Jackie O’s Iconic Homes Revealed: Luxury Estates Open to Public
UPDATE: Exciting news for history buffs and fans of Jackie Kennedy Onassis! Parts of her stunning former estate, known as Red Gate Farm on Martha’s Vineyard, are now open to the public, offering a rare glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle of the former First Lady.
New reports confirm that trails meandering through this historic property, which was sold to two nonprofits in 2020, opened to visitors this summer. The land is now recognized as Squibnocket Pond Reservation, allowing the public to explore the beautiful grounds that Jackie cherished.
Jackie Kennedy, born Jacqueline Lee Bouvier, experienced a life of opulence, from her childhood summers in lavish mansions to her time in the White House. Her journey began in a stately apartment at 740 Park Avenue in New York City, developed by her grandfather in 1932. This iconic residence sold for a staggering $25.25 million in 2017.
The Bouvier family later moved to the impressive Merrywood mansion in McLean, Virginia, a sprawling 23,000-square-foot estate that offers a breathtaking view of the Potomac River. Jackie fondly recalled her time at Merrywood, expressing in her diary how peaceful it was, surrounded by nature.
Her summers included stays at Lasata, her grandfather’s East Hampton estate, which was sold for $52 million in 2023, showcasing the enduring legacy of her remarkable lifestyle. The beautiful home, built in 1917, was aptly named “place of peace” in Algonquian.
Jackie also enjoyed time at the Kennedy Compound in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts, where she and then-Senator John F. Kennedy spent cherished moments together. The family purchased the cottage in 1928 for $25,000, a value equivalent to approximately $470,000 today.
In 1953, Jackie became a Kennedy during a lavish wedding held at her mother’s estate, known as Hammersmith Farm in Newport, Rhode Island. This Victorian mansion became a beloved summer retreat for the family.
Throughout the years, the Kennedys resided in several notable homes, including a four-bedroom house in Washington, D.C., where they hosted numerous dinner parties. Jackie transformed their $82,000 Georgetown row house with her exquisite taste, a home where her husband would eventually campaign for the presidency.
The couple occupied the White House from 1961 to 1963, a period Jackie described as the happiest of their lives. Winters were spent at the family’s luxurious Palm Beach estate, which sold for $70 million in 2020.
Following her husband’s tragic assassination in 1963, Jackie moved to an 18th-century house in D.C., later purchasing a 5,300-square-foot apartment on Fifth Avenue in 1964. This apartment, which featured stunning views of Central Park, was sold after her death in 1994 for $9.2 million.
In 1974, Jackie Onassis acquired a country home in New Jersey for $200,000, where she indulged her love for horse riding and the tranquil countryside. After her second husband, Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis, passed away in 1975, she built the magnificent Red Gate Farm, investing over $4 million to create a 6,456-square-foot main house on a sprawling property.
The recent opening of the trails at Squibnocket Pond Reservation marks a significant moment, allowing visitors to explore the landscapes that were once part of Jackie’s elegant retreats. As the world remembers Jackie’s legacy, the allure of her luxurious homes continues to captivate hearts and minds, making this news an urgent highlight for fans and historians alike.
Stay tuned for more updates on Jackie Kennedy Onassis’ enduring legacy as more developments unfold.
