George Sarkis, the co-founder of The Sarkis Team at Douglas Elliman, has closed on the Rock Edge estate at 34 Paine Avenue in Beverly, MA. Initially asked $22 million, the property was sold for $18,275 million. This is the highest sales price ever in Beverly and the second highest sale ever north of Boston.
Rock Edge received its name from sitting above a rocky shoreline, with direct access to a private beach. The mansion was once the home of Eleonora R. Sears, a ground-breaking athlete, and socialite in her own right. She was an award-winning squash and tennis player inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1968; a competitive horsewoman; a race car driver; a pilot; a fashionista, etc. Guests of hers at the estate included names like Judy Garland, Harold S. Vanderbilt, and Cole Porter.
Rock Edge was built in 1904 in the Georgian Revival style. This 28,000-square-foot historic estate with 400-square feet of private beach frontage was purchased by Charlie Benevento’s father in 1970 from Eleonora R. Sears. Charlie, the seller, inherited the home almost six years ago. Soon after he inherited it, he began a major renovation of the estate. It was crucial for the homeowner to maintain the integrity of the home and incorporate original, historic characteristics such as Tuscan columns on the exterior and decorate the 16-foot ceilings with restored crown molding inside. Designer Linda Zarifi was responsible for the interior design.
The estate features 11 bedrooms and 12 bathrooms. It has a classic brick façade with limestone embellishments and a slate roof, as well as beach cabanas.
