A Stunning Makeover and an Unexpected Twist at East Hampton’s Georgica Estates

A couple’s plans to downsize from their longtime Sag Harbor home took an unexpected turn, but not before they transformed a freestanding East Hampton condominium into a beautifully renovated, three-bedroom residence now on the market, listed for $2.195 million.

There was nearly three feet of snow on the ground when Bernadette and Manfredi Piccolomini first toured 30 Huckleberry Lane at Georgica Estates in East Hampton. Hardly the ideal setting for imagining summer afternoons on the patio, a swim in the pool or a game of tennis.

“We were very impressed by the space, the high ceilings, the brightness,” Bernadette recalled. “It wasn’t my decorating style, but we immediately saw the potential.”

Even on an overcast winter day, she could imagine the transformation. “You just want to be here,” she said.

The couple saw beyond the interiors to what the freestanding condominium could become. An extensive, three-month renovation would eventually transform it into a light-filled, contemporary residence.

The property offered something the Piccolominis had been considering for some time: the privacy and independence of a house without all the maintenance. After years in Sag Harbor Village, they were thinking about downsizing.

“We didn’t want to deal with the responsibilities anymore of having a house — the lawn, the pool, the roof, the power washing,” Bernadette said. “So we called our broker, Susan Ryan.”

Ryan, of Compass, had helped the couple purchase their first Hamptons home, a condominium in 2011, which they renovated and sold two years later. She also found them their newly constructed house in Sag Harbor Village, where they had happily settled into village life.

“I’d run into Manfredi sitting outside at Sagtown or see the two of them enjoying dinner with friends,” Ryan recalled. “They really became part of the community.”

The Condo Living Convo

Over the years, Ryan occasionally discussed renting out their Sag Harbor house, particularly because the couple traveled frequently. But they loved living there, and the conversation didn’t turn seriously toward condominium living again until last winter.

“I’m pretty confident that Manfredi was a little more enthusiastic about the idea initially, while Bernadette was understandably more hesitant to leave the home and community they loved,” Ryan said.

When they visited Georgica Estates, they toured 30 Huckleberry Lane with Andrea Ackerman, who represented the seller and was also a homeowner and board member in the development.

“Andrea was wonderful,” Ryan recalled. “She was incredibly accommodating and gave us a real sense of what makes Georgica Estates special.”

The development offered a heated pool, tennis courts and a clubhouse, along with the prospect of leaving much of the exterior maintenance to the condominium association.

“The interior had wonderful proportions, and the outdoor space was exceptionally private — arguably one of the best backyards in the development,” Ryan said.

“Although it’s a condo, it’s an independent house,” Manfredi said. “I love the grounds. They are so beautifully kept.”

“And the grounds are not only gorgeous, they are great if you have a pet,” added Bernadette.  “You can go for walks without being impeded by traffic.”

The Piccolominis decided to purchase the condominium and moved quickly. They were already planning improvements before closing so the renovation could begin immediately.

Finding the right contractor was essential, and Ackerman recommended professionals who had previously worked within Georgica Estates. That led to Ricardo Pereira Silva of BR Prime Remodeling.

Then came the twist.

“A week or two after the closing, I decided I really didn’t want to leave my house,” Bernadette said.

Manfredi offered another explanation.

“We’re hoarders,” he said with a laugh. “We were thinking we’d move there ourselves, but we have a lot of stuff.”

The couple decided to stay in Sag Harbor and proceed with the renovation they had already planned. What changed was the intended occupant.

Ryan’s focus shifted toward helping them create a residence that would appeal to buyers.

“I felt strongly that we needed a calm, natural palette and thoughtful staging that would allow buyers to envision themselves living there,” she said.

The Piccolominis had initially considered incorporating more color, but Ryan believed a neutral foundation would appeal to a broader range of buyers, leaving more personal design choices to the next owner.  They agreed.

Interior decorator Susan Feinberg of A Better Way Redesign shared that approach. With 40 years of experience in residential decorating and staging, she wanted the rooms to feel warm and inviting without imposing a particular decorating style.

“The whole idea was to keep it neutral and simple,” Feinberg said. “Someone can come in and put their stamp on it.”

“We used neutrals, textures and warmth to give it longevity, so it doesn’t look dated five years after the sale,” Feinberg said.

Feinberg kept the staging simple, leaving out elements she felt were unnecessary.

“There are a lot of things I didn’t do, like put rugs in,” she said. “I could have spent a lot on staging. I didn’t need to.”

Manfredi helped bring the team together, and the project became a collaboration among the owners, Ryan, Feinberg and Silva.

A Three-Month Transformation

The kitchen received custom lacquer-finish cabinetry and Thermador appliances, while the primary bathroom was transformed with a custom walnut vanity, polished nickel fixtures, double vanities, dual shower heads and radiant heated floors.

“We aimed for quality throughout and tried to keep all our selections in the medium- to high-end range, from materials to finishes,” Silva said.

