In 1979, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, one of the most iconic figures of the 20th century, made a decision that was as understated as it was significant. Long known for her style, grace, and deep appreciation for the arts, Jackie sought a quiet refuge away from the public eye. She found it in Red Gate Farm, a sprawling 340-acre property on Martha’s Vineyard. The former First Lady wasn’t just buying a luxurious estate—she was acquiring a place where she could connect with nature, spend time with her family, and ensure the preservation of a landscape she deeply loved. Over the decades, Red Gate Farm would become more than a private retreat for the Kennedy-Onassis family; it would evolve into a symbol of land stewardship and conservation, reflecting Jackie’s passion for the environment. Today, Red Gate Farm remains an emblem of privacy, sustainability, and the deep emotional ties that come with protecting natural spaces.
In this article, we’ll explore the fascinating history of Red Gate Farm, how it transformed under Jackie’s careful guidance and its enduring conservation legacy. We’ll also look at how this beautiful estate reflects the broader trends of land preservation and eco-friendly living, offering insight into how one of the most private properties in America became a model for sustainable estate management.
A Historical Overview of Red Gate Farm
Before Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis purchased Red Gate Farm, the property had already experienced its share of historical significance. Located in Aquinnah, on the westernmost tip of Martha’s Vineyard, the land was once home to sheep farming and agriculture. However, much of the land was left untouched, preserving the native coastal flora and wildlife that thrived in the region.
Jackie was drawn to the property not just for its sweeping ocean views and tranquility but also for the opportunity to safeguard the land from overdevelopment. When she purchased the property for $1.1 million in 1979, it consisted of a modest hunting lodge, vast rolling hills, meadows, woodlands, and nearly a mile of Atlantic coastline. According to a 2019 Forbes report, the property stretches across 340 acres and includes 1,200 feet of private beachfront.
Upon acquiring the property, Jackie set out to transform the estate while respecting its natural beauty. Working closely with landscape architect Rachel “Bunny” Mellon—who had also helped redesign the White House Rose Garden—Jackie restored the landscape, planting native trees, shrubs, and flowers that blended seamlessly with the rugged, windswept scenery of Martha’s Vineyard.
Jackie’s vision was not luxurious but of quiet elegance and environmental stewardship. The estate became a sanctuary where she could ride horses, garden, and spend summers with her children and grandchildren, far from the public’s gaze.
The Architectural Design of Red Gate Farm
Though Jackie was famously private, glimpses of the interior design and architecture of Red Gate Farm have been revealed over the years. The original structure on the property was a hunting lodge. Still, with the help of renowned architect Hugh Newell Jacobsen, Jackie transformed the estate into a home that matched her sophisticated yet understated style.
Completed in 1981, the main house spans over 6,456 square feet and features five bedrooms, two decks, and multiple living areas designed to bring the outdoors inside. Large windows throughout the home allow for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the dunes, meadows, and ocean. The interior is light and airy, with a neutral color palette reflecting the natural beauty of the surrounding environment.
An essential feature of the design was sustainability. Jackie emphasized the use of local materials, including native stone and wood, in the construction and restoration. The property also includes several outbuildings, including a two-bedroom guest cottage, a caretaker’s house, and horse stables. The overall aesthetic of the estate is one of simplicity, comfort, and respect for the natural surroundings, in line with Jackie’s ethos of living harmoniously with nature.
A Legacy of Conservation
While Red Gate Farm is undoubtedly a luxurious retreat, its true legacy lies in the conservation efforts that Jackie initiated during her lifetime and that her descendants continue to uphold. Jackie’s most significant contribution to the property was ensuring that much of the land remained undeveloped, preserving the natural habitat for future generations.
2000, following Jackie’s passing in 1994, her daughter, Caroline Kennedy, placed nearly 300 acres of the estate into conservation with the Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank Commission and the Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation. This move ensured that most of Red Gate Farm would remain untouched by development, protecting the dunes, wetlands, and coastal bluffs that make the property so ecologically important. According to The Vineyard Gazette, this act of land preservation was one of the most significant conservation efforts in Martha’s Vineyard history, safeguarding the natural landscape for generations to come.
The property is home to many plant and animal species, including several endangered and threatened species. By placing the land in conservation, the Kennedy family ensured that Red Gate Farm would remain a haven for wildlife, untouched by the pressures of modern development.
The Environmental and Cultural Impact of Red Gate Farm
Beyond its physical beauty, Red Gate Farm has significantly impacted both environmental conservation and the culture of Martha’s Vineyard. Jackie’s decision to preserve much of the property has inspired other landowners on the island to follow suit, contributing to broader efforts to protect Martha’s Vineyard from overdevelopment.
According to The Nature Conservancy, Martha’s Vineyard has become a model for land preservation, with over 40% of the island now protected through various conservation efforts. Red Gate Farm’s conservation easements were a significant part of this movement, contributing to preserving the island’s unique ecosystems and coastal habitats.
Moreover, Red Gate Farm represents a cultural touchstone for those interested in sustainable living and eco-friendly estate management. In an age where real estate is often valued for its potential for development, the Kennedy family’s decision to prioritize conservation over commercialization is a powerful statement about protecting natural resources.
The estate has also become a symbol of the Kennedy family’s commitment to privacy and simplicity, reflecting their values of living in harmony with the environment rather than in excess. Jackie’s love for the natural world was passed down to her children and grandchildren, who continue to honor her legacy of stewardship and preservation.
Red Gate Farm Today
In 2019, Red Gate Farm made headlines when the Kennedy family listed it for sale for $65 million. The decision to sell the property came with the understanding that the new owners would continue to honor the conservation easements and land protections that Jackie and her family had put in place. According to Forbes, the property sold for an undisclosed amount in late 2020, though the buyers were reportedly committed to preserving the land and its natural beauty.
Despite the sale, Red Gate Farm’s legacy remains intact. The conservation easements ensure that the property will remain protected from development, and its story continues to inspire those interested in land preservation, sustainable design, and the enduring appeal of a quiet, nature-filled sanctuary.
Conclusion: A Lasting Symbol of Privacy and Preservation
Red Gate Farm is far more than just an exclusive estate on Martha’s Vineyard—it symbolizes conservation, environmental stewardship, and the deep emotional connection that Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis had with nature. Over the decades, it has transformed from a simple hunting lodge to a family sanctuary and, eventually, into a model for land preservation and sustainable living. The efforts of the Kennedy family to conserve the natural landscape have left a lasting impact on Martha’s Vineyard and the broader movement to protect our most precious natural spaces.
For those who look to Red Gate Farm, it reminds them that true luxury isn’t found in excess or opulence but in the quiet beauty of nature and the wisdom to preserve it.
