Page 27 - Al Brown Newsletter

there was not enough money for Bermuda. A friend of Gerry’s fire pit, full outdoor kitchen and grill area, and a moated gazebo
suggested they go to Sea Island. It was a humbling experience complete with French limestone mantel circa 1672 that belonged
for Bob to have to borrow Mr. McCarthy’s car to even get there. to Louis XIII.
The disappointment of Bermuda quickly vanished as they fell in Inside, the artistic detail and flair abound. All 12 bedrooms,
love with Sea Island’s magical and lush surroundings. Even better, nine with fireplaces, have their own personalities and connect
the Cloister daily charge was $27, full American plan with all spacious living areas that feature artistic and historic touches
meals included! including in the main
“That blessed family room a limestone
honeymoon resulted in fireplace circa 1600-1750
72 years of marriage, from Chateau Fountain
the purchase on Sea in Sologne, France.
Island in 1976 of the The family room flows
first phase of the land seamlessly into the
for Cottage 342,” said parlor and game room
Al Brown, president of which features a front
Al Brown Company. bar of English Victorian
“During the past 40- pine with the original
plus years, it has been The home they built, dubbed Lune de Miel – French for mahogany countertop
the cherished home and honeymoon – today occupies most of the 17th Street made in 1849 that was
gathering place for the block on Sea Island, a rare property that extends from taken from a tavern in
O’Brien’s five children, Birmingham, England.
23 grandchildren, and 36 Sea Island Drive all the way to the marsh. The artistic touches
great grandchildren.” continue as you walk
Gerry O’Brien died in through the brick-lined
2018 at age 99. Bob lived to be 103, passing in January of 2022. wine cellar featuring a 19th century bronze and ormolu French
The home they built and eventually rebuilt and expanded, chandelier and head down the hall to the theater room. The door
dubbed Lune de Miel – French for honeymoon – today occupies to the theater was made in 1850 of solid European red oak and
most of the 17th Street block on Sea Island, a rare property hand forged iron. The tiered theater is completed by a rare Italian
that extends from Sea Island Drive all the way to the marsh, barrel-vaulted ceiling from the 17th century. “This home was
providing stunning northwesterly marsh vistas. The expansive lovingly built and curated, and no detail was left unaddressed,
grounds are purpose-built for recreation and feature three pools, proving again that I’m not really in the real estate business. I’m in
a basketball court, a chipping tee and putting green, bocci ball the memory business.” Brown said.
court, shuffleboard, an oversized chess set, a sunken circular To quote Paul Harvey: “Now, you know the rest of the story”.

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