A Sag Harbor Estate Once Owned by Thomas Edison’s Son Lists as a $250K Summer Rental

Mar 26

Written By FY

Listed with Bespoke Real Estate for $40,000 per month (~€37K) – $250,000 (~€230K)

A late 18th-century residence on Main Street in Sag Harbor—known as the Hannibal French House and once owned by Charles Edison—has returned to the market as a high-end seasonal rental following its recent sale to Miami-based luxury developer Todd Michael Glaser.

The property, often cited among the most significant historic homes in the village, was acquired by Glaser in October 2025 for $16.25 million (~€15.1M).

The house dates to the late 18th century and is associated with Hannibal French, a merchant and ship owner active during Sag Harbor’s rise as a major American whaling port. By the early 19th century, the village had become a center of global maritime trade, rivaling Nantucket and New Bedford, with ships embarking on multi-year voyages to the Pacific and Arctic in pursuit of whale oil—then a primary source of fuel for lighting and industry before the rise of petroleum. As one of the first official ports of entry in the United States, Sag Harbor developed a distinctly cosmopolitan character shaped by international trade and maritime activity, with wealth from the industry expressed in large-scale residences along stretches like Captain’s Row, where merchants and ship owners built homes designed for both private living and formal entertaining. Although the whaling industry declined in the mid-to-late 19th century with the emergence of petroleum and the depletion of whale populations, Sag Harbor retains one of the most intact collections of architecture from this era in the Hamptons.

Expanded in 1860 by Minard Lafever, the residence introduced larger formal spaces that elevated its architectural presence within the village. Today, the house spans approximately 6,500 square feet / 604 m² and includes 7 bedrooms, 4 full bathrooms, and 2 half bathrooms, set on roughly 0.59 acres / 0.24 hectares along Captain’s Row, a stretch historically associated with Sag Harbor’s maritime elite.

One of its defining features is a formal ballroom, noted in listings as the only one of its kind in a private residence in Sag Harbor. The home also includes multiple fireplaces and a series of large entertaining rooms consistent with its original function as both a residence and social space.

In the 20th century, the property was owned by Charles Edison, son of Thomas Edison and former governor of New Jersey, who undertook a significant restoration after acquiring the home in 1948. More recently, the interiors were redesigned by Veere Grenney, introducing contemporary finishes while preserving the structure’s historic character.

Glaser, known for large-scale luxury developments in Florida, indicated at the time of purchase that he was drawn to the property’s history and intended to leave it largely intact. The acquisition reflects a shift in his focus toward renovation and preservation projects, rather than ground-up development.

Now offered as a seasonal rental, the property is priced from approximately $40,000 per month (~€37K) in the off-season, rising to up to $250,000 (~€230K) for peak summer periods, placing it among the higher-tier rental offerings in Sag Harbor. The property combines estate-scale living with a central village location, with landscaped gardens, a pool, and outdoor entertaining areas all within walking distance of Sag Harbor’s marinas, shops, and restaurants.

All photos belong to the listing agency.See even more photos on Bespoke Real Estate.