Bells and Whistles
We remember the estate when Dr. Bell was still alive in the 1970s, with its power station, firehouse, water tower, deep-water dock and chair lift down the cliff. The main house—a grand Georgian mansion—was destroyed in a fire in 1991. By then, however, the original property had already been divided into expensive building lots
Architecture: Rambling, shingle-style, nodding, we’d like to think, to the ghost of the lost mansion.
Site: Two acres on a high bluff in Amagansett, overlooking Gardiner’s Bay, Cartwright Shoals, Promised Land and Montauk Point.
The inside word: The vista is beautiful, relatively unspoiled, and if you know your local history, dotted with interesting sites. While the house is quite luxurious, we think the location will be the deciding factor for a buyer with $3,495,000 to spend.
Fancy Dress
Houses reveal themselves in different ways. Some require that you make the discoveries. Others, like a good host, appear to make a welcoming and friendly effort. We found this new listing summoning our attention.
Architecture: A house composed of fairly straightforward gabled elements, but dressed up and ready to strut its stuff with patterned shingles, ornamental trim, and a blend of windows shapes and mullions.
Site: Pauls Lane in Bridgehampton. The 1.4 acres feels more expansive because it overlooks a horse farm.
The inside word: Large rooms with masses of rich European-inspired detailing and plenty of amenities add up to the kind of real estate package now almost constitutionally guaranteed to the young, affluent crowd, at least those ready to indulge with $3,850,000.
Anything Goes
If there is a geographical place where you can toss out the formal rules, it is probably in certain beach locations. There is no real neighborhood to speak of, where you must respect a streetscape, and the sense that it is a retreat rather than a real home allows fantasy a greater role.
Architecture: A neo-Victorian romp, combining elements of diverse styles and periods without restraint and without regard for authenticity of any sort. Just as you change your clothes and activities for the weekend, you can change your surroundings to something decidedly less serious.
Site: This three-acre property, located in East Quogue, is composed of one oceanfront lot and one bayfront lot.
The inside word: You’re either going to think this house is capable of serious retinal damage—or that it is a lark, a whimsical, madcap beach house. Take your choice. We’d love to catch sight of these assorted components from a boat on the water, come sailing in and have a light-hearted afternoon with lots of Cosmopolitans. Offered at $3,900,000.
Sound House, Safe Buy
It’s always interesting for us to review listings that are unusual or somehow on the fringe.
But quite often our less remarkable real estate can be the best investment. By appealing to the broad market in taste and location, even on a rarified price level, a property generally maintains the highest value.
Architecture: Built in 1990, this is one of the first examples of a popularized version of English country and American shingle-style that is now so prevalent in new construction in the Hamptons. And unlike some of the later, massive homes of this genre, it demonstrates a fine and sure hand at work.
Site: Further Lane in East Hampton, hidden deeply away on a gated 1 ½ acre flag lot. You can’t get further in on Further Lane.
The inside word: At 4,000 square feet, this house may be considered modest on some standards. But it is sold gold real estate: an excellent location, a sound house with a fashionable and very appealing look, and skillfully manicured grounds. It’s a pretty safe bet, even at $3,995,000.