Bespoke Real Estate
The Hamptons retreat where an influencer’s debt-saddled husband took his own life over the summer has sold for $12.8 million following multiple bids, Gimme Shelter has learned.
In late June, real-estate scion Brandon Miller, 44, poisoned himself in the garage of this property while his 43-year-old wife, Candice Miller, and their daughters were vacationing in Italy. Miller died over the July 4 weekend in a Southampton hospital — leaving his widow, the founder of the Mama & Tata lifestyle blog, with his debt of $33.6 million. He also left behind a suicide note, according to reports.
“The home would probably have sold for more but the bank wanted out,” one broker familiar with the deal told Gimme.
News that the home had sold emerged in recent weeks — however, its specific sale price hadn’t been disclosed.
The Water Mill dwelling was on the market for $15.49 million with Bespoke Real Estate.
The south-of-the-highway home — on Cobb Isle Road — was built in 2013 in a traditional Hamptons cedar-shingled style. It features seven bedrooms, five fireplaces, eight bathrooms, two powder rooms and sits on 1.12 acres. The property also features a pool, a pool house and lush landscaping.
While the home was part of a lifestyle that looked lovely on social media, behind the perfectly trimmed hedges lurked a menacing secret of spiraling, out-of-control debt that made the family’s seemingly high-flying and envious life anything but. At the time of his death, Miller had $8,000 in the bank.
“I tried to show it, but a lot of people didn’t want to see it,” said another luxury broker of the home’s relation to Miller’s suicide. “That energy isn’t for everybody.”
The new owner bought the home “as is,” so it was fully furnished — and then announced an auction of its contents. The online auction will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 7. Goods to be auctioned run from a $1 bread pan to $5 cake pans, and a $2,800 white linen sofa.
The auction ends Tuesday at 7 p.m. The objects, art and furniture on auction are like a snapshot of a troubled family psyche, as they also include a collection of mounted dead animal heads — from a $1,125 zebra head mount to a stag skull with antlers.
“There’s a lot of good taste mixed with unsettling animal trophy art that is very kind of cooky, and a little off,” a broker said.
Other objects include an African porcupine quill tribal necklace on a metal stand for $160. All prices are starting bids; buyers pay an 18% premium. Candice has nothing to do with the auction, a spokesperson said.
At 8,674 square feet, the home opened to a double-height great room. The interiors, according to recent listing images, had an airy feel with massive windows, natural light, exposed wood beams and wide-plank oak floors.
There is also an eat-in kitchen and a movie theater.
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or are experiencing a mental health crisis and live in New York City, you can call 1-888-NYC-WELL for free and confidential crisis counseling. If you live outside the five boroughs, you can dial the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention hotline at 988 or go to SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.