Feinberg recommended removing the enclosed toilet area to open up the primary bathroom. A dramatic wall-to-wall niche added architectural interest and gave the room a more expansive feel.

“You walk in and have that wow,” she said.

Some of the most consequential improvements went beyond finishes. Silva recommended replacing the HVAC system, and the owners agreed it would be a worthwhile investment.

Ryan also played a hands-on role as the work progressed, particularly when it came to the floors.

The original dark finish had made the interior feel heavier. Once the wood was stripped, a much lighter natural tone emerged. Ryan was so taken with the transformation that she filmed it for the Piccolominis, who were overseas at the time.

“There was no going back,” Ryan recalled. “It completely transformed the feeling of the home.”

Silva kept his crew focused on the property rather than spreading workers across multiple jobs, an approach that helped bring the extensive renovation to completion in approximately three months.

“I think we were very lucky to find a very good interior decorator and a very responsible and serious contractor,” Manfredi said. “It went very smoothly.”

“He came in at a very good price, and he was fast,” Bernadette said. “It was a huge job.”

Feinberg also won over the owners with her recommendations for bathroom tiles, wall colors and staging.

“She just did a superb job,” Bernadette said. “We love it.”

Feinberg had worked with Silva on several projects before Georgica Estates, including renovations for her own family.

“If a contractor has integrity, cares about people and the work they do, that’s three-quarters of the battle,” Feinberg said. “Ricardo has integrity, and he likes people generally and wants to do a good job. That’s the contractor that you hire.”

For Silva, who says he always enjoys working with Feinberg, the end result spoke for itself.

“To understand what the client wants and to see that we were able to bring this project to life — that is what is most satisfying to me,” Silva said. “The goal is to make the client happy. That is my main goal.”

The Privacy of a House, the Ease of a Condo

Now listed for $2.195 million, the renovated residence offers approximately 1,800 square feet with three bedrooms and two bathrooms.

The open living area has soaring ceilings, a fireplace and abundant natural light. The oversized primary suite includes multiple closets, a walk-in closet, a private patio and the newly renovated bathroom. Two additional bedrooms share a second bathroom, and a separate laundry room adds convenience.

Outside, an expansive lawn and multiple patios create space for entertaining. A motorized awning provides shade, while an attached one-car garage includes lofted storage.

Georgica Estates residents have access to a heated gunite pool, tennis courts and a clubhouse. The development is conveniently located between East Hampton Village and Sag Harbor, with ocean beaches nearby.

“The amenities are great, with low taxes and reasonable maintenance,” Manfredi said.

But what really sets the property apart, says Ryan, is Georgica Estates itself.

“I’ve been so struck by the warmth of the neighborhood,” said Ryan.

“Even while putting out my real estate signs, I’ve met so many lovely residents.

“People stop to chat, neighbors know one another, and there’s a real sense of connection. It offers the best of both worlds: privacy when you want it and community when you don’t.”

For Ryan, the finished property brings together everything the couple had hoped to achieve with the renovation.

“The renovation has created a light, welcoming interior that feels sophisticated but also incredibly comfortable,” Ryan said. “The natural palette gives the home a sense of calm, and the private outdoor space is a tremendous asset.”

For Bernadette, the before-and-after pictures show a meaningful achievement.

“I am so happy with it. I secretly wish we could keep the condo as a guest house,” she said.

Ryan considers the completed, turnkey renovation a major marketing advantage.

“I cannot stress enough the value of a finished product in today’s market,” Ryan said. “People lead incredibly busy lives, and many buyers simply don’t want to take on a renovation. They don’t want to spend months coordinating contractors, making design decisions or dealing with the uncertainty of construction.

They want to walk into a beautiful home where the work has already been thoughtfully completed and immediately imagine themselves living there. That’s exactly what Bernadette and Manfredi have created.”

For all the changes at 30 Huckleberry Lane, perhaps the biggest surprise was what remained unchanged back in Sag Harbor.

“That’s what makes this story so interesting,” Ryan said. “Bernadette and Manfredi originally envisioned this as their next chapter, but in the process discovered just how much they loved the life they had already created in Sag Harbor.”

“And now, the home they transformed so beautifully is ready for someone else’s next chapter.”

If You Go

30 Huckleberry Lane, Georgica Estates, East Hampton

Asking price: $2,195,000

Residence: Three bedrooms, two bathrooms, approximately 1,800 square feet

Features: Freestanding condominium, renovated kitchen with Thermador appliances, fireplace, renovated bathrooms, radiant heated floors in the primary bathroom, multiple patios, private lawn, motorized awning, attached one-car garage with lofted storage and new HVAC system

Community amenities: Heated gunite pool, tennis courts and clubhouse

Listing agent: Susan Ryan, Compass — View the listing

Contractor: Ricardo Pereira Silva, BR Prime Remodeling, https://brprimeremodeling.com

Interior decorator and staging: Susan Feinberg, A Better Way Redesign, @abwredesign

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Partnered Content: This feature was produced in partnership with Susan Ryan of Compass.