The sale of a 15,000 square foot Hamptons home complete with a private island and a room with a truly spectacular view
Andrew Zaro is a collector with a difference. This philanthropist and Democratic donor leads a life that is no doubt the envy of those from whom his firm, Cavalry Portfolio Services, “helps create affordable solutions to resolve their debt”.
Zaro’s wife, Lois Robbins, is a native New Yorker who has appeared in Sex and the City, Ryan’s Hope and Law & Order. She has been cast in the upcoming film Blowtorch, expected to be released in November 2013, where she will star alongside Billy Baldwin.
Amongst the homes where the couple showcase their fine art collection is one in the Hamptons that not only comes with its own private island, but also an octagonal study with the most spectacular 180-degree views across Mecox Bay. No doubt Mr Zaro, on occasion, has sat here and pondered his path from a modest family bakery business, Zaro’s Bread Basket, to controlling a stake in Cavalry that Forbes have reported as being worth at least $340,000,000.
Rose Hill Point was built for the Zaros in 2007 and they currently live between there and Manhattan with their three children, Olivia, Stephen and Victoria. The 15,000 square foot home sits on 2.3 acres with 365 foot of bulk waterfront and includes numerous reception rooms, 7 bedrooms, 12 bathrooms, a 10-seat cinema, a library and covered outdoor terracing with fireplaces.
Designed by the Sag Harbor based firm of architects Val Florio, the vast residence also boasts a recreational room, full wet bar, walk-in wine cellar and even a temperature controlled fur vault. Outside, there is a dock large enough for a number of boats, an infinity edge pool and a spa.
Of the house, described as a cross between “an exquisite yacht and an extraordinary estate”, Lois Robbins told KDHamptons.com:
“My home was a labor [sic] of love that was four years in the making. It’s a traditional shingle style with rounded roofs and two lighthouses. My decorating style is warm and comfortable. I like mixing styles. But, mostly, it’s about the art. We love collecting!”
When asked: “If you could invite three people to your Hamptons home for a dinner party, who would you choose?”, Robbins answered “Picasso, President Obama, and Steven Spielberg” and Rose Hill Point has indeed provided Mr & Mrs Zaro with the perfect backdrop to entertain and fundraise.
Here, in July 2010, for example, they hosted an event for the Oceana charity where a three-by-seven metre mural of an ocean made out of recycled plastic bags by 200 elementary students at the Benjamin Franklin International School in Barcelona was displayed. Tiffany & Co. sponsored and The Wall Street Journal reported that though “garbage served as the centerpiece”, “salmon was served on the buffet, and swizzle sticks for hors d’oeuvres had shells on them”. Guests numbered Law & Order actor Sam Waterson, singer-songwriter Jackson Browne and Ramona Singer, “one of the looser canons on The Real Housewives of New York”.
Given the Zaros enthusiasm for ocean related charities, their water consumption at Rose Hill Point is somewhat extraordinary. The Southampton Press examined the top residential public water users in the Suffolk County Water Authority district in 2010 and found that the couple came second only to Mickey Drexler of J. Crew fame, using 13.5 million gallons at their property.
Whether it is the environmental impact or other considerations that influenced them, the Zaros marketed Rose Hill Point as a summer rental at $395,000 in 2011. Now, however, they’re selling up and the estate is available through Sotheby’s International Realty for $39,500,000.
Rose Hill Point, 479 Rose Hill Road, Water Mill, NY 11975 is for sale through Harald Grant of the Southampton brokerage of Sotheby’s International Realty. Contact him on +1 516 527 7712 or email harald.grant@sothebyshomes.com
For more information about Cavalry Portfolio Services LLC, go to: http://www.cavalryportfolioservices.com
Watch a video of the 2010 Oceana Hamptons Splash party at Rose Hill Point at: http://oceanasplashparty.org/hamptons-splash-party
View Lois Robbins’ official website at: http://loisrobbins.com
Follow Lois Robbins on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/LoisRobbins