When Tom Ford purchased the Lasata estate in East Hampton for $52 million, he wasn't just acquiring a luxury property—he was buying a piece of American history. The mansion, originally built in 1917, once belonged to the grandparents of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, and it was here that the future first lady spent her childhood summers mastering horseback riding.
Ford, the Texas-born fashion designer who built a global empire before selling his brand to Estée Lauder, has a real estate portfolio valued at over $350 million. Among his properties in London, Aspen, and Los Angeles, Lasata stands out as the crown jewel. Its name comes from an Algonquian word meaning "place of peace," a fitting description for the serene coastal retreat where young Jackie Bouvier competed in equestrian events and won multiple awards between the 1930s and 1950s.
A Restoration That Honors the Past
After the estate was renovated by television producer David Zander, Ford brought in Parisian interior designer Pierre Yovanovich to update the interiors while preserving the original Arts and Crafts character. The result is a seamless blend of old and new: white oak walls, century-old fireplaces with handcrafted tiles, and massive French-style glass doors that open onto the oceanfront grounds. Yovanovich's signature sculptural furniture adds a contemporary edge without overpowering the home's historic soul.
The main house features ten bedrooms and thirteen bathrooms, but the property also includes a guest house, a caretaker's dwelling, a modern pool area, and a garage workshop. Every corner reflects Ford's meticulous eye for detail, a quality that made him a legend in fashion and now defines his approach to real estate.
For Latino readers, the story of Lasata resonates beyond its celebrity ties. It speaks to the broader narrative of how iconic American estates often carry layers of cultural history—much like the luxury homes owned by Latino stars in California, which blend personal heritage with architectural grandeur. Similarly, the estate's transformation under a designer like Yovanovich mirrors the way Latin American architects and designers are redefining luxury spaces across the Americas.
Jackie Kennedy's connection to Lasata is deeply personal. Her grandfather, John Vernou Bouvier, bought the property in the 1920s, and it became a sanctuary for the family. As first lady, she returned there for vacations, escaping the pressures of the White House. Today, the estate holds that same quiet elegance, now infused with Ford's modern vision.
In a world where celebrity homes often feel disposable, Lasata stands as a testament to enduring style. It's a reminder that the best design doesn't erase history—it builds on it. For those interested in the intersection of fashion, architecture, and legacy, this estate is a masterclass in how to honor the past while living in the present.
