Of mice and men’s real estate: This pearl of a property has been sold.
The East End Eden, in the posh Sag Harbor corner of Long Island, has found a buyer in a local nonprofit.
Family heirs of the iconic American author John Steinbeck put the late writer’s former part-time pad on the market for $16.75 million in 2021 — and preservationists quickly saw the listing as an opportunity to transform the dwelling into an artist’s retreat.
Now, they’ve gotten one step closer to making that dream a reality, as the Sag Harbor Partnership has purchased the compound for $13.5 million.
The house was represented by Doreen Atkins of Sotheby’s International Realty.
The Partnership’s vision, according to press materials supplied to The Post, is to make the 1,220-square-foot abode into a venue for a writers’ residency program, as well as reservable for visits by the public.
A new not-for-profit composed of local citizens and institutions will manage the property, and the Michener Center for Writers and the University of Texas Foundation will be charged with its upkeep in addition to handling the residency program.
“We’d like to honor that piece of local history by preserving the place where he wrote,” Southampton Town Supervisor Jay Schneiderman told The Post last year of the town’s plan to commit “millions of dollars” to the purchase of the property.
The living room has a fireplace. Provided by Sotheby’s International Realty
The home comes with a dock. Provided by Sotheby’s International Realty
Steinbeck’s old “Writing House.” Provided by Sotheby’s International Realty
The property has three bedrooms and three bathrooms. Provided by Sotheby’s International Realty
There is a pool on the grounds. Provided by Sotheby’s International Realty
The property was constructed in 1929. Provided by Sotheby’s International Realty
American author and writer, John Steinbeck (1902-1968) pictured sitting in an armchair in a library circa 1966. Popperfoto via Getty Images
The estate is surrounded by lush grounds. Provided by Sotheby’s International Realty
The kitchen. Provided by Sotheby’s International Realty
Another view inside the kitchen. Provided by Sotheby’s International Realty
The home is set on just over an acre. Provided by Sotheby’s International Realty
The new owner plans to turn the property in a residency for writers. Provided by Sotheby’s International Realty
The address includes both a main house and a guest cottage. Provided by Sotheby’s International RealtyMembers of the public hoping to get a peek at the space, where Steinbeck penned “The Winter of Our Discontent” and “Travels with Charley,” may do so on select summer Saturdays, holiday weekends and by reservation on other occasions.
Built in 1929, the three-bedroom, three-bathroom house is set on a little over an acre of lush, waterfront land.
Inside the main cottage is a wainscoted living room with a cathedral ceiling and a fireplace, bookcase-lined walls, a kitchen that overlooks the dock and a “Library Loft” created by the Steinbecks as a play space for children.
On the old growth tree-spotted grounds are Steinbeck’s gazebo-like “Writing House,” a guest cottage, a pool, a 60-foot dock and a two-car garage.
In addition to the Hamptons home, Steinbeck’s former Manhattan townhouse also listed for sale last year.
