3 Fair Lea Rd, Southampton, NY 11968

Located in the prestigious enclave of Fair Lea, just south of Southampton's iconic Gin Lane, this extraordinary property offers one of the rarest privileges in the Hamptons: a private, deeded path leading directly to the Atlantic Ocean. A first offering in decades, this timeless residence—known as Clover Top—was originally built in 1883 and remains one of the most architecturally significant historic homes in the Southampton Estate Section. Upon passing through the white gates, you are transported back to the classic era of the Hamptons, where craftsmanship, proportion, and understated elegance defined the landscape. Steep gabled roofs, wrap-around porches, original louvered shutters, and subtle Queen Anne and Stick Style influences showcase the enduring beauty of this early Southampton gem.Inside, the home continues its legacy of sophistication. A gracious foyer anchored by a carved staircase and grand fireplace sets the tone for the refined spaces that unfold across three floors. The formal living room and dining room—each with their own fireplaces—open through French doors to a sun-drenched wraparound porch that overlooks sweeping lawns, mature gardens, and a heated gunite pool. The den serves as an inviting home office with custom bookcases and natural light pouring through oversized windows. The sunlit kitchen connects seamlessly to the expansive porch and terraces, making everyday living and summer entertaining effortlessly enjoyable. Across the second level are two en-suite guest bedrooms and a serene primary suite with a fireplace and an oversized bathroom. The third floor offers a generous additional bedroom, creating a private, tucked-away retreat, while three more bedrooms and two bathrooms complete the flexible accommodations for family and guests.Adding to the estate's exceptional offering is the separate guest wing above the garage, beautifully renovated with its own bedroom, living space, and full bath—an ideal hideaway for staff, extended family, or visiting friends. Outdoor living is deeply connected to the home's charm, with expansive porches, shaded seating areas, manicured gardens, and a convenient cabana with an outdoor shower for rinsing off after a day at the private ocean beach. The property is part of Alfred Nelson's original Fair Lea compound, one of just six historic cottages in this storied enclave, making it a truly irreplaceable piece of Southampton history.Perfectly positioned near Main Street, Jobs Lane, beach clubs, tennis clubs, and the most celebrated shoreline in the Hamptons, this estate represents the rare intersection of heritage, location, architectural authenticity, and ocean access. A once-in-a-generation opportunity, Clover Top stands as one of the most important historic homes in the Southampton Estate Section—an iconic Hamptons retreat offering timeless elegance, privacy, history, and an unparalleled connection to the Atlantic Ocean.