Eleonora R. Sears (Courtesy Wikipedia) |
GOLD COAST, North Shore, Massachusetts) -- Many of America’s Olympic stars of today can thank socialite Eleonora R. Sears, who in the early 20th century made women’s sports in the United States acceptable and popular.
According to TopTenRealEstateDeals.com, When she died in 1968 at the age of 86, Boston Globe sportswriter Victor Jones wrote, she ‘was probably the most versatile performer that sports has ever produced — not just the most versatile female performer, but the most versatile, period.’
Eleonora R. Sears mansion, "Rock Edge," North Shore, MA |
She was a four-time national tennis champion, the first women’s squash champion and an accomplished horsewoman, who was the first woman to ride a horse in a major polo match.
Charles, Prince of Wales |
Harold Stirling Vanderbilt |
Named “Rock Edge” due to its location above the rocky shore, the home has undergone a meticulous 21st-century update and is now for sale at $22 million.
Cole Porter |
As
a socialite whose friends and frequent home visitors included the Prince of
Wales, Harold Vanderbilt (to whom she was once engaged), Cole Porter
(who played the piano at some of her gatherings) and Judy Garland, her
oceanfront mansion was the perfect venue for everything from intimate dinners
to fundraisers.
Judy Garland |
Two years after Eleonora’s death, the home was purchased by a family-owned Boston construction materials company, Benevento Companies.
Frederick Richard Sears |
Henry Cabot Lodge |
All
rooms have ocean views with most having fireplaces retaining the original
mantels. Large slabs of white marble have been used in the spacious
kitchen and bathroom updates.
James Dwight |
Large windows and French doors open to the terraces that fill the home with sunlight, creating an elegant beachy vibe.
Corinne Douglass Robinson |
A fearless pioneer of her day, Elenora was as comfortable at a society event as she was when she was inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame, the Show Jumping Hall of Fame, the International Women’s Sports Hall of Fame and the United States Squash Hall of Fame.
Eleanor Roosevelt |
With her large fortune, she felt free to do
whatever she wanted, including wearing slacks, smoking cigarettes and riding
horses astride rather than sidesaddle - all during an age when the acceptable
activity of society women was not to stray too far away from the closest chaise
lounge.
Alice Roosevelt |
According to Wikipedia: Sears was the daughter of Boston businessman Frederick Richard Sears and a granddaughter of
T. Jefferson Coolidge (who was a great-grandson of Thomas Jefferson) and Hetty Appleton, and a cousin of Henry Cabot Lodge.
President Theodore Roosevelt |
Sears' father was also known for playing the first tennis game in the United States, his opponent being his cousin James Dwight who brought the game from Europe.
John Jacob Astor IV |
Sears was raised in wealth and privilege. She was acquainted with Corinne Douglass Robinson, Eleanor Roosevelt andAlice Roosevelt, all related to President Theodore Roosevelt.
Robert Wrenn |
She played tennis at a competition organized by Ava Lowle Willing, the wife of John Jacob Astor IV, and she attended the wedding of tennis champion Robert Wrenn.
Ava Lowle Willing |
The listing agent is George Sarkis of The Sarkis Team, Douglas Elliman Real Estate, Boston, Massachusetts.
CONTACT:
Genelle C. Brown
Content Manager, Media Division
TopTenRealEstateDeals.com
Phone: 336-459-3728
Twitter: @toptenrealestat
facebook.com/toptenrealestat
Photo Credit:
Douglas Elliman
Sources: TopTenRealEstateDeals.com
and www.elliman.com
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXUlMyuTkkE
Video Credit: Sean Evans, @evvo1991 backtothemovies.com/
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