A waterfront estate with ties to one of America’s most iconic tastemakers has just hit the market. The Cape Cod property formerly belonging to Rachel “Bunny” Mellon—the legendary horticulturalist, philanthropist, and style icon—has been listed by billionaire collector and businessman Bill Koch for $23.85 million, the Wall Street Journal reported.
The living room features waterfront views and fireplace mantles original to the house.
Tucked within the exclusive Oyster Harbors enclave of Osterville, Massachusetts, the estate spans 7.3 acres and includes more than 1,200 feet of private shoreline along Cotuit Bay. The main house—originally built in the 1950s and designed by celebrated architect H.T. Lindeberg—features six bedrooms, eight bathrooms, and sweeping water views from nearly every room.
The main house features six bedrooms.
Though Koch has made updates since purchasing the home from Mellon’s estate in 2013 for $19.5 million, the Journal reported, the interiors still showcase timeless details that reflect the region’s New England charm, including wide-plank floors, exposed beams, and classic fireplaces. Additional guest and staff quarters offer space and privacy.
The grounds of the estate are every bit as enchanting as one would expect from the woman who reimagined the White House Rose Garden.
Outdoors, the grounds are every bit as enchanting as one would expect from the woman who reimagined the White House Rose Garden. There’s a two-bedroom guesthouse, a pool, a deep-water dock, and impeccably manicured gardens that echo Mellon’s signature blend of natural beauty and restraint.
Mellon, a renowned horticulturist, philanthropist, and close confidante of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, was known for her refined style sense and deep connection to landscape and design. Her Cape Cod retreat served as a personal sanctuary. Now, with this listing, a piece of that world is once again up for grabs.
Rachel Silva is the associate digital editor at ELLE DECOR, where she covers all things design, architecture, and lifestyle. She also oversees the publication’s feature article coverage, and is, at any moment, knee-deep in an investigation on everything from the best spa gifts to the best faux florals on the internet right now. She has more than 16 years of experience in editorial, working as a photo assignment editor at Time and acting as the president of Women in Media in NYC. She went to Columbia Journalism School, and her work has been nominated for awards from ASME, the Society of Publication Designers, and World Press Photo.
