A Sprawling Long Island Estate: Scott Mitchell's 13.5-Acre Masterpiece

Landscape designer Scott Mitchell first saw the Sagaponack Road property 15 years ago—raw former farmland with a small farmhouse. The master plan: create a pond, infinity pool, orchard, and protect the endangered Eastern tiger salamander. “It fits into the natural environment, harmonious instead of forcing itself,” Mitchell says. Hollywood flipper Sandy Gallin transformed the farmhouse into a 6,600-square-foot mansion; the property sold for $17.5M, now listed at $30M.

Arrival and Water

A 1,200-foot gravel ribbon driveway curves with the subtle topography. At the edge of a 37,000-square-foot manmade pond sits a heated gunite infinity pool—built simultaneously. “You put the pool in first, then build the pond around it, treating both as structures.”

Stone and Grass Details

Dry-stacked Pennsylvania fieldstone walls surround the pool. Slate pavers jointed with turf grass. A hammock beckons from the opposite shore. An ozone system replaces chlorine.

Habitat and Architecture

The pond’s location and shape were informed by environmental sensitivities—creating habitat for the tiger salamander while adhering to setback rules. Indigenous grasses line the dock. A wisteria-covered arbor shades a deck beside a 41-square-foot guesthouse with an outdoor fireplace.

Gardens and Orchard

Garden designer Jane Lappin laid out beds and planting schemes. Mature wisteria flanks the main house porch, which shelters the woodpile and doubles as a mudroom. An orchard includes relocated original crabapples. Cedar fences and gates. An aerial view shows the 13.5-acre composition.