommodations include a two-bedroom cottage for staff and two charming beach cottages affectionately known as ‘The Shacks’.
These cottages replaced fishing shacks and hold their own history and character within the estate.
Legacy and Changes
Over the years, the property has been lovingly renovated and witnessed the laughter of five grandchildren echoing through its halls.
It has served as a place of warmth, gatherings, and cherished memories.
However, Sawyer’s decision to sell stems from changing circumstances, with less time available for extended visits and shifts in the rhythms of summer.
Martha’s Vineyard’s Elite History
Martha’s Vineyard has a storied history as a favored destination for the affluent, boasting notable residents such as the Obamas, Michael J. Fox, and Spike Lee.
The island’s allure as a millionaires’ retreat continues, but even amidst its splendor, tragedies can occur, as evidenced by the unfortunate passing of the Obamas’ family chef in July during a paddle-boarding incident in Edgartown Great Pond.
Diane Sawyer’s ‘Chip Chop’ estate stands as a testament to luxury, history, and the captivating allure of Martha’s Vineyard, a place where memories are woven into the fabric of the land and sea.
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