A head turner—and worth looking in every direction
We like properties that transport us to other times, other places. And we especially like the ones that suggest Gothic novels, captivating manners, baroque diversions, English country weekends or the setting of a Merchant Ivory film.
Architecture: The original Victorian house is enchanting. While it might not have been architecturally outstanding in its day, its authenticity makes it special in our day. A sense of quirkiness, and some careful restoration keep the balance. The newer, waterside guesthouse is large and comfortable, even if it lacks the eccentric charm of the main house.
Site: Get me the gold stars. Five acres with 535 feet of bulkheaded waterfront, 130 foot deepwater dock, mature specimen trees, fruit orchard, 50 foot pool and poolhouse, Japanese garden with steams and a pagoda, and superb views of the harbor and bay.
The inside word: This property resonates with history. Built in the small prestigious enclave of Dering Harbor Village in 1895 for A&P heiress, Rachel Carpenter, it evokes the courtly patrician comforts of the wealthy classes of that era. For $9,300,000 the wealthy of our era can continue the tradition.
Calling all 90’s-style spenders
Maybe some people are tightening their belts and thinking about the new economy. But some spec builders in the Hamptons are still flying high and betting there are enough 90s style spenders with extravagant tastes and big wallets.
Architecture: Lots cedar shingles, lots of French doors, Dutch gambrel roofs and massive brick chimneys—yes, this neo-shingle style might be predictable now, but it is a formula that works awfully well in the marketplace.
Site: Deep in the estate area of South Main Street in Southampton, with lawn, pool, spa and cabana. Just an acre but well utilized.
The inside word: The kind of excess we used to know and love: 6 bedrooms, 9 baths, great room, living room, library, gym, sauna, wine cellar and all that. The old economy price of $6.9 million may seem high, but we have to admit that no amenity has been overlooked and you’ll save a few bucks on gym membership.
The gem of Quantuck Creek
It should be a warning to buyers when brokers describe a house as a jewel. It could mean a treasure, a showpiece, a sparkler of a house, or more likely it could be jargon for small but clean. Ever skeptical, we decided to review the listing of a converted barn in Quogue, described in the agency literature as “a jewel of a house.”
Architecture: While the original barn structure does not appear particularly old, nor does it display impressive antique timber, the shape, proportions and sense of place add up to a pleasant experience, a nice place to visit, an even nicer place to live.
Site: A fine two acres in Quogue Village, facing Quantuck Creek. It’s not open water but, like the house itself, the proportions are just right: a bit of wetland, a band of water, and a lot of sky. A composition as pretty as any landscape painting you’ve seen in a while.
The inside word: We like the gentle harmony and scale, the romantic simplicity of this place. Razzle-dazzle sunset views provide a fine contrast to the understated sensibility at work here. The price—$3.9 million—is not so understated either.