Amongst the decaying and now overgrown gardens lay the once pristine remnants of the Watch Hill Farm. The 13 acre farm, owned by the famous Claude Phillippe of the Waldorf Astoria, once blossomed with lavish poolside parties as if Gatsby himself was hosting. Frozen in time, the estate has been sentenced to the last 40 years in isolation. The closets and attic lie dormant with collections of wonderful treasures from trips in the 1940s and 50s to places only dreamt about by most. An old, tattered, and dusty leather jewelry box tucked away and long forgotten gives a glimpse into Philippe’s charmed life, with recently uncovered gold treasures. Paintings from voyages to France stacked in closets waiting to be temporarily saved by the highest bidder

This sale is filled with many personal belongings originally hailing from the estate of Claudius C. Philippe, whose sophisticated style and flair lead to him being known worldwide as “Philippe of the Waldorf” — the Waldorf Astoria of New York, that is. During his highly visible career Philippe mingled and hobnobbed with celebrities, “old money” socialites, and the glitterati of the era at both hotel and his old world, expansive 18th century country retreat home. This Gatsbyesque story might be “made for Hollywood,” with the acclaimed hotelier, Claude Philippe, as the main character. Featuring 18th and 19th century period antique furniture and decorative arts, early sterling silver, a vast assortment of fine paintings, an extensive copper pot/cookware collection hand-chosen by Philippe.

Happy bidding!